NIH Awards Duke University $3.5M for T Cell Recovery Research Post-Radiation Injury
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $3,499,087 ($3.5M)
Contractor: Duke University
Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services
Start Date: 2024-03-01
End Date: 2027-02-28
Contract Duration: 1,094 days
Daily Burn Rate: $3.2K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 9
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: PROMOTING T CELL RECOVERY AFTER RADIATION INJURY WITH LONG-ACTING INTERLEUKIN 7
Place of Performance
Location: DURHAM, DURHAM County, NORTH CAROLINA, 27705
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Health and Human Services obligated $3.5 million to DUKE UNIVERSITY for work described as: PROMOTING T CELL RECOVERY AFTER RADIATION INJURY WITH LONG-ACTING INTERLEUKIN 7 Key points: 1. Research focuses on a critical area of medical need: mitigating radiation damage. 2. Competition was full and open, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. Potential for significant advancements in supportive care for cancer patients and radiation workers. 4. Spending is within the R&D sector, characterized by high innovation and long development cycles.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $3.5 million for a 3-year research project appears reasonable given the specialized nature of biotechnology R&D. Benchmarking against similar NIH grants for early-stage biomedical research would provide a more precise assessment.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under 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 potentially life-saving research, with the expectation of future public health benefits and scientific advancement.
Public Impact
Potential to improve recovery for cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy. Could enhance safety protocols for individuals exposed to radiation. Advances understanding of immune system regeneration. Supports cutting-edge biomedical research in the United States.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Long-term research outcomes are inherently uncertain.
- Potential for scope creep in complex research projects.
Positive Signals
- Addresses a significant unmet medical need.
- Awarded through a competitive process.
- Supports a reputable research institution.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under Research and Development in Biotechnology, a sector known for its high investment in innovation and long lead times for product development. Spending benchmarks for similar NIH grants in this area are typically in the millions for multi-year projects.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded to Duke University, a large research institution. There is no direct indication of small business involvement in this specific award, which is common for large-scale research grants.
Oversight & Accountability
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is responsible for overseeing this grant. Standard NIH grant management processes and periodic reporting by the awardee are expected to ensure accountability and progress.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in Biotechnology (except Nanobiotechnology)
- Department of Health and Human Services Contracting
- National Institutes of Health Programs
Risk Flags
- Research and Development Uncertainty
- Potential for Adverse Immune Reactions
- Long-term Efficacy Not Yet Proven
- Dependence on Future Funding for Clinical Translation
Tags
research-and-development-in-biotechnolog, department-of-health-and-human-services, nc, definitive-contract, 1m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Health and Human Services awarded $3.5 million to DUKE UNIVERSITY. PROMOTING T CELL RECOVERY AFTER RADIATION INJURY WITH LONG-ACTING INTERLEUKIN 7
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 $3.5 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2024-03-01. End: 2027-02-28.
What is the projected timeline for achieving significant milestones in T cell recovery based on this research?
The project is funded for three years, with an end date of February 2027. While specific milestone timelines are not detailed in the award abstract, research grants typically involve phased objectives. Progress reports submitted to NIH would outline key achievements, such as successful preclinical models, identification of optimal dosing, and preliminary efficacy data within this timeframe.
What are the primary risks associated with the long-acting interleukin 7 therapy itself?
Potential risks include adverse immune reactions, such as cytokine release syndrome, or unintended consequences on other immune cell populations. The long-acting nature might also pose challenges in dose titration and managing potential side effects. The research protocol will need to carefully monitor for and mitigate these risks through rigorous preclinical and clinical evaluation.
How will the effectiveness of this therapy be measured and validated post-radiation injury?
Effectiveness will likely be measured through a combination of preclinical animal models and potentially future human trials. Key metrics will include the rate and extent of T cell recovery, restoration of immune function, reduction in inflammatory markers, and survival rates. The research will compare outcomes in treated versus control groups to establish the therapy's efficacy.
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: BAA-75N93022R00021
Offers Received: 9
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 2200 W MAIN ST, DURHAM, NC, 27705
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: $3,499,087
Exercised Options: $3,499,087
Current Obligation: $3,499,087
Actual Outlays: $2,384,795
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Timeline
Start Date: 2024-03-01
Current End Date: 2027-02-28
Potential End Date: 2027-02-28 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-02-25
More Contracts from Duke University
- Collaborative Influenza Vaccine Innovation Centers (civics) Component B: Vaccine Manufacturing and Toxicology Core — $78.2M (Department of Health and Human Services)
- This Contract Will Support Component a of the Collaborative Influenza Vaccine Innovation Centers (civics) Program to Design and Evaluate Innovative Influenza Vaccine Approaches, Based on Principles of Influenza Immunity, That Achieve Durable, Robust — $66.5M (Department of Health and Human Services)
- TAS::75 0140::TAS — $49.0M (Department of Health and Human Services)
- External Quality Assurance Program Oversight Laboratory (eqapol) — $37.3M (Department of Health and Human Services)
- Collaborative Influenza Vaccine Innovation Centers (civics) - Component C: Clinical Core (awarded POP: September 16, 2019 - September 15, 2020) — $35.8M (Department of Health and Human Services)
Other Department of Health and Human Services Contracts
- Contact Center Operations (CCO) — $5.5B (Maximus Federal Services, Inc.)
- TAS::75 0849::TAS Oper of Govt R&D Goco Facilities — $4.8B (Leidos Biomedical Research Inc)
- THE Purpose of This Contract IS to Provide the Full Complement of Services Necessary to Care for UC in ORR Custody Including Facilities Set-Up, Maintenance, and Support Internal and Perimeter (IF Applicable) Security, Direct Care and Supervision Inc — $3.5B (Rapid Deployment Inc)
- Contact Center Operations — $2.6B (Maximus Federal Services, Inc.)
- Federal Contract — $2.4B (Leidos Biomedical Research Inc)
View all Department of Health and Human Services contracts →