HHS awards $73.9M contract to Icahn School of Medicine for Influenza Research and Response

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $73,935,406 ($73.9M)

Contractor: Icahn School of Medicine AT Mount Sinai

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2021-04-01

End Date: 2028-03-24

Contract Duration: 2,549 days

Daily Burn Rate: $29.0K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 9

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: MSSM CEIRR - THIS CONTRACT WILL SUPPORT THE NIAID CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE FOR INFLUENZA RESEARCH AND RESPONSE.

Place of Performance

Location: NEW YORK, NEW YORK County, NEW YORK, 10029

State: New York Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $73.9 million to ICAHN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AT MOUNT SINAI for work described as: MSSM CEIRR - THIS CONTRACT WILL SUPPORT THE NIAID CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE FOR INFLUENZA RESEARCH AND RESPONSE. Key points: 1. The contract supports the NIAID Centers of Excellence for Influenza Research and Response. 2. Awarded via full and open competition, indicating a competitive bidding process. 3. The contract value is substantial at $73.9 million over its duration. 4. The sector is Research and Development, specifically in Life Sciences.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract type is 'COST NO FEE', which is common for research and development where costs are reimbursed but no profit is made. The total award amount of $73.9 million over approximately 7 years suggests a reasonable annual spend for a specialized research center.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION', suggesting multiple bidders were considered. This method generally leads to better price discovery and value for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive nature of the award is expected to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently for critical research.

Public Impact

Supports vital research into influenza, a significant public health concern. The funding will enable advancements in understanding and combating influenza. The contract duration of nearly 7 years allows for long-term research projects. Awarded to a reputable institution, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. Focuses on a critical area of biomedical research.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of specific performance metrics or milestones in provided data.
Potential for cost overruns in long-term R&D projects.
Reliance on a single institution for a critical research area.

Positive Signals

Supports a critical public health initiative.
Awarded through full and open competition.
Long-term funding commitment for sustained research.
Focus on a well-defined research area (Influenza).

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. Spending in this area is crucial for scientific advancement and public health, with significant government investment typically allocated to institutions capable of conducting complex research.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not awarded to a small business (ss: false). The primary awardee is a large academic institution, suggesting that subcontracting opportunities for small businesses may exist but are not explicitly detailed in this summary.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is managed by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), a component of the Department of Health and Human Services. NIH typically has robust oversight mechanisms for research grants and contracts to ensure scientific integrity and proper use of funds.

Related Government Programs

Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
Department of Health and Human Services Contracting
National Institutes of Health Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for scope creep in long-term R&D.
Dependence on a single institution for critical research.
Lack of detailed performance metrics in the summary.
Complexity of managing 'COST NO FEE' contracts effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $73.9 million to ICAHN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AT MOUNT SINAI. MSSM CEIRR - THIS CONTRACT WILL SUPPORT THE NIAID CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE FOR INFLUENZA RESEARCH AND RESPONSE.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ICAHN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AT MOUNT SINAI.

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 $73.9 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2021-04-01. End: 2028-03-24.

What specific research outcomes or deliverables are expected from this contract, and how will their achievement be measured?

The provided data does not detail specific research outcomes or deliverables. Typically, R&D contracts outline milestones, progress reports, and final publications or data sets. The 'COST NO FEE' structure implies reimbursement of allowable costs incurred in pursuing research objectives, with oversight likely focused on scientific progress and adherence to research protocols rather than strict profit margins.

Given the 'COST NO FEE' structure, what mechanisms are in place to prevent potential cost overruns and ensure efficient use of taxpayer funds?

While 'COST NO FEE' contracts reimburse expenses, they are usually accompanied by detailed budgets, regular financial reporting, and programmatic reviews by the contracting agency (NIAID). The agency monitors expenditures against the approved budget and research progress. Any significant deviations or potential overruns would trigger discussions and potential adjustments or corrective actions.

How does the 'Centers of Excellence' designation ensure a higher level of effectiveness and impact compared to standard research grants?

Centers of Excellence designations typically signify a strategic investment in institutions with demonstrated expertise and infrastructure to tackle complex, multi-faceted challenges like influenza. This often involves fostering collaboration, integrating diverse research areas, and building capacity for sustained, high-impact research, aiming for greater synergy and advancement than fragmented, smaller grants.

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: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: 75N93019R00028

Offers Received: 9

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: ONE GUSTAVE L LEVY PL, NEW YORK, NY, 10029

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Tax Exempt, Educational Institution, Higher Education, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Higher Education (Private), Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $127,731,718

Exercised Options: $73,935,406

Current Obligation: $73,935,406

Actual Outlays: $54,110,615

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 18

Total Subaward Amount: $16,709,402

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Timeline