NIH Awards Duke University $78M for Influenza Vaccine Manufacturing and Toxicology Research
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $78,199,553 ($78.2M)
Contractor: Duke University
Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services
Start Date: 2019-08-26
End Date: 2028-09-15
Contract Duration: 3,308 days
Daily Burn Rate: $23.6K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: COLLABORATIVE INFLUENZA VACCINE INNOVATION CENTERS (CIVICS) COMPONENT B: VACCINE MANUFACTURING AND TOXICOLOGY CORE
Place of Performance
Location: DURHAM, DURHAM County, NORTH CAROLINA, 27705
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Health and Human Services obligated $78.2 million to DUKE UNIVERSITY for work described as: COLLABORATIVE INFLUENZA VACCINE INNOVATION CENTERS (CIVICS) COMPONENT B: VACCINE MANUFACTURING AND TOXICOLOGY CORE Key points: 1. Significant investment in critical public health infrastructure. 2. Research and Development in Biotechnology sector. 3. Potential for long-term public health benefits. 4. Long contract duration suggests ongoing need.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract is Cost No Fee, which is common for R&D. The total award of $78.2M over nearly 9 years suggests a substantial but potentially reasonable cost for complex research.
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 generally promotes price discovery and value for taxpayer money.
Taxpayer Impact: The investment aims to improve public health, potentially reducing future healthcare costs associated with influenza outbreaks.
Public Impact
Enhances national capacity for vaccine development and manufacturing. Supports research into vaccine safety and efficacy. Contributes to preparedness for future pandemics.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Long-term nature of the contract requires ongoing monitoring.
- Cost-plus contracts can sometimes lead to cost overruns if not managed tightly.
Positive Signals
- Addresses a critical public health need.
- Leverages expertise from a leading research institution.
- Potential for significant advancements in vaccine technology.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development in Biotechnology sector, focusing on vaccine manufacturing and toxicology. Spending in this area is crucial for public health preparedness and innovation, with significant government investment often seen in areas like infectious disease research.
Small Business Impact
This contract was not awarded to a small business. There is no indication of subcontracting opportunities for small businesses within the provided data.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract is managed by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), a component of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). NIH typically has robust 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
- Long contract duration
- Cost No Fee contract type
- Research and Development uncertainty
- Potential for scope creep
Tags
research-and-development-in-biotechnolog, 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 $78.2 million to DUKE UNIVERSITY. COLLABORATIVE INFLUENZA VACCINE INNOVATION CENTERS (CIVICS) COMPONENT B: VACCINE MANUFACTURING AND TOXICOLOGY CORE
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 $78.2 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2019-08-26. End: 2028-09-15.
What are the specific milestones and deliverables expected for this contract, and how will their achievement be measured to ensure value for money?
The contract likely outlines specific research phases, experimental protocols, and reporting requirements. Success will be measured against the successful completion of these scientific objectives, adherence to toxicological standards, and the development of viable manufacturing processes. Regular progress reports and peer review will be critical for oversight.
What are the primary risks associated with the long-term nature of this research contract, and what mitigation strategies are in place?
Risks include potential shifts in scientific priorities, challenges in recruiting and retaining specialized personnel, and the inherent uncertainty of R&D outcomes. Mitigation strategies may involve flexible contract modifications, robust project management, and contingency planning for unforeseen scientific or logistical hurdles.
How will the effectiveness of the research in advancing influenza vaccine innovation be evaluated beyond the contract period?
Effectiveness will be gauged by the successful translation of research findings into improved vaccine candidates, the establishment of scalable manufacturing capabilities, and ultimately, the impact on public health outcomes such as reduced disease burden. Post-contract evaluation may involve tracking the adoption of developed technologies and their real-world application.
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: HHSNIHNIAIDBAA2018
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), Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $141,341,758
Exercised Options: $78,199,553
Current Obligation: $78,199,553
Actual Outlays: $53,232,474
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Timeline
Start Date: 2019-08-26
Current End Date: 2028-09-15
Potential End Date: 2028-09-15 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-09-22
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