NIH awards $3.37M for Universal Influenza Vaccine Phase II Clinical Trial Support
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $3,370,663 ($3.4M)
Contractor: Guidehouse Digital LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services
Start Date: 2023-09-30
End Date: 2027-03-29
Contract Duration: 1,276 days
Daily Burn Rate: $2.6K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Healthcare
Official Description: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF HEALTH (NIH), NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ALLERGY AND INFECTIOUS DISEASES (NIAID), UNIVERSAL INFLUENZA VACCINE, PHASE II CLINICAL TRIAL, SUPPORT SERVICE
Place of Performance
Location: GALVESTON, GALVESTON County, TEXAS, 77555
State: Texas Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Health and Human Services obligated $3.4 million to GUIDEHOUSE DIGITAL LLC for work described as: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF HEALTH (NIH), NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ALLERGY AND INFECTIOUS DISEASES (NIAID), UNIVERSAL INFLUENZA VACCINE, PHASE II CLINICAL TRIAL, SUPPORT SERVICE Key points: 1. Contract supports critical research for a universal flu vaccine. 2. Competition was full and open, suggesting market availability. 3. Risk is moderate due to clinical trial uncertainties. 4. Sector is healthcare/biotech R&D, a high-priority area.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The award amount of $3.37M for a 4.5-year period appears reasonable for specialized clinical trial support services. Benchmarking against similar NIH contracts for Phase II trial support would provide a more precise assessment.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
Full and open competition was utilized, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. This method generally promotes competitive pricing and allows the government to select the best value.
Taxpayer Impact: The use of competitive bidding aims to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently for essential research.
Public Impact
Advancement of a universal flu vaccine could significantly reduce public health burdens and healthcare costs. Supports ongoing efforts to combat influenza, a persistent global health threat. Investment in advanced medical research aligns with national health priorities.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for cost overruns if trial timelines extend.
- Dependence on contractor performance for critical research milestones.
Positive Signals
- Supports a high-impact public health initiative.
- Utilizes a competitive procurement process.
- Firm fixed price contract limits cost uncertainty.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services sector, specifically supporting biomedical research and development. Spending in this area is crucial for public health advancements and innovation.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was awarded to GUIDEHOUSE DIGITAL LLC, a firm. There is no specific information provided regarding small business participation or subcontracting goals for this particular award.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract is managed by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) within NIH. Standard government oversight for contract performance and financial management would apply.
Related Government Programs
- All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
- Department of Health and Human Services Contracting
- National Institutes of Health Programs
Risk Flags
- Contract duration is lengthy (4.5 years).
- Clinical trial success is inherently uncertain.
- Potential for scope creep if trial objectives evolve.
- Dependence on specialized contractor expertise.
Tags
all-other-professional-scientific-and-te, department-of-health-and-human-services, tx, delivery-order, 1m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Health and Human Services awarded $3.4 million to GUIDEHOUSE DIGITAL LLC. NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF HEALTH (NIH), NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ALLERGY AND INFECTIOUS DISEASES (NIAID), UNIVERSAL INFLUENZA VACCINE, PHASE II CLINICAL TRIAL, SUPPORT SERVICE
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is GUIDEHOUSE DIGITAL LLC.
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 $3.4 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2023-09-30. End: 2027-03-29.
What is the projected impact of this universal flu vaccine on future public health preparedness?
A successful universal flu vaccine could drastically reduce the incidence of seasonal flu, minimize hospitalizations and deaths, and lessen the economic burden associated with widespread outbreaks. It would also enhance national preparedness for novel influenza strains and potential pandemics, offering a more stable and reliable defense than current strain-specific vaccines.
What are the primary risks associated with the contractor's ability to deliver on this clinical trial support?
Key risks include potential delays in patient recruitment for the Phase II trial, unforeseen scientific challenges in vaccine development, and the contractor's capacity to manage complex logistical and regulatory requirements. Performance issues could impact the trial's timeline and the overall progress towards a viable vaccine.
How does this investment compare to historical spending on influenza vaccine research and development?
This $3.37M award represents a specific investment in Phase II clinical trial support for a universal vaccine. Historical spending on influenza R&D is substantial and multifaceted, encompassing basic research, vaccine platform development, and multiple clinical trial phases across various government agencies and private entities. This contract is a component of a larger, ongoing national and global effort.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
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: TORP# 252
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 1676 INTERNATIONAL DRIVE, MCLEAN, VA, 22102
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Limited Liability Corporation, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $3,405,064
Exercised Options: $3,370,663
Current Obligation: $3,370,663
Actual Outlays: $605,443
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 75N98020D00086
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2023-09-30
Current End Date: 2027-03-29
Potential End Date: 2028-03-29 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-03-27
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