NIH awards $13.7M to Boston University for Framingham Heart Study core operations through 2027
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $13,694,236 ($13.7M)
Contractor: Trustees of Boston University
Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services
Start Date: 2025-02-14
End Date: 2027-02-13
Contract Duration: 729 days
Daily Burn Rate: $18.8K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: FRAMINGHAM HEART STUDY (FHS), TASK AREA A - CORE STUDY OPERATIONS
Place of Performance
Location: BETHESDA, MONTGOMERY County, MARYLAND, 20892
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Health and Human Services obligated $13.7 million to TRUSTEES OF BOSTON UNIVERSITY for work described as: FRAMINGHAM HEART STUDY (FHS), TASK AREA A - CORE STUDY OPERATIONS Key points: 1. Significant federal investment in long-term cardiovascular research. 2. Sole-source award to a single academic institution raises questions about competition. 3. Potential for high impact on public health understanding and policy. 4. Research and Development sector, specifically life sciences, is a key area of federal spending.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract is a Cost No Fee type, indicating that the contractor will not receive a fee beyond reimbursement for allowable costs. This is common in research settings but makes direct price comparison difficult.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was not competed, indicating a sole-source award. Without competition, it's difficult to assess if the pricing represents the best value or if alternative solutions were considered.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers are funding critical, long-term health research, but the lack of competition may mean a higher cost than if multiple vendors had bid.
Public Impact
Supports the continuation of the Framingham Heart Study, a vital source of data on cardiovascular disease. Ensures ongoing research into the causes, prevention, and treatment of heart disease. Impacts public health policy and clinical guidelines based on study findings. Provides stable funding for a long-running, influential research project.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of competition for a significant award.
- Potential for cost inefficiencies due to sole-source nature.
Positive Signals
- Supports critical, long-term public health research.
- Award to a reputable academic institution with a history in the study.
Sector Analysis
This award falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on life sciences. Federal spending in this area is crucial for scientific advancement and public health outcomes, with benchmarks varying widely based on research scope and duration.
Small Business Impact
This contract was awarded to the Trustees of Boston University, a large academic institution. There is no indication of subcontracting opportunities for small businesses in the provided data.
Oversight & Accountability
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is responsible for overseeing this contract. 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
- Sole-source award lacks competitive pricing.
- Potential for cost creep without competitive pressure.
- Limited transparency on specific research deliverables and milestones.
- Reliance on a single entity for critical, long-term research.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-health-and-human-services, md, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Health and Human Services awarded $13.7 million to TRUSTEES OF BOSTON UNIVERSITY. FRAMINGHAM HEART STUDY (FHS), TASK AREA A - CORE STUDY OPERATIONS
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is TRUSTEES OF BOSTON UNIVERSITY.
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 $13.7 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2025-02-14. End: 2027-02-13.
What is the historical cost performance of the Framingham Heart Study's core operations under previous contracts with Boston University?
Analyzing historical cost data from prior contracts would provide a baseline for evaluating the current award's value. Understanding cost trends, budget adherence, and any cost overruns or savings in previous phases is essential for assessing the reasonableness of the current $13.7 million award over its 729-day duration.
What justification exists for awarding this contract sole-source, given the potential for competitive bidding in research operations?
The justification for a sole-source award typically centers on unique capabilities, specialized knowledge, or the need for continuity with an ongoing project. For the Framingham Heart Study, Boston University's long-standing involvement and established infrastructure may be cited as reasons, but a formal justification should detail why no other entity could fulfill the requirements competitively.
How will the effectiveness of the research funded by this contract be measured and reported to ensure taxpayer value?
Effectiveness will likely be measured through scientific publications, conference presentations, and the generation of data that informs public health policy and clinical practice. The NIH will monitor progress through regular reporting requirements, peer review of research findings, and the overall contribution of the study to the understanding of cardiovascular disease.
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: 1 SILBER WAY, BOSTON, MA, 02215
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: $39,702,621
Exercised Options: $13,694,236
Current Obligation: $13,694,236
Actual Outlays: $6,016,027
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 1
Total Subaward Amount: $76,314
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 75N92025D00012
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2025-02-14
Current End Date: 2027-02-13
Potential End Date: 2031-02-13 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-01-29
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