NIH awards $6.8M for CARDIA Study Coordinating Center, extending research through June 2026

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $6,837,690 ($6.8M)

Contractor: University of Alabama AT Birmingham

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2023-07-01

End Date: 2026-06-30

Contract Duration: 1,095 days

Daily Burn Rate: $6.2K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: CORONARY ARTERY RISK DEVELOPMENT IN YOUNG ADULTS (CARDIA) STUDY - COORDINATING CENTER (CC)

Place of Performance

Location: BIRMINGHAM, JEFFERSON County, ALABAMA, 35294

State: Alabama Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $6.8 million to UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM for work described as: CORONARY ARTERY RISK DEVELOPMENT IN YOUNG ADULTS (CARDIA) STUDY - COORDINATING CENTER (CC) Key points: 1. Contract supports a long-term epidemiological study on cardiovascular risk factors in young adults. 2. The award represents a continuation of established research, suggesting stable performance. 3. Value-for-money assessment is pending further analysis of study outcomes and cost-effectiveness. 4. Full and open competition indicates a potentially competitive bidding process. 5. The primary risk appears to be the inherent uncertainties of long-term scientific research. 6. This contract positions NIH as a key funder of cardiovascular health research.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $6.8 million over approximately three years for a coordinating center for a major epidemiological study appears reasonable. Benchmarking against similar large-scale, multi-year research coordination contracts is necessary for a definitive value assessment. However, given the duration and scope of the CARDIA study, the allocated funds seem appropriate for managing data collection, analysis, and dissemination.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting that multiple qualified bidders had the opportunity to submit proposals. This process is designed to foster price discovery and ensure the government receives competitive offers. The number of bidders is not specified, but the open competition is a positive indicator for achieving fair market pricing.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from a competitive process that aims to secure the best value for public funds, ensuring that research grants are awarded efficiently and effectively.

Public Impact

Benefits researchers and public health officials by providing critical data on cardiovascular disease. Services delivered include study coordination, data management, and analysis for the CARDIA study. Geographic impact is national, as the CARDIA study involves participants across the United States. Workforce implications include support for researchers, data managers, and administrative staff involved in the study.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep in long-term research projects.
Reliance on continued funding for multi-year research endeavors.
Challenges in maintaining participant engagement over extended study periods.

Positive Signals

Established track record of the CARDIA study itself.
Award to a known academic institution (University of Alabama at Birmingham).
Continuation of a well-defined research protocol.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on life sciences. The market for coordinating centers for large epidemiological studies is specialized, often involving academic institutions with proven research infrastructure and expertise. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve other large-scale NIH-funded cohort studies, which typically require significant, multi-year funding commitments.

Small Business Impact

The contract does not indicate any specific small business set-aside provisions. As a research and development contract awarded to a university, the primary focus is on scientific merit and research capability rather than small business subcontracting goals. However, the prime contractor may engage small businesses for specific support services as needed.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight is primarily managed by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), which monitors the progress and financial expenditures of the grant. Accountability measures are embedded in the research protocol and reporting requirements. Transparency is maintained through public dissemination of study findings. The Inspector General's office of HHS would have jurisdiction over potential fraud or mismanagement.

Related Government Programs

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) programs
Epidemiological Research Grants
Longitudinal Cohort Studies
Cardiovascular Disease Prevention Research

Risk Flags

Long-term project funding dependency
Participant attrition risk
Potential for scientific obsolescence
Data integrity over extended periods

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $6.8 million to UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM. CORONARY ARTERY RISK DEVELOPMENT IN YOUNG ADULTS (CARDIA) STUDY - COORDINATING CENTER (CC)

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM.

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 $6.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-07-01. End: 2026-06-30.

What is the historical spending trend for the CARDIA study coordinating center?

Historical spending data for the CARDIA study coordinating center would reveal the total investment over the study's lifespan. While the current award is $6.8 million, understanding previous funding levels is crucial for assessing the long-term financial commitment and identifying any significant fluctuations. This context helps in evaluating the sustainability of the research and the efficiency of resource allocation over time. Without specific historical figures, it's difficult to ascertain if the current award represents an increase, decrease, or stable funding compared to prior periods, which could indicate changes in study scope, inflation adjustments, or shifts in research priorities.

How does the cost per participant compare to similar longitudinal studies?

Determining the cost per participant requires knowing the total number of active participants in the CARDIA study and dividing the total contract value by this number. Benchmarking this figure against similar large-scale, multi-year epidemiological studies funded by NIH or other agencies would provide insight into the cost-effectiveness of the CARDIA study. If the cost per participant is significantly higher than comparable studies, it might indicate inefficiencies in coordination, data management, or participant retention strategies. Conversely, a lower cost per participant could suggest efficient operations or a more streamlined research design.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for the CARDIA study coordinating center?

Key performance indicators for the CARDIA study coordinating center would likely include metrics related to data completeness and accuracy, timeliness of data submission and analysis, participant retention rates, adherence to study protocols, and the successful dissemination of research findings through publications and presentations. The NIH would establish these KPIs to ensure the study progresses as planned and generates reliable scientific data. Monitoring these indicators allows for early identification of potential issues and facilitates corrective actions to maintain the study's integrity and scientific validity.

What is the track record of the University of Alabama at Birmingham in managing large federal research grants?

The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) has a well-established track record in managing large federal research grants, particularly from agencies like the NIH. As the coordinating center for the CARDIA study, UAB has demonstrated its capacity to handle complex, multi-year research projects involving significant data management and participant coordination. Their experience in this specific study, which has been ongoing for decades, suggests a high level of competence in scientific research administration, financial oversight, and adherence to federal regulations. This history provides confidence in their ability to effectively manage the current award.

What are the potential risks associated with the long-term nature of the CARDIA study?

The long-term nature of the CARDIA study presents several potential risks. These include participant attrition, where individuals may drop out over time, potentially biasing the study results. Changes in participant lifestyles or environmental factors over decades can also introduce confounding variables. Furthermore, the study relies on sustained funding, and any reduction or cessation of federal support could jeopardize its completion. Scientific relevance can also diminish if the research questions are no longer considered cutting-edge or if new methodologies emerge that render the current approach less optimal. Maintaining data integrity and participant engagement over such extended periods requires continuous effort and adaptation.

How does this contract contribute to the broader NIH mission in cardiovascular health research?

This contract directly supports the NIH's mission to seek fundamental knowledge about the nature and behavior of living systems and the application of that knowledge to extend healthy life and lessen the burden of illness and disability. Specifically, it aligns with the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute's (NHLBI) strategic goals for understanding, preventing, and treating cardiovascular diseases. The CARDIA study provides invaluable longitudinal data on the development of cardiovascular risk factors from young adulthood, informing public health strategies and clinical interventions aimed at reducing the prevalence of heart disease across the lifespan.

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: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: 75N92022R0092

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 701 S 20TH ST, BIRMINGHAM, AL, 35294

Business Categories: Category Business, Educational Institution, Higher Education, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Higher Education (Public), Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $21,508,390

Exercised Options: $6,837,690

Current Obligation: $6,837,690

Actual Outlays: $4,856,647

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 13

Total Subaward Amount: $1,639,902

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 75N92023D00002

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline