Duke University awarded $5.1M contract for primate immunology research, supporting AIDS vaccine development

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $5,120,519 ($5.1M)

Contractor: Duke University

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2025-03-30

End Date: 2027-03-29

Contract Duration: 729 days

Daily Burn Rate: $7.0K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: NONHUMAN PRIMATE CORE HUMORAL IMMUNOLOGY LABORATORY FOR AIDS VACCINE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

Place of Performance

Location: DURHAM, DURHAM County, NORTH CAROLINA, 27705

State: North Carolina Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $5.1 million to DUKE UNIVERSITY for work described as: NONHUMAN PRIMATE CORE HUMORAL IMMUNOLOGY LABORATORY FOR AIDS VACCINE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT Key points: 1. Contract supports critical research in a specialized scientific field. 2. Funding is allocated for a two-year period, indicating a focused research objective. 3. The contract type suggests a commitment to a specific research outcome. 4. Research is conducted in North Carolina, potentially benefiting the local scientific community. 5. The award is managed by NIH, a key agency for biomedical research funding.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $5.1 million over two years for specialized nonhuman primate immunology research appears reasonable given the complexity and niche nature of AIDS vaccine development. Benchmarking against similar contracts for advanced biological research and development is challenging due to the specific focus. However, the 'Cost No Fee' (NC) contract type suggests that the government is reimbursing direct costs and indirect expenses without an additional profit margin, which can indicate a focus on cost efficiency for the research itself.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple qualified bidders had the opportunity to submit proposals. The presence of two bids suggests a competitive environment, though the exact number of potential bidders in this highly specialized field is unknown. Full and open competition generally leads to better price discovery and a wider range of innovative approaches.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from a competitive process that aims to secure the best value and most effective research for the allocated funds. It ensures that the chosen contractor is selected based on merit and cost-effectiveness rather than sole-source justification.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are researchers and institutions working towards an AIDS vaccine, advancing global public health. Services delivered include specialized laboratory work, immunological studies, and data generation crucial for vaccine efficacy testing. The geographic impact is centered in North Carolina, potentially fostering local scientific expertise and infrastructure. Workforce implications include support for scientists, technicians, and administrative staff involved in cutting-edge biomedical research.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep in long-term research projects if not managed tightly.
Reliance on specialized nonhuman primate models raises ethical considerations and regulatory compliance needs.
The 'Cost No Fee' structure might disincentivize contractors from exceeding basic requirements if significant unforeseen challenges arise.

Positive Signals

Award to a reputable institution (Duke University) with a track record in research.
Clear research objective focused on a critical public health issue (AIDS vaccine).
Full and open competition suggests a robust selection process.
NIH oversight provides a layer of scientific and financial accountability.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. The market for AIDS vaccine research is highly specialized, driven by government funding agencies like NIH and pharmaceutical/biotechnology companies. Spending in this area is characterized by long-term investment, high scientific rigor, and a focus on innovation. Comparable spending benchmarks are difficult to establish precisely due to the unique nature of nonhuman primate immunology for vaccine development, but overall federal R&D spending in health is substantial.

Small Business Impact

This contract does not appear to involve a small business set-aside, as Duke University is a large research institution. There is no explicit mention of subcontracting requirements for small businesses within the provided data. The focus is on specialized research capabilities that may not be readily available from smaller entities in this niche field.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight is primarily provided by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), which manages the contract and monitors research progress and financial expenditures. Accountability measures are inherent in the research grant and contract process, requiring regular reporting and adherence to scientific protocols. Transparency is facilitated through public research findings and NIH's public-facing information, though specific contract details beyond the award are limited.

Related Government Programs

National Institutes of Health Research Grants
AIDS/HIV Research Programs
Vaccine Development Initiatives
Biomedical Research Contracts
Nonhuman Primate Research Funding

Risk Flags

Animal Welfare Compliance
Research Efficacy Uncertainty
Long-term Project Viability
Scientific Breakthrough Dependency

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $5.1 million to DUKE UNIVERSITY. NONHUMAN PRIMATE CORE HUMORAL IMMUNOLOGY LABORATORY FOR AIDS VACCINE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

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 $5.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-03-30. End: 2027-03-29.

What is Duke University's track record in receiving federal research grants, particularly in immunology and infectious diseases?

Duke University has a long and distinguished history of securing federal research funding, consistently ranking among the top U.S. universities for research expenditures. Specifically, within immunology and infectious diseases, Duke has been a major recipient of grants from agencies like the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the National Science Foundation (NSF). Their research portfolio includes significant work on HIV/AIDS, vaccine development, and comparative immunology. This established track record suggests a strong capacity to manage complex research projects and deliver scientific outcomes, making them a reliable candidate for this specific contract.

How does the $5.1 million contract value compare to other federal funding for similar nonhuman primate immunology research for vaccine development?

Directly comparing the $5.1 million contract value is challenging due to the highly specialized nature of nonhuman primate immunology research for AIDS vaccine development. Such research often requires significant infrastructure, specialized animal care, and highly skilled personnel, driving up costs. Federal funding for vaccine research, in general, can range from hundreds of thousands to tens of millions of dollars annually, depending on the phase of research (basic science, preclinical, clinical trials) and the specific disease target. This $5.1 million award over two years appears to be a substantial, but not outlier, investment for a focused, preclinical research effort in a critical area like AIDS vaccine development, likely covering personnel, animal care, reagents, and indirect costs.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, considering the use of nonhuman primates and the long-term nature of vaccine research?

Key risks include the ethical and regulatory complexities surrounding the use of nonhuman primates, requiring strict adherence to animal welfare guidelines and potential public scrutiny. Scientific risks involve the inherent uncertainty in vaccine development; research may not yield a viable candidate or may face unexpected biological hurdles. There's also a risk of project delays due to unforeseen scientific challenges, animal health issues, or changes in regulatory requirements. Furthermore, the 'Cost No Fee' contract type, while cost-conscious, could potentially limit contractor flexibility if significant, unbudgeted scientific challenges arise, impacting the pace of research.

What is the expected impact of this contract on the development timeline for an AIDS vaccine?

This contract is expected to contribute to the foundational knowledge and preclinical data necessary for advancing AIDS vaccine development. Specifically, it aims to enhance understanding of core humoral immunology in nonhuman primates relevant to vaccine responses. While this contract does not directly involve human trials, the insights gained are critical for designing more effective vaccine candidates and informing future clinical trial strategies. Its impact is therefore on the earlier, but crucial, stages of the vaccine pipeline, potentially accelerating the identification of promising vaccine approaches and reducing the risk of failure in later, more expensive stages.

How has federal spending on AIDS vaccine research evolved over the past decade, and where does this contract fit in?

Federal spending on AIDS vaccine research has been a consistent priority for agencies like the NIH, though funding levels can fluctuate based on scientific progress, public health emergencies, and budget allocations. Over the past decade, there has been a sustained investment in basic science, preclinical research (including nonhuman primate studies), and early-stage clinical trials. This $5.1 million contract fits within the ongoing federal commitment to understanding the complexities of HIV/AIDS and developing effective preventative measures. It represents a targeted investment in a specific area of preclinical research, complementing broader efforts across the federal portfolio aimed at achieving an AIDS vaccine.

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: 75N93023R00012

Offers Received: 2

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)

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $28,340,062

Exercised Options: $5,120,519

Current Obligation: $5,120,519

Actual Outlays: $1,958,813

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Timeline