NIH awards $42.1M contract to Seattle Children's Hospital for tuberculosis research

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $42,154,564 ($42.2M)

Contractor: Seattle Children's Hospital

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2021-08-01

End Date: 2026-07-31

Contract Duration: 1,825 days

Daily Burn Rate: $23.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 12

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: IMMUNE MECHANISMS OF PROTECTION AGAINST MYCOBACTERIUM TUBERCULOSIS CENTER (IMPAC-TB)

Place of Performance

Location: SEATTLE, KING County, WASHINGTON, 98101

State: Washington Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $42.2 million to SEATTLE CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL for work described as: IMMUNE MECHANISMS OF PROTECTION AGAINST MYCOBACTERIUM TUBERCULOSIS CENTER (IMPAC-TB) Key points: 1. Contract focuses on understanding immune responses to tuberculosis. 2. Research aims to inform vaccine and therapeutic development. 3. Long-term contract duration suggests a significant research program. 4. Funding level is substantial for a single research center. 5. Competition was robust, indicating potential for good value. 6. Geographic concentration in Washington state.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $42.1 million over five years represents a significant investment in tuberculosis research. While direct comparisons are difficult without specific benchmarks for similar complex biological research, the funding level appears consistent with large-scale, multi-year research initiatives. The 'Cost No Fee' contract type suggests that the government is reimbursing the contractor for allowable costs incurred, which is common in research settings. Further analysis would require benchmarking against other NIH grants for similar research scope and duration to definitively assess value for money.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, with 12 bids received. This level of competition is a positive indicator, suggesting that multiple entities were interested and capable of performing the research. A competitive process generally leads to better price discovery and can drive innovation as contractors vie for the award. The number of bidders indicates a healthy market for this type of specialized research.

Taxpayer Impact: A competitive award process helps ensure that taxpayer funds are used efficiently by selecting the most capable and cost-effective research proposal.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are public health organizations and individuals affected by tuberculosis, through the potential development of new treatments and vaccines. The services delivered include advanced immunological research and data analysis related to Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The geographic impact is primarily centered in Washington state, where Seattle Children's Hospital is located, but the research findings will have global public health implications. The contract supports a scientific workforce engaged in cutting-edge biomedical research.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Long contract duration could lead to scope creep or shifts in research priorities.
Reliance on a single institution for a large sum may concentrate risk.
Complexity of biological research can lead to unforeseen challenges and cost overruns.

Positive Signals

Full and open competition suggests a well-defined requirement and a competitive market.
The 'Cost No Fee' structure, while common, requires diligent oversight to manage costs.
Focus on a critical global health issue like tuberculosis aligns with public health priorities.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on life sciences. The market for biomedical research is characterized by significant government funding, particularly through agencies like NIH, and a mix of academic institutions, non-profits, and private companies. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve looking at other large NIH grants awarded for infectious disease research or immunology. The total federal spending on R&D is substantial, with a significant portion allocated to health-related research.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication of small business set-asides for this contract, nor are there specific subcontracting requirements mentioned. Given the nature of the research and the primary awardee being a large hospital system, the focus is likely on specialized scientific expertise rather than broad subcontracting opportunities for small businesses. The impact on the small business ecosystem is likely minimal for this specific award.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the National Institutes of Health (NIH), a component of the Department of Health and Human Services. Mechanisms likely include regular progress reports, financial reviews, and scientific reviews of research outcomes. Accountability is ensured through adherence to the contract terms, research protocols, and ethical guidelines. Transparency is typically maintained through public reporting of research findings and contract award data.

Related Government Programs

NIH Research Grants
Tuberculosis Research Programs
Infectious Disease Research
Immunology Research
Biomedical R&D Contracts

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns in complex research
Reliance on specific scientific expertise
Long-term project management challenges

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $42.2 million to SEATTLE CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL. IMMUNE MECHANISMS OF PROTECTION AGAINST MYCOBACTERIUM TUBERCULOSIS CENTER (IMPAC-TB)

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is SEATTLE CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL.

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 $42.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2021-08-01. End: 2026-07-31.

What is the track record of Seattle Children's Hospital in receiving and managing large federal research grants, particularly in immunology?

Seattle Children's Hospital has a strong track record as a major pediatric hospital and research institution. It is consistently ranked among the top children's hospitals and receives significant funding from federal agencies, including the National Institutes of Health (NIH). While specific data on their success rate for immunology grants isn't provided here, their designation as a research institution implies substantial experience in managing complex research projects, including those involving significant federal funding. Their ability to secure this large, competitive contract suggests a proven capacity to meet NIH's rigorous scientific and administrative standards for research.

How does the $42.1 million award compare to other NIH funding for tuberculosis research over a similar period?

The $42.1 million award represents a substantial, but not unprecedented, investment in tuberculosis research by the NIH. NIH funds a wide array of research projects, and large, multi-year grants are common for complex scientific endeavors. To provide a precise comparison, one would need to analyze NIH's annual reports and databases for the total funding allocated to tuberculosis research and identify other major awards. However, this contract's value suggests it is a significant initiative, likely encompassing multiple research aims and potentially involving a large research team over its five-year duration, indicating a high priority for this area of study within NIH's portfolio.

What are the primary risks associated with a 'Cost No Fee' contract for advanced biological research?

A 'Cost No Fee' (CNF) contract, while common in research where the final outcome is uncertain, carries specific risks. The primary risk for the government is cost control; since the contractor is reimbursed for allowable costs, there's less direct incentive to minimize expenses compared to a fixed-price contract. This necessitates robust government oversight to ensure costs are reasonable, allocable, and allowable. For the contractor, the risk lies in not being able to cover all incurred costs if they exceed the contract ceiling or if certain costs are deemed unallowable. For advanced biological research, risks also include scientific uncertainty, potential for project delays, and the need for specialized equipment and personnel, all of which can impact costs.

What is the expected impact of this research on the development of new tuberculosis vaccines or treatments?

The 'IMMUNE MECHANISMS OF PROTECTION AGAINST MYCOBACTERIUM TUBERCULOSIS CENTER (IMPAC-TB)' contract is directly aimed at advancing the understanding of how the human immune system fights tuberculosis. By elucidating these 'immune mechanisms,' researchers aim to identify critical targets and pathways that can be leveraged for therapeutic intervention. This knowledge is foundational for the rational design of more effective vaccines that can elicit protective immunity and novel treatments that can overcome existing drug resistance or improve patient outcomes. The research is expected to generate data that will guide preclinical and clinical development efforts in the broader TB research community.

How has federal spending on tuberculosis research evolved over the past decade, and does this contract represent a shift in focus or funding levels?

Federal spending on tuberculosis (TB) research, primarily through the NIH, has remained a consistent priority due to the global burden of the disease. While specific year-over-year figures fluctuate based on appropriations and research priorities, there has been a sustained effort to combat TB, including drug-resistant strains. This $42.1 million contract, awarded under full and open competition, suggests a significant, targeted investment in understanding fundamental immune responses. It aligns with the ongoing need for innovative solutions and may represent a strategic allocation of resources to a critical area, rather than a dramatic departure from historical funding trends, but it underscores the continued importance of TB research.

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: BAA-NIAID-NIHAI201700104

Offers Received: 12

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 4800 SAND POINT WAY NE, SEATTLE, WA, 98105

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Tax Exempt, Hospital, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $42,154,564

Exercised Options: $42,154,564

Current Obligation: $42,154,564

Actual Outlays: $24,681,850

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 27

Total Subaward Amount: $11,929,651

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline