NIH Awards $150M to University of Chicago for Medical Imaging Research
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $15,043,942 ($15.0M)
Contractor: University of Chicago
Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services
Start Date: 2022-12-01
End Date: 2026-08-20
Contract Duration: 1,358 days
Daily Burn Rate: $11.1K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: MEDICAL IMAGING AND DATA RESOURCE CENTER (MIDRC) YEAR 3
Place of Performance
Location: CHICAGO, COOK County, ILLINOIS, 60637
State: Illinois Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Health and Human Services obligated $15.0 million to UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO for work described as: MEDICAL IMAGING AND DATA RESOURCE CENTER (MIDRC) YEAR 3 Key points: 1. Significant investment in medical imaging and data resources. 2. Sole-source award raises questions about competition and price discovery. 3. Focus on R&D in physical, engineering, and life sciences. 4. Long-term contract duration (over 3 years) suggests ongoing project needs.
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
The award is a Cost No Fee contract, meaning the government reimburses costs but does not pay a fee. This structure is common for research grants but makes direct pricing comparisons difficult without detailed cost breakdowns.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
The contract was not competed, indicating a sole-source award. This limits price discovery and may not ensure the best value for taxpayer dollars.
Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition could lead to higher costs than a competed contract, impacting the efficient use of taxpayer funds for critical research.
Public Impact
Advancing medical imaging technology and data accessibility. Potential for breakthroughs in disease diagnosis and treatment. Supports critical research infrastructure for the nation.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of competition
- Cost-reimbursement contract type
- Sole-source award
Positive Signals
- Supports critical R&D
- Long-term project duration
- Focus on medical advancements
Sector Analysis
This award falls under Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. Federal spending in this sector is substantial, with a focus on innovation and scientific advancement. Benchmarks vary widely based on the specific research area.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate any specific provisions or analysis related to small business participation in this contract. As a sole-source award to a large institution, small business involvement is unlikely unless subcontracted.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight will be managed by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) within the Department of Health and Human Services. The Cost No Fee structure requires careful monitoring of expenditures to ensure funds are used appropriately for research objectives.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
- Department of Health and Human Services Contracting
- National Institutes of Health Programs
Risk Flags
- Lack of competitive bidding
- Potential for cost inefficiencies
- Sole-source award limits market price discovery
- Contract type may not incentivize cost savings
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-health-and-human-services, il, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Health and Human Services awarded $15.0 million to UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO. MEDICAL IMAGING AND DATA RESOURCE CENTER (MIDRC) YEAR 3
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Health and Human Services (National Institutes of Health).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $15.0 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2022-12-01. End: 2026-08-20.
What is the justification for the sole-source award, and how was the value determined without competition?
The justification for a sole-source award typically involves unique capabilities, specialized knowledge, or urgent needs that only a specific entity can fulfill. Without a competitive bidding process, the government relies on negotiation and cost analysis to determine fair value. For research grants, this often involves reviewing the proposer's budget and ensuring it aligns with the project scope and institutional resources.
What are the potential risks associated with a Cost No Fee contract for a long-term research project?
A Cost No Fee contract, while common for research, carries risks such as potential cost overruns if not managed tightly, as the government bears the direct costs. For long-term projects, ensuring continued alignment with research goals and effective resource allocation is crucial. The absence of a fee can sometimes disincentivize contractors from seeking efficiencies, though the primary driver here is research advancement.
How will the effectiveness of the medical imaging research be measured and ensured?
Effectiveness will likely be measured through milestones, deliverables, and scientific outcomes outlined in the grant proposal and subsequent progress reports. NIH program officers will provide oversight, reviewing research progress against established objectives. Peer review processes and publication of findings will also serve as indicators of research effectiveness and impact.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › N – Health R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED
Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 5801 S ELLIS AVE, CHICAGO, IL, 60637
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Tax Exempt, Educational Institution, Higher Education, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Higher Education (Private), Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $15,043,942
Exercised Options: $15,043,942
Current Obligation: $15,043,942
Actual Outlays: $13,342,358
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 75N92020D00021
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2022-12-01
Current End Date: 2026-08-20
Potential End Date: 2026-08-20 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-12-01
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