NIH Awards $5.38M for Atherosclerosis Research to University of Washington

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $5,382,898 ($5.4M)

Contractor: University of Washington

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2025-04-12

End Date: 2026-12-18

Contract Duration: 615 days

Daily Burn Rate: $8.8K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: MULTI-ETHNIC STUDY OF ATHEROSCLEROSIS (MESA) - TASK AREA A

Place of Performance

Location: SEATTLE, KING County, WASHINGTON, 98195

State: Washington Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $5.4 million to UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON for work described as: MULTI-ETHNIC STUDY OF ATHEROSCLEROSIS (MESA) - TASK AREA A Key points: 1. Significant funding for a critical health research area. 2. University of Washington is a strong contender in biomedical research. 3. Potential for groundbreaking discoveries in cardiovascular health. 4. Focus on physical, engineering, and life sciences research.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract is a delivery order with a cost-no-fee structure, indicating the government is primarily concerned with the research outcome rather than profit margins. The award amount seems reasonable for a multi-year research project of this scope.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a robust price discovery process. This method typically leads to more competitive pricing as multiple qualified vendors can bid.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for vital medical research, potentially leading to long-term public health benefits and cost savings in healthcare.

Public Impact

Advancement of understanding in cardiovascular disease, a leading cause of death. Potential for new diagnostic or therapeutic strategies for atherosclerosis. Contribution to the scientific knowledge base in life sciences research.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Positive Signals

Supports critical public health research.
Awarded through full and open competition.
Long-term project duration allows for in-depth study.

Sector Analysis

This award falls under the Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences category. Spending in this sector is crucial for innovation and addressing societal challenges, with NIH being a major funder of biomedical research.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate any specific set-aside for small businesses. The primary awardee is a large research institution, suggesting limited direct opportunities for small businesses unless they are subcontractors.

Oversight & Accountability

NIH is responsible for overseeing this research grant. The cost-no-fee structure implies a focus on research progress and adherence to scientific protocols, with financial oversight likely tied to milestones.

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

Research scope may evolve over the project duration.
Participant retention could be a challenge for long-term studies.
Potential for findings to be superseded by newer research.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $5.4 million to UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON. MULTI-ETHNIC STUDY OF ATHEROSCLEROSIS (MESA) - TASK AREA A

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON.

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 $5.4 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-04-12. End: 2026-12-18.

What is the specific research methodology and expected outcomes for this atherosclerosis study?

The specific research methodology and expected outcomes are not detailed in the provided data. However, given the Task Area A designation and the focus on atherosclerosis, it likely involves observational studies, data analysis, and potentially biomarker identification to understand disease progression and risk factors.

Are there any potential risks associated with the long duration of this research project?

The long duration (over 1.5 years) presents risks such as potential shifts in research priorities, challenges in participant retention, and the possibility of scientific findings becoming outdated before project completion. Effective project management and adaptive strategies are crucial to mitigate these risks.

How will the effectiveness of the research be measured and reported?

Effectiveness will likely be measured by the scientific rigor of the research, the quality of data collected, and the publication of findings in peer-reviewed journals. NIH will monitor progress through regular reports and potentially site visits, assessing the contribution to the understanding of atherosclerosis.

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: 75N92023R0220

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 4333 BROOKLYN AVE NE, SEATTLE, WA, 98195

Business Categories: Category Business, Educational Institution, Government, Higher Education, U.S. Local Government, U.S. National Government, Not Designated a Small Business, Higher Education (Public)

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $34,671,213

Exercised Options: $5,382,898

Current Obligation: $5,382,898

Actual Outlays: $1,473,885

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 75N92025D00022

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline