NIH awards $886K for primate maintenance, extending contract to 2027 with 2 prior orders

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $886,417 ($886.4K)

Contractor: University of Louisiana AT Lafayette

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2020-04-01

End Date: 2027-03-31

Contract Duration: 2,555 days

Daily Burn Rate: $347/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: TASK ORDER 75N93020D00008/75N93020F00003: MAINTENANCE OF NONHUMAN PRIMATES IN AN ABSL2 FACILITY

Place of Performance

Location: LAFAYETTE, LAFAYETTE County, LOUISIANA, 70503

State: Louisiana Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $886,416.77 to UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA AT LAFAYETTE for work described as: TASK ORDER 75N93020D00008/75N93020F00003: MAINTENANCE OF NONHUMAN PRIMATES IN AN ABSL2 FACILITY Key points: 1. Contract value appears reasonable given the specialized nature of maintaining nonhuman primates in a biosafety level 2 facility. 2. The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. The duration of the contract, including prior orders, indicates a long-term need for these services. 4. Performance context is critical for animal welfare and research integrity, requiring specialized expertise. 5. This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically supporting life sciences research.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $886,416.77 for a period of approximately 7 years (including prior orders) for specialized primate maintenance services seems within a reasonable range. Benchmarking against similar contracts for animal care and specialized research support is difficult without more specific data on the scope of services, number of animals, and facility requirements. However, the cost-no-fee contract type suggests that the contractor is reimbursed for allowable costs without an additional profit margin, which can be cost-effective.

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 a bid. The presence of 2 prior orders suggests that this is a task order under a larger indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract or a similar competitive vehicle. The level of competition for the initial award would have influenced price discovery, but subsequent task orders may have different competitive dynamics.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by fostering a competitive environment that can lead to lower prices and better value. It ensures that the government explores a wide range of potential providers.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are researchers at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) who rely on these nonhuman primates for critical studies. The services delivered include the essential maintenance and care of nonhuman primates in a controlled biosafety environment. The geographic impact is localized to Louisiana, where the University of Louisiana at Lafayette is located. This contract supports specialized jobs in animal care, veterinary services, and facility management within the research sector.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns if unforeseen animal health issues or facility maintenance needs arise.
Dependence on a single contractor for a prolonged period could lead to complacency or reduced innovation.
Ensuring consistent adherence to stringent animal welfare regulations requires robust oversight.

Positive Signals

The contract is awarded to a university, which may prioritize research support and animal welfare over profit maximization.
The cost-no-fee contract type suggests a focus on cost control and efficiency.
The long-term nature of the contract indicates a stable and reliable service provider has been identified.

Sector Analysis

This contract operates within the broader Research and Development (R&D) sector, specifically focusing on life sciences. The market for specialized animal care and facility maintenance for research purposes is niche, often involving academic institutions or specialized contract research organizations. Comparable spending benchmarks are difficult to establish without detailed service scope, but NIH's overall R&D spending is substantial, with significant portions allocated to animal research support.

Small Business Impact

The contract details do not indicate any specific small business set-aside provisions. Given the specialized nature of maintaining nonhuman primates in a biosafety level 2 facility, it is likely that larger institutions or those with established infrastructure and expertise would be the primary bidders. Subcontracting opportunities for small businesses are not explicitly detailed but could potentially exist for ancillary services if permitted by the prime contractor.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight is likely managed by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) program officials responsible for the research utilizing the primates. Accountability measures would include adherence to the contract's statement of work, performance standards, and federal regulations concerning animal welfare (e.g., Animal Welfare Act). Transparency is facilitated through contract databases, but specific performance metrics and inspection reports may not be publicly available.

Related Government Programs

NIH Research Services
Animal Care and Use Programs
Biosafety Level Facilities Management
Contract Research Organizations (CROs)

Risk Flags

Animal Welfare Compliance
Biosafety Protocol Adherence
Long-Term Service Dependency
Specialized Facility Maintenance

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $886,416.77 to UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA AT LAFAYETTE. TASK ORDER 75N93020D00008/75N93020F00003: MAINTENANCE OF NONHUMAN PRIMATES IN AN ABSL2 FACILITY

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA AT LAFAYETTE.

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 $886,416.77.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2020-04-01. End: 2027-03-31.

What is the specific scope of 'maintenance' for nonhuman primates in this contract?

The 'maintenance' for nonhuman primates in this contract likely encompasses a comprehensive range of services essential for their well-being and suitability for research. This typically includes daily feeding, watering, housing, sanitation of enclosures and facilities, environmental monitoring (temperature, humidity, light cycles), and basic health monitoring. It may also involve veterinary care coordination, enrichment activities to promote psychological well-being, and adherence to strict protocols for handling and restraint. Given the ABSL-2 facility designation, specialized procedures related to containment and biosafety protocols for handling potentially infectious agents would also be a critical component of the maintenance services. The exact scope would be detailed in the contract's Statement of Work (SOW).

How does the cost-no-fee (CNF) contract type impact value for money compared to other contract types?

A Cost-No-Fee (CNF) contract type means the contractor is reimbursed for all allowable costs incurred in performing the contract, but receives no additional fee or profit. This contract type is typically used when the government has a clear understanding of the services required and the contractor has little incentive to control costs beyond what is necessary to perform the work. For taxpayers, this can be advantageous as it eliminates profit margins, potentially lowering the overall cost. However, it places a greater emphasis on the government's ability to accurately estimate costs and effectively monitor the contractor's expenditures to prevent unnecessary spending. Value for money is achieved if the services are delivered effectively at the lowest possible cost without compromising quality or compliance.

What are the primary risks associated with maintaining nonhuman primates for research purposes?

Maintaining nonhuman primates for research presents several significant risks. Animal welfare is paramount; failure to provide adequate care, housing, or veterinary services can lead to ethical concerns, regulatory violations, and compromised research outcomes. Zoonotic disease transmission is a risk, requiring stringent biosafety protocols (like ABSL-2) to protect both animals and personnel. Research integrity can be jeopardized by inadequate animal health, stress, or improper handling, leading to unreliable data. Operational risks include facility failures (e.g., HVAC, containment), supply chain disruptions for specialized feed or medical supplies, and the potential for unexpected veterinary emergencies requiring significant resources. Finally, public perception and ethical debates surrounding the use of primates in research can pose reputational risks.

What is the significance of the ABSL-2 facility designation for this contract?

The ABSL-2 (Animal Biosafety Level 2) facility designation is critical as it dictates the minimum safety standards and containment practices required for working with agents associated with human disease. For this contract, it means the facility must be equipped to handle nonhuman primates that may be exposed to or harbor infectious agents that pose a moderate risk to personnel and the environment. This involves specific requirements for laboratory design, ventilation, waste management, personal protective equipment (PPE), and emergency procedures. The maintenance services must strictly adhere to these ABSL-2 protocols to ensure the safety of the animals, the research staff, and the surrounding community, while also preventing contamination that could compromise research integrity.

How does the duration of this contract (including prior orders) reflect the NIH's needs?

The contract's duration, spanning from April 1, 2020, to March 31, 2027 (approximately 7 years, including prior orders), suggests a sustained and long-term requirement for the maintenance of nonhuman primates at this specific NIH-supported facility. Such extended periods indicate that the services are integral to ongoing research programs that rely on these animals. It implies that the NIH has established a stable need for this specialized support and has confidence in the contractor's ability to consistently deliver the required services over an extended timeframe. This duration also allows for greater planning and stability for both the research projects and the contractor's operations.

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: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: NIAIDDAIDSNIHAI201800011

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 104 E UNIVERSITY CIR 3RD FL, LAFAYETTE, LA, 70503

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: $886,417

Exercised Options: $886,417

Current Obligation: $886,417

Actual Outlays: $573,257

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 75N93020D00008

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline