HHS awards $15.1M for biotechnology R&D to Resilience Government Services, Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $15,120,173 ($15.1M)

Contractor: Resilience Government Services, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2019-09-09

End Date: 2024-08-11

Contract Duration: 1,798 days

Daily Burn Rate: $8.4K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 12

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: TO MAKE AN AWARD UNDER HHS-NIH-NIAID-BAA2018

Place of Performance

Location: ALACHUA, ALACHUA County, FLORIDA, 32615

State: Florida Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $15.1 million to RESILIENCE GOVERNMENT SERVICES, INC. for work described as: TO MAKE AN AWARD UNDER HHS-NIH-NIAID-BAA2018 Key points: 1. Contract awarded via full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 2. The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can incentivize cost control but requires careful oversight. 3. Performance period spans nearly 5 years, indicating a long-term need for these R&D services. 4. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 541714 points to specialized biotechnology research. 5. The awardee, Resilience Government Services, Inc., is based in Florida. 6. The contract value is substantial, reflecting significant investment in this research area.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $15.1 million over approximately 5 years for specialized biotechnology R&D appears reasonable given the nature of research and development. Without specific benchmarks for similar NIAID-funded biotechnology research contracts, a direct per-project comparison is difficult. However, the Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type suggests that the government has negotiated a fixed fee for the contractor's effort, aiming to provide some cost certainty while allowing for flexibility in research scope. The number of bids received (12) indicates a healthy level of interest, which can contribute to fair pricing.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, meaning all responsible sources were permitted to submit a bid. A total of 12 bids were received, indicating a robust competitive environment for this research and development requirement. The high number of bidders suggests that the solicitation was well-publicized and that the requirement was attractive to multiple firms in the biotechnology sector. This level of competition is generally favorable for price discovery and can lead to more cost-effective outcomes for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: The full and open competition with 12 bidders is a positive indicator for taxpayers, as it increases the likelihood that the government secured competitive pricing and a high-quality solution for its biotechnology research needs.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the researchers and institutions involved in advancing biotechnology, potentially leading to new medical treatments or scientific discoveries. The services delivered are focused on research and development in biotechnology, contributing to the scientific knowledge base. The geographic impact is primarily in Florida, where the contractor is located, potentially creating local employment and economic activity. Workforce implications include the employment of scientists, researchers, and support staff for Resilience Government Services, Inc.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts require diligent oversight to ensure costs remain within reasonable bounds and that the fixed fee is justified.
The long performance period could introduce risks related to evolving research needs or technological obsolescence.
The specialized nature of biotechnology R&D means that success is not guaranteed, and research outcomes can be unpredictable.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition with 12 bidders, indicating strong market interest and potential for competitive pricing.
The contract is for research and development, aligning with NIH's mission to advance scientific knowledge and health.
The contractor is based in Florida, potentially supporting regional economic development and a specialized workforce.

Sector Analysis

The biotechnology research and development sector is a rapidly growing and highly specialized field, critical for advancements in medicine, agriculture, and industry. The National Institutes of Health (NIH), and specifically the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), are major funders of biomedical research. Contracts in this area often involve complex scientific challenges and require highly skilled personnel. Spending benchmarks for similar R&D contracts can vary widely based on the specific research area, project scope, and duration. This contract falls within the broader R&D sector, with a specific focus on biotechnology.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not set aside for small businesses, and there is no indication of specific subcontracting requirements for small businesses in the provided data. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem is likely minimal unless Resilience Government Services, Inc. voluntarily engages small businesses for subcontracting opportunities. The award to a single entity does not inherently create opportunities for small business prime contractors in this instance.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract would typically be managed by the contracting officer and program officials at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Accountability measures would include regular progress reports, financial reviews, and performance evaluations against research milestones. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases, though specific research details may be proprietary. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply to any allegations of fraud, waste, or abuse related to the contract.

Related Government Programs

HHS Research and Development Contracts
NIH Biotechnology Research Grants
NIAID Research and Development Services
Cost Plus Fixed Fee Contracts
Biotechnology Sector Spending

Risk Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type requires robust oversight.
Long performance period may introduce risks related to evolving research needs.
Biotechnology R&D outcomes are inherently uncertain.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $15.1 million to RESILIENCE GOVERNMENT SERVICES, INC.. TO MAKE AN AWARD UNDER HHS-NIH-NIAID-BAA2018

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is RESILIENCE GOVERNMENT SERVICES, 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 $15.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2019-09-09. End: 2024-08-11.

What is the track record of Resilience Government Services, Inc. with federal contracts, particularly with HHS or NIH?

Information regarding the specific track record of Resilience Government Services, Inc. with federal contracts, especially with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) or the National Institutes of Health (NIH), is not detailed in the provided data. A comprehensive analysis would require accessing federal procurement databases like FPDS-NG or SAM.gov to review past performance, contract types, values, and any reported issues or successes. Without this historical data, it is difficult to assess their prior performance, reliability, and experience in managing similar government R&D contracts.

How does the $15.1 million contract value compare to similar biotechnology R&D contracts awarded by NIAID?

Benchmarking the $15.1 million contract value against similar biotechnology R&D contracts awarded by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) requires access to historical contract data. NIAID funds a wide range of research projects, and contract values can vary significantly based on the scope, duration, and complexity of the research. A preliminary assessment suggests that $15.1 million over nearly five years for specialized R&D is within a reasonable range for significant federal research investments. However, a definitive comparison would necessitate analyzing contract databases for awards with similar NAICS codes (541714) and research objectives funded by NIAID over the past several years.

What are the primary risks associated with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract for biotechnology R&D?

The primary risks associated with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract for biotechnology R&D involve balancing cost control with research flexibility. For the government, the risk is that the contractor may not be sufficiently incentivized to control costs beyond the agreed-upon fixed fee, potentially leading to cost overruns if not managed diligently. Conversely, the contractor bears the risk if actual costs significantly exceed estimates, as their profit is fixed. For R&D, the inherent uncertainty of scientific discovery means that costs can be unpredictable. Effective oversight is crucial to monitor expenditures, ensure efficient resource allocation, and verify that the fixed fee remains appropriate given the research progress and outcomes.

How does the level of competition (12 bidders) impact the value for money achieved in this contract?

The fact that this contract received 12 bids under full and open competition is a strong positive indicator for value for money. A higher number of bidders generally leads to more competitive pricing as firms vie for the award. It suggests that the government had a good selection of qualified offerors, increasing the likelihood that the chosen proposal represented a fair and reasonable price for the required research and development services. This competitive pressure can also drive innovation and quality, further enhancing the overall value delivered to the government and taxpayers.

What is the historical spending trend for biotechnology R&D at HHS/NIH?

Historical spending trends for biotechnology R&D at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), particularly through the National Institutes of Health (NIH), have consistently shown significant investment. NIH is the largest public funder of biomedical research in the world, with a substantial portion dedicated to biotechnology. Annual budgets for NIH often run into the tens of billions of dollars, supporting a vast array of research grants and contracts. Spending in the biotechnology R&D sector has generally increased over time, reflecting the growing importance of this field in addressing public health challenges and driving scientific innovation. Specific figures for biotechnology R&D would require detailed analysis of NIH's annual budget allocations and contract award data.

What are the potential implications of this contract for future research in biotechnology?

This contract has the potential to significantly advance specific areas within biotechnology, depending on the research objectives. By funding Resilience Government Services, Inc., the NIH is investing in the development of new knowledge, technologies, or potential therapeutic interventions. The outcomes of this research could pave the way for future studies, attract further investment in the field, and contribute to the broader scientific understanding of biological processes. The success of this project could also influence future funding priorities and contract awards within the biotechnology sector at NIH and other federal agencies.

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: 12

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 13200 NW NANO CT, ALACHUA, FL, 32615

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $28,988,440

Exercised Options: $15,120,173

Current Obligation: $15,120,173

Actual Outlays: $9,774,085

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Timeline