NIH Awards $3.28M to Medical College of Wisconsin for Radiation Exposure Mitigation Research

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $3,275,826 ($3.3M)

Contractor: THE Medical College of Wisconsin, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2023-07-01

End Date: 2027-06-30

Contract Duration: 1,460 days

Daily Burn Rate: $2.2K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 16

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: MITIGATION OF MULTI-ORGAN DELAYED EFFECTS OF ACUTE RADIATION EXPOSURE (DEARE) WITH ACE-INHIBITOR LISINOPRIL

Place of Performance

Location: MILWAUKEE, MILWAUKEE County, WISCONSIN, 53226

State: Wisconsin Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $3.3 million to THE MEDICAL COLLEGE OF WISCONSIN, INC. for work described as: MITIGATION OF MULTI-ORGAN DELAYED EFFECTS OF ACUTE RADIATION EXPOSURE (DEARE) WITH ACE-INHIBITOR LISINOPRIL Key points: 1. Focuses on mitigating multi-organ delayed effects of acute radiation exposure using lisinopril. 2. Research and Development in Biotechnology sector, a critical area for national health security. 3. Potential for significant public health impact in radiation emergency preparedness. 4. Contract awarded via full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $3.28 million over four years for R&D is within a reasonable range for specialized biomedical research. Benchmarking against similar NIH grants for radiation countermeasure development would provide further context.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded through full and open competition, indicating that multiple qualified bidders had the opportunity to submit proposals. This method generally promotes competitive pricing and ensures the government receives the best value.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being invested in critical research that could enhance national preparedness for radiation emergencies, potentially saving lives and reducing long-term healthcare costs.

Public Impact

Enhances national preparedness for radiation emergencies. Develops potential medical countermeasures for radiation exposure. Supports advancements in biotechnology and medical research. Could lead to improved treatment protocols for victims of radiation incidents.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Research outcomes are subject to scientific validation and may not yield immediate deployable solutions.
Long-term efficacy and side effects of lisinopril in this context require extensive study.

Positive Signals

Addresses a critical national security and public health need.
Leverages existing pharmaceutical compounds (lisinopril) for a novel application.
Awarded through a competitive process, suggesting value for money.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development in Biotechnology sector, specifically focusing on medical countermeasures. Spending in this area is crucial for national health security and is often funded by agencies like NIH to address potential threats.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded to The Medical College of Wisconsin, Inc., a large research institution. There is no specific indication of small business involvement in this particular award, which is common for large-scale R&D grants.

Oversight & Accountability

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is responsible for overseeing this research grant. Standard NIH grant oversight mechanisms, including progress reports and scientific review, will be in place to ensure accountability and proper use of funds.

Related Government Programs

Research and Development in Biotechnology (except Nanobiotechnology)
Department of Health and Human Services Contracting
National Institutes of Health Programs

Risk Flags

Scientific uncertainty of research outcomes.
Potential for unforeseen adverse effects.
Dependence on successful completion of multiple research phases.
Limited applicability if only effective against specific radiation types or doses.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $3.3 million to THE MEDICAL COLLEGE OF WISCONSIN, INC.. MITIGATION OF MULTI-ORGAN DELAYED EFFECTS OF ACUTE RADIATION EXPOSURE (DEARE) WITH ACE-INHIBITOR LISINOPRIL

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is THE MEDICAL COLLEGE OF WISCONSIN, 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 $3.3 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-07-01. End: 2027-06-30.

What is the projected timeline for achieving significant milestones in mitigating radiation effects?

The contract duration is four years (2023-2027), suggesting that initial research, preclinical studies, and potentially early-stage clinical assessments are planned within this period. Specific milestone achievements will be detailed in the research plan and subject to NIH review and approval throughout the contract's life.

What are the primary risks associated with the effectiveness of lisinopril in mitigating radiation effects?

The primary risks include the potential for lisinopril to be ineffective in preventing or mitigating the specific multi-organ damage caused by acute radiation exposure. Other risks involve unforeseen side effects in a radiation-stressed population, the development of resistance, or interactions with other medical interventions required post-exposure.

How does this research contribute to the overall cost-effectiveness of radiation emergency response?

If successful, this research could provide a readily available and relatively inexpensive medical countermeasure (lisinopril is a common drug) to reduce the severity of radiation injuries. This could significantly lower long-term healthcare costs associated with treating radiation victims, improve survival rates, and reduce the burden on emergency medical services.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in Biotechnology (except Nanobiotechnology)

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: 75N93021R00019

Offers Received: 16

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 8701 WATERTOWN PLANK RD, MILWAUKEE, WI, 53226

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: $3,275,826

Exercised Options: $3,275,826

Current Obligation: $3,275,826

Actual Outlays: $2,283,541

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 2

Total Subaward Amount: $111,119

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline