HHS Awards $9.75M for DECORPORATION MCM Phase 1 Clinical Safety Study to SRI International

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $9,754,263 ($9.8M)

Contractor: SRI International

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2021-09-01

End Date: 2027-04-30

Contract Duration: 2,067 days

Daily Burn Rate: $4.7K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: DECORPORATION MCM PHASE 1 CLINICAL SAFETY STUDY

Place of Performance

Location: MENLO PARK, SAN MATEO County, CALIFORNIA, 94025

State: California Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $9.8 million to SRI INTERNATIONAL for work described as: DECORPORATION MCM PHASE 1 CLINICAL SAFETY STUDY Key points: 1. The contract focuses on clinical safety studies within the R&D sector. 2. SRI International, a known research organization, is the awardee. 3. The contract duration is substantial, spanning nearly 7 years. 4. The award mechanism is a delivery order under a larger contract. 5. The specific product service code is not detailed, limiting direct benchmarking.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. Benchmarking is difficult without a specific product service code or more detailed scope.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. However, the award is a delivery order, implying it's part of a pre-existing contract vehicle.

Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition is generally positive for taxpayer value, but the specific cost-effectiveness of this delivery order requires further scrutiny of the underlying contract.

Public Impact

Advancement of clinical safety research in a critical health area. Potential for new insights into medical countermeasures. Support for scientific innovation and development by a private entity.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Long contract duration increases risk of scope creep or changing requirements.
Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can incentivize higher spending.
Lack of specific product service code hinders detailed cost analysis.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition.
SRI International has a strong reputation in research.
Supports critical health research for NIH.

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 innovation but can be difficult to benchmark due to the unique nature of research projects.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates the awardee is SRI International, a large research organization. There is no explicit indication of small business participation in this specific delivery order.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is managed by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), a component of HHS. Oversight would involve monitoring research progress, adherence to safety protocols, and financial management throughout the contract's lifecycle.

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 (nearly 7 years).
Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type.
Limited public information on specific deliverables and milestones.
No clear indication of small business subcontracting.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $9.8 million to SRI INTERNATIONAL. DECORPORATION MCM PHASE 1 CLINICAL SAFETY STUDY

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is SRI INTERNATIONAL.

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 $9.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2021-09-01. End: 2027-04-30.

What specific deliverables are expected under this Phase 1 study, and how do they align with NIH's research priorities?

The Phase 1 study likely focuses on initial safety assessments of a medical countermeasure. Deliverables would typically include detailed reports on preclinical or early clinical trial safety data, methodology validation, and risk assessments. Alignment with NIH priorities would be evident if the countermeasure addresses a significant public health threat identified by NIH, such as emerging infectious diseases or biodefense needs.

How will NIH ensure cost control and prevent overruns given the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure and long duration?

NIH will likely implement rigorous oversight mechanisms, including regular progress reviews, detailed cost tracking, and milestone-based payments. Fixed fee components will be closely monitored against the defined scope. The long duration necessitates proactive management of potential scope changes and regular re-evaluation of the project's continued relevance and cost-effectiveness to mitigate overrun risks.

What is the potential impact of this research on public health and the broader medical countermeasures landscape?

Successful completion of this Phase 1 study could validate the safety of a novel medical countermeasure, paving the way for further development and potential deployment. This could significantly enhance public health preparedness against specific threats. The findings will contribute valuable data to the scientific community, potentially influencing future research directions and investment in similar countermeasures.

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

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 333 RAVENSWOOD AVE, MENLO PARK, CA, 94025

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $9,754,263

Exercised Options: $9,754,263

Current Obligation: $9,754,263

Actual Outlays: $9,313,762

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 8

Total Subaward Amount: $2,524,058

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 75N93020D00011

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline