NIH awards $13.6M contract for toxicology archives and repository management to Experimental Pathology Laboratories, Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $13,653,684 ($13.7M)

Contractor: Experimental Pathology Laboratories, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2024-03-29

End Date: 2027-03-28

Contract Duration: 1,094 days

Daily Burn Rate: $12.5K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: MANAGEMENT AND SUPPORT OF AN ARCHIVES AND REPOSITORY CONTRACT FOR THE NATIONAL TOXICOLOGY PROGRAM (NTP) AND THE NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SCIENCES (NIEHS) DIVISIONS OF TRANSLATIONAL TOXICOLOGY (DTT) AND INTRAMURAL RESEARCH (DIR)

Place of Performance

Location: MORRISVILLE, DURHAM County, NORTH CAROLINA, 27560

State: North Carolina Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $13.7 million to EXPERIMENTAL PATHOLOGY LABORATORIES, INC. for work described as: MANAGEMENT AND SUPPORT OF AN ARCHIVES AND REPOSITORY CONTRACT FOR THE NATIONAL TOXICOLOGY PROGRAM (NTP) AND THE NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SCIENCES (NIEHS) DIVISIONS OF TRANSLATIONAL TOXICOLOGY (DTT) AND INTRAMURAL RESEARCH (DIR) Key points: 1. The contract supports the National Toxicology Program (NTP) and NIEHS divisions. 2. It involves refrigerated warehousing and storage services. 3. The award is a Cost Plus Fixed Fee type. 4. The contract duration is approximately 3 years.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract type (Cost Plus Fixed Fee) allows for flexibility but requires careful monitoring of costs to ensure value. The total award amount of $13.6M over three years seems reasonable for specialized archival and repository services.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, which generally leads to better price discovery and competitive pricing. This method ensures a wide range of qualified vendors could bid.

Taxpayer Impact: Competition in this award process is expected to yield fair pricing, ensuring taxpayer funds are used efficiently for essential scientific support services.

Public Impact

Ensures continuity of critical research data and samples for toxicology studies. Supports the mission of NTP and NIEHS in environmental health research. Maintains specialized storage for sensitive biological materials. Facilitates ongoing scientific research and public health initiatives.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can lead to cost overruns if not managed tightly.
Reliance on a single vendor for critical archival services poses a risk.
Potential for scope creep in a long-term support contract.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition.
Supports vital public health research programs.
Long-term contract provides stability for essential services.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the scientific research support services sector, specifically focusing on archival and repository management for toxicology and environmental health. Spending in this area is crucial for maintaining research integrity and data accessibility.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not awarded to a small business (sb: false). Further analysis would be needed to determine if small business participation was sought or achieved through subcontracting.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is managed by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), a reputable agency with established oversight mechanisms. The definitive contract award type suggests a structured procurement process.

Related Government Programs

Refrigerated Warehousing and Storage
Department of Health and Human Services Contracting
National Institutes of Health Programs

Risk Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type.
Potential for vendor lock-in.
No small business award noted.
Long-term duration requires sustained oversight.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $13.7 million to EXPERIMENTAL PATHOLOGY LABORATORIES, INC.. MANAGEMENT AND SUPPORT OF AN ARCHIVES AND REPOSITORY CONTRACT FOR THE NATIONAL TOXICOLOGY PROGRAM (NTP) AND THE NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SCIENCES (NIEHS) DIVISIONS OF TRANSLATIONAL TOXICOLOGY (DTT) AND INTRAMURAL RESEARCH (DIR)

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is EXPERIMENTAL PATHOLOGY LABORATORIES, 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 $13.7 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-03-29. End: 2027-03-28.

What is the historical cost performance of Experimental Pathology Laboratories, Inc. on similar contracts?

Historical cost performance data for Experimental Pathology Laboratories, Inc. on similar contracts is not provided in the current data. A thorough review would require accessing past performance evaluations and financial records to assess their track record in managing costs effectively under Cost Plus Fixed Fee agreements and adherence to budgetary constraints.

What are the specific risks associated with the long-term storage of toxicology samples?

Risks include sample degradation due to improper storage conditions, loss of samples from accidents or security breaches, and challenges in maintaining an accurate, up-to-date inventory. Ensuring compliance with stringent regulatory requirements for sample integrity and chain of custody is paramount to mitigate these risks.

How does this contract contribute to the overall effectiveness of the National Toxicology Program's research?

This contract is essential for the effectiveness of the NTP by ensuring the proper management, storage, and accessibility of critical research samples and data. Reliable archival services guarantee the integrity and availability of materials needed for ongoing and future toxicological studies, supporting evidence-based public health decisions.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Transportation and Warehousing › Warehousing and Storage › Refrigerated Warehousing and Storage

Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: 75N96024R00001

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 45600 TERMINAL DR, STERLING, VA, 20166

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $49,835,768

Exercised Options: $13,653,684

Current Obligation: $13,653,684

Actual Outlays: $9,593,974

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Timeline