NIH Awards Duke University $24.2M for Virology Quality Assurance Research
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $24,224,835 ($24.2M)
Contractor: Duke University
Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services
Start Date: 2019-06-21
End Date: 2026-06-20
Contract Duration: 2,556 days
Daily Burn Rate: $9.5K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF NIAID VIROLOGY QUALITY ASSURANCE (VQA)
Place of Performance
Location: DURHAM, DURHAM County, NORTH CAROLINA, 27701
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Health and Human Services obligated $24.2 million to DUKE UNIVERSITY for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF NIAID VIROLOGY QUALITY ASSURANCE (VQA) Key points: 1. Significant investment in a critical research area. 2. Duke University is a recognized leader in virology research. 3. Potential for long-term impact on public health preparedness. 4. Contract duration suggests a sustained research effort.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The award amount of $24.2M over approximately 7 years appears reasonable for a definitive contract focused on complex research and development. Benchmarking against similar NIH R&D contracts of this scope would provide further context.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating a competitive bidding process. This method is expected to yield fair pricing and access to the best available research capabilities.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being directed towards critical public health research, with the expectation of valuable scientific advancements and improved disease response.
Public Impact
Enhances national capacity to combat viral threats. Supports cutting-edge scientific inquiry in a vital field. Potential for breakthroughs in vaccine development and diagnostics. Strengthens the scientific infrastructure at a leading research institution.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Contract duration may exceed immediate research needs.
- Lack of specific performance metrics in provided data.
Positive Signals
- Focus on a high-priority public health area.
- Award to a reputable research institution.
- Competitive award process.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. Spending in this sector is crucial for innovation and addressing national challenges, with NIH being a primary funder of such research.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate any specific provisions or participation by small businesses in this contract. Further review would be needed to determine if small business concerns were considered or involved.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight would typically be managed by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) program officials and contracting officers to ensure adherence to research objectives and financial accountability.
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
- Long contract duration
- Potential for scope creep
- Reliance on single institution for extended research
- Unclear performance metrics from provided data
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-health-and-human-services, nc, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Health and Human Services awarded $24.2 million to DUKE UNIVERSITY. IGF::OT::IGF NIAID VIROLOGY QUALITY ASSURANCE (VQA)
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is DUKE 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 $24.2 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2019-06-21. End: 2026-06-20.
What specific milestones or deliverables are expected under this contract to measure research progress and value?
The contract likely outlines specific research objectives, experimental protocols, data analysis plans, and reporting requirements. These would serve as milestones to track progress. Deliverables could include research papers, presentations, datasets, and potentially novel methodologies or preliminary findings relevant to virology quality assurance.
What are the primary risks associated with the long duration of this research contract?
Risks include potential shifts in research priorities, scientific obsolescence of initial approaches, and challenges in maintaining consistent project focus over an extended period. There's also a risk of budget fluctuations or changes in funding agency priorities impacting the long-term viability of the research plan.
How will the effectiveness of the research be evaluated beyond the contract period?
Effectiveness will likely be gauged by the scientific impact of published findings, citations in subsequent research, adoption of developed methodologies by other institutions, and contributions to public health initiatives or policy. Long-term impact on disease surveillance and response capabilities will also be a key indicator.
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: NIAIDDAIDSNIHAI20170010
Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 2200 W MAIN ST STE 710, DURHAM, NC, 27708
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: $28,098,861
Exercised Options: $24,224,835
Current Obligation: $24,224,835
Actual Outlays: $16,186,166
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 7
Total Subaward Amount: $1,067,098
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Timeline
Start Date: 2019-06-21
Current End Date: 2026-06-20
Potential End Date: 2026-06-20 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-01-13
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