HHS Awards $13.6M Contract for Adjuvant Development to Children's Hospital Corporation
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $13,579,975 ($13.6M)
Contractor: Children's Hospital Corporation, the
Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services
Start Date: 2018-09-30
End Date: 2025-11-29
Contract Duration: 2,617 days
Daily Burn Rate: $5.2K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 17
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF ADJUVANT DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
Place of Performance
Location: BOSTON, SUFFOLK County, MASSACHUSETTS, 02115
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Health and Human Services obligated $13.6 million to CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL CORPORATION, THE for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF ADJUVANT DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM Key points: 1. The contract focuses on Research and Development in Biotechnology, a critical sector for public health. 2. Full and open competition was utilized, suggesting a robust price discovery process. 3. The award is a definitive contract with a significant duration, indicating a long-term project. 4. The total value of $13.6M is substantial for a single R&D contract in this field.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract type is 'COST NO FEE', which can sometimes lead to less price sensitivity compared to fixed-price contracts. Benchmarking is difficult without more specific cost breakdowns.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
Full and open competition was employed, which is ideal for ensuring fair pricing and access for qualified vendors. This method allows multiple bidders to propose solutions, driving down costs.
Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition aims to maximize taxpayer value by ensuring the government receives the best possible price and solution.
Public Impact
Advancement in biotechnology research can lead to new vaccines and treatments, improving public health outcomes. Funding for R&D is crucial for maintaining a competitive edge in medical innovation. The contract's duration suggests a commitment to a specific research pathway with potential long-term benefits.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost-plus contracts can sometimes lack cost control.
- Long contract durations may present risks if project scope or needs change.
Positive Signals
- Full and open competition utilized.
- Focus on critical R&D area.
- Significant investment in a single project.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under Research and Development in Biotechnology, a sector vital for medical advancements and public health. Spending in this area is often characterized by long-term investments and high potential impact.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate whether small businesses were involved in this contract. Further analysis would be needed to determine small business participation.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract is managed by the Department of Health and Human Services, specifically the National Institutes of Health, which have established oversight mechanisms for research grants and contracts.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in Biotechnology (except Nanobiotechnology)
- Department of Health and Human Services Contracting
- National Institutes of Health Programs
Risk Flags
- Contract type (Cost No Fee) may reduce cost control incentives.
- Long contract duration (over 2 years) increases risk of scope creep or changing needs.
- Lack of specific R&D objectives makes it hard to assess value for money.
- No indication of small business participation.
Tags
research-and-development-in-biotechnolog, department-of-health-and-human-services, ma, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Health and Human Services awarded $13.6 million to CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL CORPORATION, THE. IGF::OT::IGF ADJUVANT DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL CORPORATION, THE.
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 $13.6 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2018-09-30. End: 2025-11-29.
What is the specific research objective of the IGF Adjuvant Development Program?
The specific research objective of the IGF Adjuvant Development Program is not detailed in the provided data. However, given the context of 'Adjuvant Development', it likely pertains to research aimed at enhancing the immune response to vaccines or other therapeutic agents. Adjuvants are substances that can boost the body's immune response, making vaccines more effective or requiring smaller doses.
What are the potential risks associated with a 'COST NO FEE' contract for R&D?
A 'COST NO FEE' contract means the contractor is reimbursed for allowable costs but receives no profit. This can reduce the contractor's incentive to control costs rigorously, as their primary motivation might be completing the research rather than achieving cost efficiency. This structure is often used when the scope of R&D is highly uncertain, but it requires strong government oversight to manage expenditures effectively.
How does this contract contribute to the overall effectiveness of public health initiatives?
This contract contributes to public health effectiveness by funding critical research and development in biotechnology, specifically focusing on adjuvants. Successful development of novel adjuvants can lead to more potent and safer vaccines, potentially eradicating diseases or improving treatment outcomes. This investment supports innovation that can have long-term, widespread benefits for population health.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in Biotechnology (except Nanobiotechnology)
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: HHSNIHNIAIDBAA20171
Offers Received: 17
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 300 LONGWOOD AVE, BOSTON, MA, 02115
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Tax Exempt, Hospital, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $13,579,975
Exercised Options: $13,579,975
Current Obligation: $13,579,975
Actual Outlays: $9,043,589
Contract Characteristics
Multi-Year Contract: Yes
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Timeline
Start Date: 2018-09-30
Current End Date: 2025-11-29
Potential End Date: 2025-11-29 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-09-25
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