NIH Awards $25.9M to University of Montana for Multivalent Anti-Opioid Vaccine Research
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $25,915,968 ($25.9M)
Contractor: University of Montana
Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services
Start Date: 2020-09-30
End Date: 2027-09-29
Contract Duration: 2,555 days
Daily Burn Rate: $10.1K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 9
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: TO DEVELOP INNOVATIVE AND SAFE MULTIVALENT ANTI-OPIOID VACCINES THAT PROTECT AGAINST HEROIN AND FENTANYL.
Place of Performance
Location: MISSOULA, MISSOULA County, MONTANA, 59812
State: Montana Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Health and Human Services obligated $25.9 million to UNIVERSITY OF MONTANA for work described as: TO DEVELOP INNOVATIVE AND SAFE MULTIVALENT ANTI-OPIOID VACCINES THAT PROTECT AGAINST HEROIN AND FENTANYL. Key points: 1. Focuses on critical public health issue of opioid addiction. 2. Research and Development in Biotechnology sector. 3. Potential for significant public health impact if successful. 4. High risk, high reward research with uncertain outcomes.
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
This is a cost-no-fee contract for research and development. The value is tied to achieving specific research milestones rather than a fixed deliverable, making traditional pricing assessment difficult. The total award amount is substantial for this type of R&D.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive process to select the best research proposal. The 'Cost No Fee' structure incentivizes the contractor to manage costs effectively to achieve research objectives.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are supporting critical research into a major public health crisis. Success could lead to significant long-term savings in healthcare and social costs associated with opioid addiction.
Public Impact
Addresses the urgent need for effective treatments for opioid addiction. Could lead to novel vaccines protecting against heroin and fentanyl. Supports scientific innovation in biotechnology and public health.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Research uncertainty
- Long development timeline
- Potential for limited real-world applicability
Positive Signals
- Addresses critical public health need
- Supports innovative research
- Full and open competition
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development in Biotechnology sector, specifically focusing on vaccine development. Spending in this area is often characterized by high upfront investment, long development cycles, and significant scientific risk, but also the potential for transformative breakthroughs.
Small Business Impact
This contract was awarded to the University of Montana, a large research institution. There is no indication of small business involvement in this specific award.
Oversight & Accountability
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is responsible for overseeing this research grant. Oversight would likely focus on scientific progress, adherence to research protocols, and responsible use of funds.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in Biotechnology (except Nanobiotechnology)
- Department of Health and Human Services Contracting
- National Institutes of Health Programs
Risk Flags
- Scientific uncertainty of vaccine development
- Long-term nature of R&D projects
- Potential for limited market adoption
- Dependence on future funding for further development
Tags
research-and-development-in-biotechnolog, department-of-health-and-human-services, mt, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Health and Human Services awarded $25.9 million to UNIVERSITY OF MONTANA. TO DEVELOP INNOVATIVE AND SAFE MULTIVALENT ANTI-OPIOID VACCINES THAT PROTECT AGAINST HEROIN AND FENTANYL.
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is UNIVERSITY OF MONTANA.
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 $25.9 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2020-09-30. End: 2027-09-29.
What is the likelihood of developing a safe and effective multivalent anti-opioid vaccine within the contract period?
Developing a novel vaccine, especially for complex targets like opioids, is inherently uncertain. While the University of Montana has expertise, the scientific challenges are significant. The contract duration and funding suggest a belief in the potential, but success is not guaranteed. Milestones will be crucial for tracking progress and assessing likelihood.
How will the 'Cost No Fee' structure impact the research's risk profile and taxpayer value?
The 'Cost No Fee' structure means the contractor is reimbursed for allowable costs but does not receive an additional profit margin. This can incentivize efficient cost management. However, for high-risk R&D, it might also encourage the contractor to focus on achievable, less ambitious research goals to ensure cost recovery, potentially impacting the ultimate value and innovation.
What are the potential long-term economic benefits if this vaccine proves successful?
A successful anti-opioid vaccine could yield substantial economic benefits by reducing the societal costs of addiction, including healthcare expenditures, lost productivity, and criminal justice system involvement. It could also decrease the demand for illicit drugs and reduce overdose deaths, leading to significant savings and improved public well-being.
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: BAA-DAIT-75N93019R00009
Offers Received: 9
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 32 CAMPUS DR MAIN HALL, MISSOULA, MT, 59812
Business Categories: Category Business, Educational Institution, Government, Higher Education, U.S. National Government, Not Designated a Small Business, Higher Education (Public), U.S. Regional/State Government
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $33,419,572
Exercised Options: $25,915,968
Current Obligation: $25,915,968
Actual Outlays: $13,931,796
Contract Characteristics
Multi-Year Contract: Yes
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Timeline
Start Date: 2020-09-30
Current End Date: 2027-09-29
Potential End Date: 2027-09-29 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-06-11
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