NIH awards $3.3M for core study operations of Hispanic Community Health Study, spanning two years

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $3,317,452 ($3.3M)

Contractor: University of Miami

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2024-11-30

End Date: 2026-11-29

Contract Duration: 729 days

Daily Burn Rate: $4.6K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: HISPANIC COMMUNITY HEALTH STUDY - STUDY OF LATINOS (HCHS-SOL) MIAMI FIELD CENTER - TASK AREA A - CORE STUDY OPERATIONS

Place of Performance

Location: CORAL GABLES, MIAMI-DADE County, FLORIDA, 33146

State: Florida Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $3.3 million to UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI for work described as: HISPANIC COMMUNITY HEALTH STUDY - STUDY OF LATINOS (HCHS-SOL) MIAMI FIELD CENTER - TASK AREA A - CORE STUDY OPERATIONS Key points: 1. Contract focuses on essential operational support for a significant health study. 2. Competition was full and open, suggesting a potentially competitive bidding process. 3. The contract duration of two years provides a stable period for study continuity. 4. Research and Development in Life Sciences is the primary sector for this award. 5. The award is a delivery order under a larger contract vehicle. 6. No small business set-aside was utilized for this specific award.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $3.3 million over two years for core study operations appears reasonable given the scope of a large-scale health study. Benchmarking against similar NIH-funded research operations contracts would provide a clearer picture of value for money. The 'COST NO FEE' contract type suggests that the government is reimbursing the contractor for allowable costs, which can sometimes lead to less price sensitivity compared to fixed-price contracts. However, without detailed cost breakdowns or comparisons to other field center operations, a definitive value assessment is challenging.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit a bid. The number of bidders is not specified, but this method of procurement generally fosters a competitive environment, which can lead to better pricing and innovation. The open competition suggests that the agency sought the best value from a wide range of potential contractors.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from the potential for cost savings and improved service quality that can arise from a competitive bidding process. Full and open competition increases the likelihood that the government is obtaining services at a fair market price.

Public Impact

The Hispanic Community Health Study - Study of Latinos (HCHS-SOL) benefits from sustained operational support. Core study operations, including data collection and management, are facilitated. The geographic impact is centered around the Miami Field Center in Florida. The project supports research personnel and potentially local employment in the Miami area. The study aims to improve understanding of health issues within the Hispanic community.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of specific performance metrics or outcome-based measures in the provided data.
The 'COST NO FEE' contract type may offer less incentive for cost control compared to fixed-price awards.
Limited insight into the specific deliverables and quality standards expected for 'core study operations'.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a robust selection process.
The contract duration of two years provides stability for critical research operations.
The award supports a significant public health research initiative.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences sector, specifically focusing on life sciences research. The market for health research operations is substantial, with significant federal investment. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve looking at other large-scale epidemiological studies funded by agencies like NIH, CDC, or NSF, particularly those involving multi-year field operations and data management. The University of Miami's role as a field center highlights the importance of academic institutions in conducting vital public health research.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not awarded as a small business set-aside, nor is there an indication of specific subcontracting goals for small businesses in the provided data. The primary contractor, the University of Miami, is an academic institution. The absence of set-asides suggests that the scope of work was not deemed suitable for small business participation or that larger entities were better positioned to meet the requirements. Further analysis would be needed to determine if subcontracting opportunities exist within the larger contract.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily reside with the National Institutes of Health (NIH), a division of the Department of Health and Human Services. The 'COST NO FEE' contract type necessitates close monitoring of allowable costs and adherence to the contract's terms and conditions. Accountability measures would be embedded in the contract's reporting requirements and performance expectations. Transparency is generally facilitated through federal contract databases, though specific operational details may be proprietary.

Related Government Programs

Hispanic Community Health Study - Study of Latinos (HCHS-SOL)
National Institutes of Health Research Grants
Epidemiological Research Contracts
Health Disparities Research

Risk Flags

Cost Reimbursement Contract Type
Potential for Cost Overruns
Participant Retention Risk
Data Integrity and Quality Assurance

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $3.3 million to UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI. HISPANIC COMMUNITY HEALTH STUDY - STUDY OF LATINOS (HCHS-SOL) MIAMI FIELD CENTER - TASK AREA A - CORE STUDY OPERATIONS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI.

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 $3.3 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-11-30. End: 2026-11-29.

What is the University of Miami's track record with similar NIH research support contracts?

The University of Miami, as a large research institution, likely has a history of managing and executing contracts for federally funded research projects, including those from the NIH. To assess their track record specifically for 'core study operations' similar to the HCHS-SOL, one would need to examine their past performance on contracts with comparable scope, duration, and funding levels. This would involve reviewing contract databases for awards to the University of Miami under NAICS code 541715 (Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences) and related codes, looking for indicators of successful completion, timely delivery, and adherence to budget. Information on past performance, including any awards or penalties, would be crucial for a comprehensive evaluation.

How does the $3.3 million cost compare to similar health study field operations contracts?

Benchmarking the $3.3 million cost against similar contracts requires identifying comparable awards. This would involve searching federal procurement databases for contracts supporting large-scale, multi-year epidemiological studies or health research field operations, particularly those funded by NIH or similar agencies. Key comparison points would include the contract's duration (729 days/2 years), the scope of 'core study operations' (data collection, participant management, site coordination), and the geographic focus. Without access to detailed cost breakdowns or specific comparable contract data, it's difficult to definitively state whether this represents excellent, good, or fair value. However, for a two-year operational phase of a significant study, the amount appears within a plausible range for a research institution.

What are the primary risks associated with the 'core study operations' for the HCHS-SOL Miami Field Center?

Key risks for 'core study operations' in a study like HCHS-SOL include participant recruitment and retention challenges, data quality and integrity issues, potential for operational cost overruns (especially with 'COST NO FEE' contracts), delays in data collection or processing, and the need for skilled personnel. Ensuring consistent adherence to study protocols across the field center is also critical. Furthermore, external factors such as public health emergencies or changes in regulatory requirements could impact operations. The University of Miami, as the contractor, would need robust project management and quality assurance systems to mitigate these risks effectively.

How effective is the 'full and open competition' procurement method in ensuring value for this type of R&D contract?

Full and open competition is generally considered the most effective method for ensuring value in federal contracting, including for R&D services. It maximizes the pool of potential offerors, fostering a competitive environment that can drive down prices and encourage innovation. For a contract supporting 'core study operations,' this method allows the agency to solicit proposals from a wide range of research institutions and organizations capable of managing complex field operations. The effectiveness is contingent on the clarity of the solicitation, the evaluation criteria used, and the number and quality of proposals received. While it increases the likelihood of fair pricing, the technical merit and past performance of the bidders are equally crucial for ensuring the overall success and value of the contract.

What is the historical spending pattern for HCHS-SOL or similar large-scale Hispanic health studies?

Analyzing historical spending for the HCHS-SOL or comparable studies is essential for context. This would involve examining prior contract awards related to the HCHS-SOL project across its various phases and field centers, as well as looking at funding for other large cohort studies focused on Hispanic health or specific health disparities. Understanding the total lifecycle cost, the distribution of funds across different research components (e.g., data collection, analysis, participant stipends), and year-over-year spending trends provides insight into the program's financial trajectory. Significant fluctuations or consistent increases/decreases in spending could indicate changes in study scope, research priorities, or funding availability.

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: 75N92023R0192

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1320 SOUTH DIXIE HIGHWAY STE 650, CORAL GABLES, FL, 33146

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Tax Exempt, Educational Institution, Higher Education, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Higher Education (Private)

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $13,448,991

Exercised Options: $3,317,452

Current Obligation: $3,317,452

Actual Outlays: $1,847,754

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 75N92025D00009

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline