NIH Awards Duke University $18.2M for Coronavirus Vaccine Research
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $18,205,751 ($18.2M)
Contractor: Duke University
Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services
Start Date: 2022-09-19
End Date: 2026-09-18
Contract Duration: 1,460 days
Daily Burn Rate: $12.5K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 10
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: "ADVANCED DEVELOPMENT OF A NEUTRALIZING ANTIBODY VACCINE FOR PANDEMIC AND PRE-EMERGENT CORONAVIRUSES"
Place of Performance
Location: DURHAM, DURHAM County, NORTH CAROLINA, 27708
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Health and Human Services obligated $18.2 million to DUKE UNIVERSITY for work described as: "ADVANCED DEVELOPMENT OF A NEUTRALIZING ANTIBODY VACCINE FOR PANDEMIC AND PRE-EMERGENT CORONAVIRUSES" Key points: 1. Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences is a broad sector. 2. Duke University is a leading research institution. 3. The contract is for advanced development of a neutralizing antibody vaccine. 4. This addresses pandemic preparedness and pre-emergent coronavirus threats.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The award amount of $18.2 million for a definitive contract with a cost-no-fee structure appears reasonable for advanced vaccine development. Benchmarking against similar R&D contracts for novel vaccine platforms would provide further context.
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. This method generally promotes price discovery and ensures the government receives competitive offers.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are supporting critical research into pandemic preparedness, potentially mitigating future public health crises and associated economic costs.
Public Impact
Supports national biodefense and pandemic preparedness efforts. Invests in cutting-edge scientific research for public health. Potential for long-term public health benefits and reduced future pandemic impact.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Research and Development funding can be subject to scientific uncertainty.
- Long development timelines for vaccines present inherent risks.
Positive Signals
- Addresses a critical public health need.
- Leverages expertise of a reputable research institution.
- Awarded through a competitive process.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on life sciences. Spending in this area is crucial for innovation but can be characterized by high risk and long lead times for tangible outcomes.
Small Business Impact
This contract was awarded to Duke University, a large research institution. There is no indication of subcontracting opportunities for small businesses in the provided data.
Oversight & Accountability
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is responsible for overseeing this research grant. Standard NIH oversight mechanisms for research grants and contracts would apply.
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
- Scientific uncertainty in R&D
- Long development timelines
- Potential for virus mutation/immune escape
- Dependence on future clinical trial success
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-health-and-human-services, nc, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Health and Human Services awarded $18.2 million to DUKE UNIVERSITY. "ADVANCED DEVELOPMENT OF A NEUTRALIZING ANTIBODY VACCINE FOR PANDEMIC AND PRE-EMERGENT CORONAVIRUSES"
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is DUKE UNIVERSITY.
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 $18.2 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2022-09-19. End: 2026-09-18.
What is the projected timeline for achieving key milestones in the vaccine development process?
The contract duration is set at 1460 days, ending September 18, 2026. This suggests an anticipated timeline for significant progress, though specific milestone dates are not detailed. The NIH will likely monitor progress against a defined research plan throughout this period.
What are the primary scientific risks associated with developing this specific neutralizing antibody vaccine?
Key scientific risks include the efficacy of the antibody in neutralizing diverse coronavirus strains, potential for immune escape mutations in the virus, and the safety profile of the vaccine in human trials. The 'Cost No Fee' structure implies the contractor bears the risk of cost overruns if development is unsuccessful.
How will the effectiveness of the vaccine be measured and validated?
Effectiveness will likely be measured through a combination of in vitro assays, animal model studies, and eventually, human clinical trials. The NIH will require rigorous data demonstrating both immunogenicity and protective efficacy against relevant coronavirus challenges before deeming the development successful.
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: PHS-2021-1
Offers Received: 10
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 2200 W MAIN ST STE 710, DURHAM, NC, 27708
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Tax Exempt, Educational Institution, Higher Education, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Higher Education (Private)
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $21,659,151
Exercised Options: $18,205,751
Current Obligation: $18,205,751
Actual Outlays: $13,225,740
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Timeline
Start Date: 2022-09-19
Current End Date: 2026-09-18
Potential End Date: 2026-09-18 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-03-14
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