HHS Awards $24.6M for Influenza Research Excellence to University of Georgia

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $24,617,779 ($24.6M)

Contractor: University of Georgia Research Foundation, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2021-04-01

End Date: 2028-03-31

Contract Duration: 2,556 days

Daily Burn Rate: $9.6K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 9

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE

Sector: R&D

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

Place of Performance

Location: ATHENS, CLARKE County, GEORGIA, 30602

State: Georgia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $24.6 million to UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA RESEARCH FOUNDATION, INC. for work described as: UGA CEIRR - THIS CONTRACT WILL SUPPORT THE NIAID CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE FOR INFLUENZA RESEARCH AND RESPONSE Key points: 1. Significant investment in influenza research infrastructure. 2. Competition was full and open, suggesting potential for competitive pricing. 3. Contract duration is long (over 7 years), requiring ongoing oversight. 4. Focus on R&D in life sciences, a critical area for public health.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract type is Cost No Fee, which is common for R&D. The total award amount of $24.6M over 7 years suggests a substantial but potentially reasonable annual spend for a center of excellence.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating multiple bidders likely participated. This method generally promotes price discovery and competitive pricing.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are supporting critical research into influenza, aiming to improve public health outcomes and potentially reduce future healthcare costs associated with pandemics.

Public Impact

Supports vital research into influenza, a major public health concern. Enhances the nation's capacity to respond to and mitigate influenza outbreaks. Investment in scientific advancement and disease prevention. Potential for breakthroughs in vaccine development and treatment strategies.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Long contract duration requires sustained monitoring.
Cost-reimbursement elements may need careful tracking to ensure efficiency.

Positive Signals

Supports critical public health research.
Full and open competition utilized.
Awarded to a research foundation, indicating specialized expertise.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. Spending in this sector is crucial for innovation and addressing national challenges like public health threats. Benchmarks vary widely based on specific research areas.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded to the University of Georgia Research Foundation, Inc., which is not a small business. There is no indication of small business subcontracting requirements in the provided data.

Oversight & Accountability

Given the long duration and cost-reimbursement nature, robust oversight by NIH will be essential to ensure funds are used effectively and research milestones are met. Regular performance reviews and financial audits are expected.

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

Long contract duration (over 7 years).
Cost-reimbursement contract type requires diligent oversight.
Potential for scope creep in R&D projects.
Reliance on a single entity for a critical research center.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $24.6 million to UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA RESEARCH FOUNDATION, INC.. UGA 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 UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA RESEARCH FOUNDATION, INC..

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 $24.6 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2021-04-01. End: 2028-03-31.

What are the specific research objectives and expected outcomes for the NIAID Centers of Excellence for Influenza Research and Response?

The specific research objectives likely encompass a broad range of influenza-related studies, including virology, immunology, epidemiology, and pathogenesis. Expected outcomes could include improved understanding of influenza transmission, development of novel vaccines and therapeutics, enhanced diagnostic tools, and better preparedness strategies for future pandemics. The NIAID would typically outline these in detail within the contract's statement of work.

How will the effectiveness of the influenza research be measured and evaluated throughout the contract period?

Effectiveness will likely be measured through a combination of quantitative and qualitative metrics. Key performance indicators could include the number and impact of research publications, successful development of new technologies or methodologies, progress towards specific research milestones outlined in the statement of work, and the ability to respond to emerging influenza threats. Regular progress reports and scientific reviews by NIAID experts would be crucial for evaluation.

What is the potential long-term impact of this research on public health preparedness and response capabilities?

This investment is expected to significantly bolster the nation's public health preparedness and response capabilities by advancing fundamental knowledge of influenza viruses and host responses. It could lead to more effective vaccines, improved antiviral treatments, and better surveillance systems, ultimately reducing the burden of influenza disease and enhancing our ability to manage future outbreaks or pandemics.

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: 310 EAST CAMPUS RD TUCKER HALL ROOM 409, ATHENS, GA, 30602

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Tax Exempt, Foundation, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $91,775,618

Exercised Options: $24,617,779

Current Obligation: $24,617,779

Actual Outlays: $12,287,846

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 24

Total Subaward Amount: $6,320,815

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Timeline