NIH's $29.6M BRAIN Initiative Cell Atlas Network contract awarded to Broad Institute for neurotechnology research
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $29,616,800 ($29.6M)
Contractor: THE Broad Institute, Inc
Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services
Start Date: 2023-05-29
End Date: 2027-05-28
Contract Duration: 1,460 days
Daily Burn Rate: $20.3K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: TASK AREAS TWO (2), THREE (3), FOUR (4), AND SIX (6) FOR THE NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF HEALTH (NIH) BRAIN RESEARCH THROUGH ADVANCING INNOVATIVE NEUROTECHNOLOGIES (BRAIN) INITIATIVE CELL ATLAS NETWORK (BICAN)
Place of Performance
Location: CAMBRIDGE, MIDDLESEX County, MASSACHUSETTS, 02142
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Health and Human Services obligated $29.6 million to THE BROAD INSTITUTE, INC for work described as: TASK AREAS TWO (2), THREE (3), FOUR (4), AND SIX (6) FOR THE NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF HEALTH (NIH) BRAIN RESEARCH THROUGH ADVANCING INNOVATIVE NEUROTECHNOLOGIES (BRAIN) INITIATIVE CELL ATLAS NETWORK (BICAN) Key points: 1. The contract focuses on advancing neurotechnologies for the BRAIN Initiative Cell Atlas Network. 2. Broad Institute, a leading research institution, is the sole awardee. 3. The contract spans four years, indicating a significant, long-term research commitment. 4. This award falls under the Research and Development in Biotechnology sector.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $29.6 million over four years appears reasonable for a large-scale, multi-task research initiative like the NIH BRAIN Initiative Cell Atlas Network. Benchmarking against similar complex R&D contracts is difficult without more specific details on deliverables and scope.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a robust process to identify the best value. This method typically leads to more competitive pricing and ensures a wide range of potential offerors had the opportunity to bid.
Taxpayer Impact: The competitive award process aims to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently for cutting-edge scientific research.
Public Impact
Advancing understanding of the human brain through detailed cell mapping. Fostering innovation in neurotechnology development. Supporting a major federal research initiative with significant scientific goals. Potential for breakthroughs in neurological disease research and treatment.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Complexity of research scope may lead to cost overruns.
- Long-term reliance on a single entity for critical research components.
- Potential for scope creep given the nature of R&D projects.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition.
- Supports a high-priority national research initiative.
- Long-term funding provides stability for research progress.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development in Biotechnology sector, specifically focusing on neurotechnology. Spending in this area is critical for advancing medical science and understanding complex biological systems, with significant federal investment aimed at long-term scientific discovery.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was awarded to a single large entity, the Broad Institute. There is no explicit mention of small business participation or subcontracting goals within the provided data, suggesting limited direct impact on small businesses for this specific award.
Oversight & Accountability
The award is managed by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), a component of the Department of Health and Human Services. Oversight will likely involve regular progress reports, milestone reviews, and financial audits to ensure adherence to the contract terms and research objectives.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in Biotechnology (except Nanobiotechnology)
- Department of Health and Human Services Contracting
- National Institutes of Health Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for scientific challenges impacting timeline.
- Reliance on a single awardee for critical research components.
- Complexity of R&D may lead to budget challenges.
- Limited visibility into small business participation.
Tags
research-and-development-in-biotechnolog, department-of-health-and-human-services, ma, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Health and Human Services awarded $29.6 million to THE BROAD INSTITUTE, INC. TASK AREAS TWO (2), THREE (3), FOUR (4), AND SIX (6) FOR THE NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF HEALTH (NIH) BRAIN RESEARCH THROUGH ADVANCING INNOVATIVE NEUROTECHNOLOGIES (BRAIN) INITIATIVE CELL ATLAS NETWORK (BICAN)
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is THE BROAD INSTITUTE, 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 $29.6 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2023-05-29. End: 2027-05-28.
What specific deliverables are expected from the Broad Institute under this contract, and how will their achievement be measured to ensure value for money?
The contract likely outlines specific research milestones, data generation targets, and technological advancements related to the BRAIN Initiative Cell Atlas Network. Success will be measured through periodic technical reviews, peer-reviewed publications, and the successful integration of generated data into the broader BICAN framework. The 'COST NO FEE' (PT) indicates the contractor is responsible for all costs associated with achieving these objectives.
Given the long-term nature and complexity of neurotechnology research, what are the primary risks associated with this contract, and how are they being mitigated?
Key risks include potential scientific setbacks, the emergence of superior alternative technologies, and the possibility of cost overruns if research proves more challenging than anticipated. Mitigation strategies may involve flexible contract management, regular scientific advisory board reviews, and contingency planning for unexpected research outcomes. The 'full and open competition' award method aims to select a capable contractor, reducing initial performance risk.
How does this contract contribute to the overall effectiveness and goals of the NIH BRAIN Initiative, and what is the anticipated impact on scientific progress?
This contract is crucial for building the foundational cell atlas data for the BRAIN Initiative, enabling a deeper understanding of brain circuitry and function. Its effectiveness lies in generating high-quality, standardized data that will empower a wide range of neuroscience research. The anticipated impact includes accelerating discoveries in brain disorders, developing new diagnostic tools, and paving the way for novel therapeutic interventions.
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: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY
Solicitation ID: 75N95023R00038
Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 415 MAIN ST, CAMBRIDGE, MA, 02142
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Tax Exempt, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $61,453,470
Exercised Options: $29,616,800
Current Obligation: $29,616,800
Actual Outlays: $7,787,782
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 75N95023D00006
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2023-05-29
Current End Date: 2027-05-28
Potential End Date: 2028-05-28 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-03-30
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