NIH Awards $86.6M to Seattle Children's Hospital for TB Research, Ending 2027
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $86,597,961 ($86.6M)
Contractor: Seattle Children's Hospital
Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services
Start Date: 2019-09-30
End Date: 2027-03-31
Contract Duration: 2,739 days
Daily Burn Rate: $31.6K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 12
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: IMMUNE MECHANISMS OF PROTECTION AGAINST MYCOBACTERIUM TUBERCULOSIS CENTER (IMPAC-TB)
Place of Performance
Location: SEATTLE, KING County, WASHINGTON, 98101
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Health and Human Services obligated $86.6 million to SEATTLE CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL for work described as: IMMUNE MECHANISMS OF PROTECTION AGAINST MYCOBACTERIUM TUBERCULOSIS CENTER (IMPAC-TB) Key points: 1. Significant investment in critical infectious disease research. 2. Competition method suggests a potentially competitive bidding process. 3. Risk is moderate, given the long-term nature of R&D. 4. Biotechnology R&D sector sees substantial federal funding.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract type is 'COST NO FEE', which is common for research and development. The award amount of $86.6 million over nearly 7.5 years suggests a substantial but potentially reasonable allocation for the scope of work.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating multiple bids were likely considered. This method generally promotes price discovery and competitive pricing.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are directed towards critical public health research, aiming for long-term benefits in combating tuberculosis.
Public Impact
Advancing understanding and potential treatments for tuberculosis. Supporting a leading research institution in a vital health area. Potential for breakthroughs in infectious disease control.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Long-term nature of R&D contracts can lead to cost overruns.
- Effectiveness of research outcomes is inherently uncertain.
Positive Signals
- Addresses a significant global health challenge.
- Utilizes a competitive procurement process.
- Supports a reputable research institution.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Biotechnology R&D sector, which is a key area for federal investment in innovation and public health. Benchmarks for similar large-scale, multi-year R&D grants can vary widely based on the specific research focus and institution.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate any specific subcontracting or participation by small businesses in this contract. The primary awardee is a large hospital system.
Oversight & Accountability
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is responsible for overseeing this research grant. Standard grant oversight mechanisms, including progress reports and financial reviews, would be in place to ensure accountability.
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 increases exposure to changing research landscapes.
- R&D outcomes are inherently uncertain and may not yield desired results.
- Potential for scope creep or unforeseen research challenges impacting budget.
- Lack of specific small business participation noted.
Tags
research-and-development-in-biotechnolog, department-of-health-and-human-services, wa, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Health and Human Services awarded $86.6 million to SEATTLE CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL. IMMUNE MECHANISMS OF PROTECTION AGAINST MYCOBACTERIUM TUBERCULOSIS CENTER (IMPAC-TB)
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is SEATTLE CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL.
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 $86.6 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2019-09-30. End: 2027-03-31.
What is the projected impact of this research on tuberculosis treatment or prevention?
The primary goal of the IMPAC-TB Center is to deepen the understanding of immune mechanisms that protect against Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This knowledge is foundational for developing new vaccines, diagnostics, and therapeutics, potentially leading to more effective treatments and prevention strategies for tuberculosis globally.
What are the key risks associated with the long duration and R&D nature of this contract?
The primary risks include the inherent uncertainty of research outcomes, potential for scientific challenges delaying progress, and the possibility of cost increases over the nearly seven-year period. Unforeseen scientific roadblocks or shifts in research priorities could impact the ultimate success and cost-effectiveness of the project.
How does the 'COST NO FEE' contract type influence the value for taxpayers?
A 'COST NO FEE' contract means the contractor is reimbursed for allowable costs but receives no additional fee or profit. This structure is typical for basic research where the primary goal is knowledge generation rather than a specific deliverable, potentially offering good value by focusing funds directly on research expenses.
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: BAANIAIDNIHAI201700104
Offers Received: 12
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 4800 SAND POINT WAY NE, SEATTLE, WA, 98105
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Tax Exempt, Hospital, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $86,597,961
Exercised Options: $86,597,961
Current Obligation: $86,597,961
Actual Outlays: $51,102,475
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 43
Total Subaward Amount: $41,860,357
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2019-09-30
Current End Date: 2027-03-31
Potential End Date: 2027-03-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-09-25
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