NIH Awards Duke University $66.5M for Innovative Influenza Vaccine Research
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $66,543,612 ($66.5M)
Contractor: Duke University
Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services
Start Date: 2019-09-10
End Date: 2026-09-09
Contract Duration: 2,556 days
Daily Burn Rate: $26.0K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 9
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: THIS CONTRACT WILL SUPPORT COMPONENT A OF THE COLLABORATIVE INFLUENZA VACCINE INNOVATION CENTERS (CIVICS) PROGRAM TO DESIGN AND EVALUATE INNOVATIVE INFLUENZA VACCINE APPROACHES, BASED ON PRINCIPLES OF INFLUENZA IMMUNITY, THAT ACHIEVE DURABLE, ROBUST
Place of Performance
Location: DURHAM, DURHAM County, NORTH CAROLINA, 27705
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Health and Human Services obligated $66.5 million to DUKE UNIVERSITY for work described as: THIS CONTRACT WILL SUPPORT COMPONENT A OF THE COLLABORATIVE INFLUENZA VACCINE INNOVATION CENTERS (CIVICS) PROGRAM TO DESIGN AND EVALUATE INNOVATIVE INFLUENZA VACCINE APPROACHES, BASED ON PRINCIPLES OF INFLUENZA IMMUNITY, THAT ACHIEVE DURABLE, ROBUST Key points: 1. Significant investment in advanced vaccine technology development. 2. Focus on durable and robust influenza immunity. 3. Potential for long-term public health benefits. 4. Research and Development sector with high innovation potential.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $66.5M over approximately 7 years appears reasonable for advanced R&D in vaccine innovation. Benchmarking against similar large-scale biomedical research grants suggests this is within a typical range for complex, multi-year projects.
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 identify the most capable research institution.
Taxpayer Impact: The investment aims to improve public health by developing better influenza vaccines, potentially reducing healthcare costs and disease burden in the long run.
Public Impact
Advancement of influenza vaccine technology. Potential for more effective and longer-lasting flu protection. Contribution to national biosecurity and public health preparedness. Support for cutting-edge scientific research in North Carolina.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Long project duration may lead to scope creep.
- Research outcomes are inherently uncertain.
- Potential for reliance on specific scientific expertise.
Positive Signals
- Addresses a critical public health need.
- Utilizes a competitive award process.
- Supports innovative scientific approaches.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on life sciences. Spending in this area is crucial for scientific advancement and addressing societal challenges like public health.
Small Business Impact
This contract was awarded to Duke University, a large research institution. There is no explicit indication of small business participation in the provided data, suggesting the primary awardee is not an SMB.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract is managed by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), a key agency for biomedical research oversight. The definitive contract type allows for flexibility but requires diligent monitoring of progress and costs.
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-term project duration.
- Uncertainty inherent in R&D.
- Potential for evolving scientific landscape.
- Dependence on specific research expertise.
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 $66.5 million to DUKE UNIVERSITY. THIS CONTRACT WILL SUPPORT COMPONENT A OF THE COLLABORATIVE INFLUENZA VACCINE INNOVATION CENTERS (CIVICS) PROGRAM TO DESIGN AND EVALUATE INNOVATIVE INFLUENZA VACCINE APPROACHES, BASED ON PRINCIPLES OF INFLUENZA IMMUNITY, THAT ACHIEVE DURABLE, ROBUST
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 $66.5 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2019-09-10. End: 2026-09-09.
What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for measuring the success of the CIVICS program's vaccine design and evaluation?
Success will likely be measured by the successful design and preclinical evaluation of novel vaccine candidates demonstrating enhanced immunogenicity and durability compared to existing vaccines. Milestones may include specific immunological readouts in animal models, identification of key antigen targets, and demonstration of broad-spectrum protection against diverse influenza strains. The program's ability to meet these scientific benchmarks will be critical.
What are the primary risks associated with the long-term research and development of novel vaccine technologies?
Key risks include scientific failure, where research does not yield viable vaccine candidates. There's also the risk of technological obsolescence if newer, more effective approaches emerge during the project's long duration. Furthermore, regulatory hurdles for novel vaccine approval can be significant and unpredictable, potentially delaying or preventing market entry even if the science is sound.
How will the effectiveness of the innovative vaccine approaches be validated beyond initial research phases?
Effectiveness validation will likely involve rigorous preclinical testing in relevant animal models to assess immunogenicity, durability, and protective efficacy against challenge viruses. Depending on the vaccine platform, further stages could include human clinical trials (Phase I, II, III) to confirm safety and efficacy in target populations. The ultimate measure of effectiveness will be demonstrated public health impact.
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: HHSNIHNIAIDBAA2018
Offers Received: 9
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), Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $115,008,948
Exercised Options: $66,543,612
Current Obligation: $66,543,612
Actual Outlays: $44,224,520
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 12
Total Subaward Amount: $6,648,598
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2019-09-10
Current End Date: 2026-09-09
Potential End Date: 2026-09-09 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-07-01
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