NIH Awards $74.6M for Influenza Vaccine Innovation Centers (CIVICS) Program

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $74,568,888 ($74.6M)

Contractor: University of Georgia Research Foundation, Inc.

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: $29.2K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 9

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: 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 AND BROADLY PROTECTIVE IMMU

Place of Performance

Location: ATHENS, CLARKE County, GEORGIA, 30602

State: Georgia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $74.6 million to UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA RESEARCH FOUNDATION, INC. for work described as: 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 AND BROADLY PROTECTIVE IMMU Key points: 1. Focuses on developing innovative, durable, and broadly protective influenza vaccines. 2. Significant investment in R&D for public health preparedness. 3. Potential for long-term impact on influenza prevention and control. 4. Competition method is 'Full and Open', suggesting broad market engagement.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $74.6 million over approximately 7 years appears reasonable for a research and development program of this scope. Benchmarking against similar large-scale biomedical research grants would provide further context.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The 'Full and Open Competition' method indicates that multiple sources were solicited, promoting price discovery and potentially leading to a more competitive outcome. This approach is generally favorable for achieving fair pricing.

Taxpayer Impact: This investment aims to improve public health by developing better vaccines, which could lead to reduced healthcare costs associated with influenza treatment and prevention in the long run.

Public Impact

Development of next-generation influenza vaccines to combat evolving strains. Enhancement of national preparedness against influenza pandemics. Potential for significant public health benefits through improved vaccine efficacy and duration. Supports advanced scientific research in immunology and vaccine technology.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Long-term nature of R&D projects carries inherent uncertainty.
Success is dependent on scientific breakthroughs and efficacy validation.

Positive Signals

Addresses a critical public health need.
Utilizes a competitive procurement process.
Invests in cutting-edge scientific innovation.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. The $74.6 million award is substantial for a single R&D program, reflecting the complexity and importance of vaccine development.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate specific participation or set-asides for small businesses in this contract. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business involvement.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is managed by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), a reputable agency with established oversight mechanisms for research grants. The 'Cost No Fee' contract type suggests that costs will be reimbursed, requiring diligent financial oversight.

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

Potential for scientific failure in R&D.
Long project duration increases risk of scope creep or changing needs.
Dependence on future funding appropriations for continued research.
Evolving nature of influenza virus may outpace vaccine development.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $74.6 million to UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA RESEARCH FOUNDATION, INC.. 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 AND BROADLY PROTECTIVE IMMU

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA RESEARCH FOUNDATION, INC..

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 $74.6 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2019-09-10. End: 2026-09-09.

What is the projected timeline for achieving key milestones in vaccine development and evaluation under this program?

The contract is set to run from September 10, 2019, to September 9, 2026, a period of approximately seven years. Key milestones would likely be defined within the statement of work, focusing on stages of vaccine design, preclinical testing, and initial human trials. The specific details of these milestones and their expected completion dates would be outlined in the contract's detailed deliverables and reporting requirements.

How will the effectiveness of the developed vaccines be measured against existing influenza vaccines and emerging strains?

Effectiveness will be measured through rigorous scientific evaluation, likely involving preclinical studies and phased clinical trials. The program's focus on 'durable, robust, and broadly protective' immunity suggests metrics will go beyond traditional seasonal vaccine efficacy. This will likely include assessing immune responses against a wider range of influenza strains, the longevity of protection, and potentially comparative studies against current vaccines in relevant populations.

What are the potential risks associated with the long-term nature of this R&D contract and the inherent uncertainties in vaccine development?

The primary risks include scientific challenges where research may not yield the desired vaccine candidates, potential delays in clinical trial approvals or recruitment, and the possibility that developed vaccines may not prove sufficiently effective or safe in human trials. Furthermore, the evolving nature of influenza viruses means that vaccine efficacy could be challenged by new strains emerging during the development period, requiring adaptive strategies.

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: 310 EAST CAMPUS RD TUCKER HALL ROOM 409, ATHENS, GA, 30602

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Tax Exempt, Foundation, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $120,229,963

Exercised Options: $74,568,888

Current Obligation: $74,568,888

Actual Outlays: $51,401,091

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 117

Total Subaward Amount: $33,779,600

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Timeline