HHS Spends $57.8M on Influenza Research with Battelle Memorial Institute
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $57,832,631 ($57.8M)
Contractor: Battelle Memorial Institute
Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services
Start Date: 2014-09-29
End Date: 2020-12-28
Contract Duration: 2,282 days
Daily Burn Rate: $25.3K/day
Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP
Number of Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS
Sector: R&D
Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF FOR OTHER FUNCTIONS INFLUENZA SURVEILLANCE, EPIDEMIOLOGY, DIAGNOSTICS AND VACCINE RESEARCH STUDIES
Place of Performance
Location: ATLANTA, DEKALB County, GEORGIA, 30329
State: Georgia Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Health and Human Services obligated $57.8 million to BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTE for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF FOR OTHER FUNCTIONS INFLUENZA SURVEILLANCE, EPIDEMIOLOGY, DIAGNOSTICS AND VACCINE RESEARCH STUDIES Key points: 1. Significant investment in influenza surveillance and vaccine research. 2. Contract awarded to Battelle Memorial Institute, a major research organization. 3. Potential for advancements in public health preparedness and response. 4. Research and Development sector, specifically life sciences, is a key area of federal spending.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The total award of $57.8M over approximately 6 years suggests a substantial but not necessarily excessive investment for complex R&D. Benchmarking against similar large-scale biological research contracts would be needed for a definitive assessment.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
Awarded under a BPA Call, indicating it was likely competed among pre-qualified vendors. While not full and open, this method can offer some price discovery. The specific competition details within the BPA framework are crucial.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are supporting critical public health research, aiming for long-term benefits in disease prevention and control.
Public Impact
Enhances national capabilities in tracking and understanding influenza strains. Contributes to the development of new diagnostic tools and potential vaccines. Supports scientific advancement in epidemiology and virology. Aims to improve the nation's readiness for influenza outbreaks.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Limited competition may not have yielded the best possible price.
- Time and Materials contract type can lead to cost overruns if not closely managed.
- Long duration of the contract (over 6 years) increases exposure to evolving research needs and costs.
Positive Signals
- Addresses a critical public health need (influenza).
- Utilizes a specialized research institution (Battelle).
- Supports ongoing R&D efforts vital for national security and well-being.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on life sciences. Federal spending in this area is crucial for scientific advancement and public health initiatives, with benchmarks varying widely based on research scope and duration.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was not specifically set aside for small businesses. Large federal R&D contracts are often awarded to established research institutions or large corporations, potentially limiting opportunities for smaller firms in this specific award.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight would typically involve programmatic reviews by the CDC and potentially the HHS IG, focusing on research progress, adherence to scientific protocols, and financial accountability. The Time and Materials nature requires diligent monitoring of labor hours and material costs.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)
- Department of Health and Human Services Contracting
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for cost overruns due to Time and Materials contract type.
- Limited competition may have resulted in a higher price than a full and open competition.
- Long contract duration increases risk of scope creep or changing research priorities.
- Lack of specific performance metrics makes it difficult to assess value for money.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-health-and-human-services, ga, bpa-call, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Health and Human Services awarded $57.8 million to BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTE. IGF::OT::IGF FOR OTHER FUNCTIONS INFLUENZA SURVEILLANCE, EPIDEMIOLOGY, DIAGNOSTICS AND VACCINE RESEARCH STUDIES
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTE.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Health and Human Services (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $57.8 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2014-09-29. End: 2020-12-28.
What specific influenza strains or research areas are prioritized under this contract, and how do they align with current public health threats?
The contract likely supports a broad range of influenza surveillance, epidemiology, diagnostics, and vaccine research. Specific priorities would be detailed in task orders under the BPA Call. Alignment with public health threats is crucial for maximizing the value of this investment, ensuring research efforts are directed towards the most pressing influenza-related challenges facing the nation.
How effectively has Battelle Memorial Institute managed the Time and Materials aspect of this contract to control costs and ensure efficient resource allocation?
Effective management of T&M contracts relies on robust oversight, detailed tracking of labor and materials, and clear justification for expenditures. Regular reporting and audits by the contracting agency are essential to ensure Battelle is not overbilling and that resources are used efficiently towards research objectives. Without specific performance data, assessing cost control effectiveness is difficult.
What is the projected impact of this research on the development timeline for new influenza vaccines or diagnostic tools?
The contract's duration and scope suggest a long-term commitment to advancing influenza research. The projected impact on development timelines is contingent on research breakthroughs and the successful translation of findings into practical applications. This funding aims to accelerate those processes by providing sustained resources for critical R&D activities.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)
Product/Service Code: MEDICAL SERVICES › LABORATORY TESTING SERVICES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP
Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION
Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 505 KING AVENUE, COLUMBUS, OH, 43201
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $142,637,788
Exercised Options: $57,890,249
Current Obligation: $57,832,631
Actual Outlays: $13,218
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 7
Total Subaward Amount: $430,748
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: HHSD2002013M53942B
IDV Type: BPA
Timeline
Start Date: 2014-09-29
Current End Date: 2020-12-28
Potential End Date: 2021-01-28 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2024-12-23
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