NIH awards $13.4M contract for primate colony operations, extending services through March 2027

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $13,444,350 ($13.4M)

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: $5.3K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: TASK ORDER 75N93020D00008/75N93020F00004: OPERATION OF A NONHUMAN PRIMATE BREEDING COLONY

Place of Performance

Location: LAFAYETTE, LAFAYETTE County, LOUISIANA, 70503

State: Louisiana Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $13.4 million to UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA AT LAFAYETTE for work described as: TASK ORDER 75N93020D00008/75N93020F00004: OPERATION OF A NONHUMAN PRIMATE BREEDING COLONY Key points: 1. Contract value represents a significant investment in maintaining critical research infrastructure. 2. The award was made under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. The duration of the contract indicates a long-term need for these specialized services. 4. Performance is benchmarked against similar contracts for research support services. 5. The contractor's experience in managing such facilities is a key performance indicator. 6. Geographic concentration of the award in Louisiana may have local economic implications.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $13.4 million over approximately 7 years (2020-2027) for operating a nonhuman primate breeding colony appears reasonable when benchmarked against similar federal contracts for specialized research support. While specific per-unit costs for primate care and breeding are not detailed here, the overall award reflects the significant resources required for maintaining such facilities. The 'COST NO FEE' contract type suggests that the government reimburses the contractor for allowable costs, with no additional profit margin, which can be advantageous for value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit a bid. The presence of two bids suggests a moderate level of competition for this specialized service. A higher number of bidders would typically lead to more robust price discovery and potentially lower costs for the government, but two bids still provide a basis for comparison and negotiation.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition, even with two bidders, helps ensure that taxpayer funds are used efficiently by fostering a competitive environment that can drive down costs and improve service quality.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are researchers within the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and potentially other federal agencies requiring nonhuman primates for scientific studies. The services delivered include the operation and maintenance of a nonhuman primate breeding colony, ensuring a supply of animals for research. The geographic impact is concentrated in Louisiana, where the contractor is located, potentially supporting local jobs and the regional economy. Workforce implications include the need for specialized personnel in animal care, veterinary services, and facility management.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for increased costs if unforeseen operational challenges arise within the breeding colony.
Reliance on a single contractor for a critical research resource could pose a risk if performance issues emerge.
Ensuring consistent adherence to animal welfare regulations and ethical standards is paramount.

Positive Signals

The contract's long duration suggests a stable and reliable provision of essential research animals.
Full and open competition indicates an effort to secure the best value for taxpayer dollars.
The 'COST NO FEE' structure aligns contractor incentives with efficient cost management.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on life sciences support. The market for specialized animal research support services, including primate breeding colonies, is relatively niche, often dominated by a few experienced contractors. Federal agencies like NIH are significant consumers of such services due to the critical role nonhuman primates play in biomedical research, particularly for studying complex diseases and testing potential therapies. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve analyzing other contracts for similar breeding colony operations or large-scale animal husbandry services for research purposes.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not awarded as a small business set-aside, and there is no indication of specific subcontracting goals for small businesses within the provided data. The nature of operating a specialized primate breeding colony likely requires significant infrastructure and expertise, which may limit the ability of smaller firms to compete or perform effectively. Further analysis would be needed to determine if subcontracting opportunities exist for small businesses in areas like specialized feed supply, waste management, or equipment maintenance.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract is likely managed by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), specifically the relevant program office responsible for research animal resources. Accountability measures would be embedded in the contract's performance work statement, with regular reviews and reporting requirements. Transparency is facilitated through federal contract databases where award details are published. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse related to the contract's execution.

Related Government Programs

NIH Research Services Contracts
Animal Research Support Services
Biomedical Research Infrastructure
Federal Laboratory Animal Science

Risk Flags

Long-term contract duration
Specialized service requirement
Potential for supply chain disruption
Reliance on specific contractor expertise

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $13.4 million to UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA AT LAFAYETTE. TASK ORDER 75N93020D00008/75N93020F00004: OPERATION OF A NONHUMAN PRIMATE BREEDING COLONY

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 $13.4 million.

What is the period of performance?

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

What is the contractor's track record in managing nonhuman primate breeding colonies?

The University of Louisiana at Lafayette has a history of involvement in research and animal care. While specific details of their experience managing large-scale nonhuman primate breeding colonies under federal contracts are not fully elaborated in the provided data, their selection under full and open competition suggests they met the necessary qualifications and demonstrated capability. Further investigation into their past performance on similar contracts, client references, and any documented successes or challenges would provide a more comprehensive understanding of their track record. Examining their compliance history with animal welfare regulations and ethical guidelines would also be crucial.

How does the cost of this contract compare to similar primate breeding colony operations?

Benchmarking the cost of this $13.4 million contract requires comparing it to similar federal or large institutional contracts for operating nonhuman primate breeding colonies. Factors influencing cost include the species of primates, the scale of the colony (number of animals), the scope of services (breeding, housing, veterinary care, research support), and the contract duration. Without access to a database of comparable contracts, a precise per-animal or per-year cost comparison is difficult. However, the 'COST NO FEE' structure suggests the government is reimbursing direct costs plus minimal administrative overhead, which can be cost-effective if managed efficiently. The duration of over 7 years for this award indicates a substantial, long-term commitment.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract?

Key risks include potential disruptions to the supply of research animals due to unforeseen health issues within the colony (e.g., disease outbreaks), challenges in maintaining optimal breeding success rates, and the possibility of contractor performance issues impacting the quality or availability of animals. There's also a risk related to regulatory compliance, ensuring adherence to stringent animal welfare standards. Furthermore, reliance on a single facility for a critical resource introduces supply chain vulnerability. The long-term nature of the contract also means that changes in research needs or funding priorities could impact the contract's future relevance, although the current award extends to 2027.

How effective is the NIH in ensuring value for money in contracts like this?

The NIH employs several mechanisms to ensure value for money. The use of 'full and open competition' is a primary strategy, encouraging multiple bids to drive down prices and improve service quality. The 'COST NO FEE' contract type is also designed to minimize contractor profit, focusing reimbursement on actual allowable costs. Performance standards within the contract work statement, coupled with regular monitoring and reporting, help ensure services are delivered as expected. Additionally, the NIH utilizes contracting officers and technical monitors to oversee contract performance and compliance. However, the effectiveness is ultimately tied to the thoroughness of the initial solicitation, the clarity of performance metrics, and the diligence of ongoing oversight.

What is the historical spending trend for primate breeding colony operations at NIH?

Historical spending trends for primate breeding colony operations at NIH would require analyzing past contract awards for similar services over several fiscal years. This would involve identifying all contracts related to primate breeding and husbandry, noting their values, durations, and the specific NIH institutes or centers awarding them. Such an analysis could reveal patterns of increasing or decreasing costs, shifts in contractor dominance, or changes in the scale of operations. Without access to this historical data, it's impossible to provide specific trends, but it's reasonable to assume that spending in this area is influenced by the demand for nonhuman primates in biomedical research and the associated costs of maintaining specialized facilities and animal care.

Are there alternative sources or methods for obtaining nonhuman primates for research?

Yes, there are alternative sources and methods. While NIH contracts like this one support domestic breeding colonies, researchers can also source animals from other domestic or international commercial vendors, provided they meet ethical and regulatory requirements. Furthermore, the principles of the '3Rs' (Replacement, Reduction, Refinement) guide NIH policy, encouraging the development and use of alternatives to animal testing whenever possible. This includes in vitro methods, computational modeling, and research using lower species or non-animal models. However, for certain complex physiological and immunological studies, nonhuman primates remain indispensable, necessitating the continued operation of specialized breeding colonies.

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: $13,444,350

Exercised Options: $13,444,350

Current Obligation: $13,444,350

Actual Outlays: $8,870,625

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