NIH awards $12M+ contract to Icahn School of Medicine for CNS tissue repository services

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $12,059,955 ($12.1M)

Contractor: Icahn School of Medicine AT Mount Sinai

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2019-08-28

End Date: 2025-10-31

Contract Duration: 2,256 days

Daily Burn Rate: $5.3K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 7

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: THE PURPOSE OF THIS CONTRACT IS TO ESTABLISH COLLECTION SITES(S) (I.E., THE NIH BRAIN AND TISSUE REPOSITORY (NBTR)) TO PROVIDE SERVICES THAT WILL ACTIVELY ACQUIRE, RECEIVE, PROCESS, STORE, CURATE, PRESERVE, AND DISTRIBUTE CNS AND RELATED BIOLOGICAL S

Place of Performance

Location: NEW YORK, NEW YORK County, NEW YORK, 10029

State: New York Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $12.1 million to ICAHN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AT MOUNT SINAI for work described as: THE PURPOSE OF THIS CONTRACT IS TO ESTABLISH COLLECTION SITES(S) (I.E., THE NIH BRAIN AND TISSUE REPOSITORY (NBTR)) TO PROVIDE SERVICES THAT WILL ACTIVELY ACQUIRE, RECEIVE, PROCESS, STORE, CURATE, PRESERVE, AND DISTRIBUTE CNS AND RELATED BIOLOGICAL S Key points: 1. Contract focuses on critical infrastructure for neuroscience research, ensuring availability of biological samples. 2. The definitive contract type suggests a long-term relationship for ongoing services. 3. Performance period spans over six years, indicating sustained need for these specialized services. 4. The contract is awarded to a single entity, Icahn School of Medicine, for specialized expertise. 5. Services include acquisition, processing, storage, curation, preservation, and distribution of biological materials. 6. The contract supports the National Institutes of Health's mission in advancing biomedical research.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of over $12 million for a 2256-day period (approximately 6 years) appears reasonable for establishing and maintaining a specialized biological repository. Benchmarking against similar large-scale biobanking initiatives would provide more precise value-for-money assessment. However, the Cost No Fee (CNF) contract type suggests that the contractor bears the financial risk for cost overruns, which can be a positive indicator for the government.

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. The presence of 7 bids suggests a competitive process, which typically leads to better pricing and service offerings for the government. The specific details of the competition, such as the number of proposals received and the evaluation criteria, would further illuminate the effectiveness of the competition.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition ensures that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently by fostering a marketplace where contractors vie to offer the best value, potentially leading to cost savings and higher quality services.

Public Impact

Researchers in neuroscience and related fields benefit from access to curated CNS and biological samples. The contract facilitates the advancement of research into neurological disorders and brain health. Services provided ensure the integrity and availability of valuable biological specimens for scientific study. The contract supports the National Institutes of Health's strategic goals for biomedical research. Geographic impact is primarily national, supporting researchers across the United States. Workforce implications include specialized roles in biobanking, laboratory management, and research support.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for long-term reliance on a single provider for critical biological sample management.
Ensuring consistent quality control and data integrity across all stages of sample processing and storage.
Managing the logistical complexities of acquiring, processing, and distributing sensitive biological materials.

Positive Signals

Established infrastructure for a critical research resource (NBTR).
Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a competitive process.
Contractor has a defined role in supporting significant NIH research initiatives.
Long performance period suggests a stable and reliable service provider.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Biotechnology (except Nanobiotechnology) sector, specifically supporting research and development activities. The market for specialized biobanking and repository services is crucial for advancing medical research, particularly in complex fields like neuroscience. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve analyzing other large-scale biobanking contracts awarded by agencies like NIH, NSF, or DOD, which often involve significant investments in infrastructure, personnel, and long-term sample preservation.

Small Business Impact

The contract data indicates that this was not a small business set-aside, and the contractor is not a small business. There is no explicit information regarding subcontracting plans for small businesses. Further analysis would be needed to determine if opportunities exist for small businesses to participate in subcontracting roles within this contract, contributing to the broader small business ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily reside with the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the awarding agency. The contract type (Cost No Fee) implies that the contractor assumes financial risk, which can incentivize efficient management. Transparency is facilitated through federal contract databases, and the Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human Services would have jurisdiction over any potential fraud, waste, or abuse related to this award.

Related Government Programs

National Neurological Diseases Surveillance System
National Database for Autism Research
Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Human Brain Project
Brain Research through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies (BRAIN) Initiative

Risk Flags

Long-term reliance on a single provider.
Ensuring consistent sample quality and integrity over time.
Managing complex logistics for biological material distribution.
Data security and privacy for associated research information.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $12.1 million to ICAHN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AT MOUNT SINAI. THE PURPOSE OF THIS CONTRACT IS TO ESTABLISH COLLECTION SITES(S) (I.E., THE NIH BRAIN AND TISSUE REPOSITORY (NBTR)) TO PROVIDE SERVICES THAT WILL ACTIVELY ACQUIRE, RECEIVE, PROCESS, STORE, CURATE, PRESERVE, AND DISTRIBUTE CNS AND RELATED BIOLOGICAL S

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ICAHN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AT MOUNT SINAI.

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 $12.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2019-08-28. End: 2025-10-31.

What is the track record of the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in managing large-scale biological repositories and research support contracts?

The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai is a prominent academic medical institution with extensive experience in biomedical research. While specific details on their track record managing large-scale biological repositories under federal contracts are not provided in the summary data, their institutional capacity and research focus suggest a strong foundation for such operations. They are known for significant contributions to various medical fields, including neuroscience. A deeper dive into their past performance on similar government contracts, including any awards or commendations related to biobanking or research infrastructure, would provide a more comprehensive assessment of their capabilities and reliability in this specific domain.

How does the awarded amount compare to the duration and scope of services for similar NIH biobanking contracts?

The contract value of approximately $12 million over roughly 6 years (2256 days) for establishing and operating the NIH Brain and Tissue Repository (NBTR) needs to be benchmarked against comparable large-scale biobanking initiatives. Factors such as the complexity of sample types (e.g., human brain tissue vs. blood), processing requirements, storage conditions (e.g., cryogenic), data management systems, and distribution protocols significantly influence costs. Without direct comparisons to contracts with identical scopes and sample complexities, it's challenging to definitively assess value. However, the Cost No Fee (CNF) structure suggests the government is protected from cost overruns, which is a positive indicator. Further analysis would involve identifying and comparing the per-sample cost, per-storage-unit cost, or per-service-activity cost across similar NIH or other federal agency biobanking contracts.

What are the primary risks associated with the long-term storage and distribution of sensitive biological materials under this contract?

The primary risks associated with the long-term storage and distribution of sensitive biological materials under this contract include sample degradation or loss due to equipment failure, human error, or environmental factors. Maintaining the integrity and viability of biological samples, especially complex ones like brain tissue, over extended periods requires robust quality control, redundant systems, and strict adherence to protocols. Risks also extend to data security and privacy, ensuring that associated research data is protected. Furthermore, logistical challenges in timely and secure distribution to researchers worldwide, while maintaining sample integrity, pose significant operational risks. Contamination of samples or the introduction of pathogens are also critical concerns that require stringent biosafety measures.

What is the expected impact of the NBTR services on the pace and direction of neuroscience research in the US?

The establishment and operation of the NIH Brain and Tissue Repository (NBTR) are expected to significantly accelerate and potentially redirect neuroscience research in the US. By providing a centralized, curated, and readily accessible source of high-quality CNS and related biological samples, the NBTR will reduce the time and resources researchers spend on sample acquisition. This accessibility is crucial for studies requiring large sample sizes or specific tissue types that are difficult to obtain. Furthermore, the availability of well-characterized samples can facilitate reproducibility and standardization across studies. The repository's services will likely enable more complex research, such as comparative studies across different neurological conditions, genetic analyses, and the development and validation of diagnostic or therapeutic targets, ultimately advancing our understanding of brain function and disease.

How does the 'Cost No Fee' contract type influence contractor performance and government oversight?

The 'Cost No Fee' (CNF) contract type places the financial risk of cost overruns primarily on the contractor, the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in this case. This structure incentivizes the contractor to manage project costs efficiently and effectively, as any expenses exceeding the agreed-upon budget will not be reimbursed by the government. This can lead to more diligent cost control and resource management. For the government, it offers protection against unexpected cost increases. However, it also necessitates robust oversight to ensure that cost-saving measures do not compromise the quality, scope, or timely completion of the required services. The government's role shifts from managing cost ceilings to ensuring that the contractor is performing the work adequately within their own financial risk parameters.

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: 75N95019R00006

Offers Received: 7

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: ONE GUSTAVE L LEVY PL, NEW YORK, NY, 10029

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: $15,570,163

Exercised Options: $12,059,955

Current Obligation: $12,059,955

Actual Outlays: $9,572,435

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Timeline