NIH awards $35.8M for influenza vaccine innovation, with research extending through 2030
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $35,761,584 ($35.8M)
Contractor: Duke University
Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services
Start Date: 2019-09-16
End Date: 2030-12-31
Contract Duration: 4,124 days
Daily Burn Rate: $8.7K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 5
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: COLLABORATIVE INFLUENZA VACCINE INNOVATION CENTERS (CIVICS) - COMPONENT C: CLINICAL CORE (AWARDED POP: SEPTEMBER 16, 2019 - SEPTEMBER 15, 2020)
Place of Performance
Location: DURHAM, DURHAM County, NORTH CAROLINA, 27705
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Health and Human Services obligated $35.8 million to DUKE UNIVERSITY for work described as: COLLABORATIVE INFLUENZA VACCINE INNOVATION CENTERS (CIVICS) - COMPONENT C: CLINICAL CORE (AWARDED POP: SEPTEMBER 16, 2019 - SEPTEMBER 15, 2020) Key points: 1. Contract focuses on advancing influenza vaccine development through a clinical core. 2. Long-term award indicates a strategic investment in pandemic preparedness. 3. Research and Development in Life Sciences sector, specifically vaccine innovation. 4. Performance period extends over a decade, suggesting complex, multi-phase research. 5. Duke University selected as the contractor, a known research institution. 6. Full and open competition suggests a robust selection process.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $35.8 million for the initial period (Sept 2019 - Sept 2020) appears reasonable for a large-scale research initiative in vaccine development. Benchmarking against similar large-scale R&D contracts for vaccine innovation centers is challenging due to the specialized nature of CIVICS. However, the extended period through 2030 suggests a phased approach to funding, with the total potential value likely higher. The 'Cost No Fee' (Cost-Reimbursement) contract type implies that the government will reimburse the contractor for allowable costs incurred, which is common for research where final costs are difficult to predict.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit proposals. The presence of 5 proposals suggests a competitive environment, which is generally favorable for price discovery and innovation. This level of competition implies that the selected contractor, Duke University, was chosen based on merit and the most advantageous offer to the government.
Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition ensures that taxpayer funds are used efficiently by fostering a competitive environment that drives down costs and encourages high-quality research proposals.
Public Impact
Benefits the public by advancing the development of innovative influenza vaccines. Services delivered include clinical research, data analysis, and vaccine development support. Geographic impact is national, with potential global implications for public health. Workforce implications include employment for researchers, clinicians, and support staff at Duke University and potentially partner institutions.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Long performance period (through 2030) increases the risk of cost overruns or scope creep if not managed effectively.
- Cost-reimbursement contract type can lead to higher costs if not closely monitored for efficiency.
- Reliance on a single awardee for a critical component like the clinical core could pose a risk if performance falters.
Positive Signals
- Award to a reputable institution (Duke University) suggests a high likelihood of successful research execution.
- Full and open competition indicates a thorough vetting process, likely resulting in a strong proposal.
- The extended duration allows for sustained focus and development of complex vaccine technologies.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on biotechnology and life sciences, with a specialization in vaccine innovation. The market for vaccine development is highly competitive and driven by significant government investment, particularly in areas of public health concern like influenza. Comparable spending benchmarks are difficult to pinpoint precisely due to the unique nature of the CIVICS program, but large-scale NIH grants and contracts for infectious disease research often run into tens or hundreds of millions of dollars over several years.
Small Business Impact
This contract does not appear to have a specific small business set-aside. Given the nature of advanced research and development in vaccine innovation, the primary contractor is a large university. There may be opportunities for small businesses to subcontract for specialized services or supplies, but this is not explicitly detailed in the award information. The focus is on the core research capabilities of the prime awardee.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight is likely managed by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) program officials and contracting officers. The 'Cost No Fee' contract type necessitates rigorous financial oversight to ensure that all reimbursed costs are allowable, allocable, and reasonable. Transparency is typically maintained through periodic reporting requirements from the contractor. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply to any potential fraud, waste, or abuse related to the contract.
Related Government Programs
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) programs
- Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) initiatives
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) vaccine research
- Department of Defense (DoD) biodefense research
Risk Flags
- Long contract duration
- Cost-reimbursement contract type
- Potential for scope creep
- Reliance on single awardee for critical function
Tags
research-and-development, health-and-human-services, national-institutes-of-health, definitive-contract, full-and-open-competition, university-contractor, vaccine-innovation, influenza-research, north-carolina, long-term-contract
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Health and Human Services awarded $35.8 million to DUKE UNIVERSITY. COLLABORATIVE INFLUENZA VACCINE INNOVATION CENTERS (CIVICS) - COMPONENT C: CLINICAL CORE (AWARDED POP: SEPTEMBER 16, 2019 - SEPTEMBER 15, 2020)
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 $35.8 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2019-09-16. End: 2030-12-31.
What is the total projected value of the CIVICS contract through its completion in 2030?
The provided data specifies an award amount of $35,761,583.97 for the period of September 16, 2019, to September 15, 2020. However, the contract's estimated completion date is December 31, 2030. This indicates that the initial award is likely a base period or initial funding allocation, with subsequent funding expected over the remaining duration. The total projected value through 2030 is not explicitly stated in the provided data but would represent the cumulative funding across all awarded periods. Without further details on subsequent task orders or funding increments, the full lifecycle cost remains undetermined, though it is expected to be significantly higher than the initial award.
How does Duke University's track record in vaccine research compare to other potential bidders?
Duke University is a highly reputable research institution with a strong track record in biomedical research, including infectious diseases and vaccine development. Its established infrastructure, experienced faculty, and history of successful grant applications and contract awards from agencies like NIH position it favorably. While specific details of other bidders' track records are not public, Duke's standing in the scientific community suggests it was a strong contender. The selection under full and open competition implies that Duke's proposal and capabilities were deemed superior or most advantageous compared to the other four submissions received.
What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this contract?
Specific Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for the Collaborative Influenza Vaccine Innovation Centers (CIVICS) - Component C: Clinical Core contract are not detailed in the provided award abstract. However, typical KPIs for such research and development contracts would likely include milestones related to the advancement of vaccine candidates through clinical trial phases, achievement of specific research objectives, timely data collection and analysis, adherence to regulatory standards (e.g., FDA), and successful collaboration among research partners. The 'Cost No Fee' contract type also implies performance expectations related to efficient use of funds and adherence to budget.
What is the historical spending pattern for similar influenza vaccine innovation initiatives by NIH?
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) consistently invests heavily in influenza research, including vaccine development. Historical spending patterns show significant funding allocated to various influenza research programs, often through large, multi-year grants and contracts. Initiatives like the Centers for Influenza Vaccine Research (CIVR) or specific vaccine development projects have historically received substantial funding, often in the tens to hundreds of millions of dollars over several years. The CIVICS program represents a continuation and potential expansion of this commitment, aiming to accelerate innovation through a structured, collaborative approach. Specific historical figures for directly comparable 'innovation centers' are not readily available without deeper database analysis, but the overall trend indicates sustained and significant federal investment in this area.
What are the potential risks associated with the long duration of this contract?
The extended performance period, ending in December 2030, presents several potential risks. Firstly, scientific advancements or shifts in public health priorities could render the original research objectives less relevant or necessitate significant scope adjustments. Secondly, maintaining consistent funding and programmatic focus over such a long period can be challenging, potentially leading to gaps or pivots. Thirdly, contractor personnel turnover over a decade could impact institutional knowledge and project continuity. Finally, the longer the contract duration, the greater the potential for unforeseen cost increases due to inflation or evolving research needs, especially under a cost-reimbursement structure if not tightly managed.
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: 5
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: $184,548,918
Exercised Options: $35,761,584
Current Obligation: $35,761,584
Actual Outlays: $18,864,016
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 11
Total Subaward Amount: $4,020,361
Contract Characteristics
Multi-Year Contract: Yes
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Timeline
Start Date: 2019-09-16
Current End Date: 2030-12-31
Potential End Date: 2030-12-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-12-19
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