NIH awards $10.6M for antibody and T cell epitope discovery, supporting life sciences R&D
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $10,570,177 ($10.6M)
Contractor: University of Oklahoma
Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services
Start Date: 2004-03-31
End Date: 2009-09-30
Contract Duration: 2,009 days
Daily Burn Rate: $5.3K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 14
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: LARGE SCALE ANTIBODY AND T CELL EPITOPE DISCOVERY PROGRAM
Place of Performance
Location: OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA County, OKLAHOMA, 73117
State: Oklahoma Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Health and Human Services obligated $10.6 million to UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA for work described as: LARGE SCALE ANTIBODY AND T CELL EPITOPE DISCOVERY PROGRAM Key points: 1. Contract value represents a significant investment in fundamental biological research. 2. Competition dynamics suggest a robust market for specialized scientific services. 3. Performance period spans over six years, indicating a long-term research objective. 4. The contract aligns with NIH's mission to advance health and scientific knowledge. 5. Focus on antibody and T cell discovery positions the research at the forefront of immunology.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract's total value of approximately $10.6 million over six years suggests a substantial but potentially reasonable investment for a large-scale research program. Benchmarking against similar multi-year R&D grants from NIH would provide a clearer picture of value for money. The 'Cost No Fee' (Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee) contract type implies that the contractor is reimbursed for allowable costs plus a fixed fee, which can be efficient for research where exact costs are hard to predict. However, it necessitates careful oversight to manage expenditures.
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. With 14 proposals received, this suggests a healthy level of interest and competition within the scientific community for this type of research funding. A competitive process generally leads to better pricing and innovation.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from a competitive process that likely secured the best value for the research funding, ensuring that the selected contractor offered a strong scientific approach and cost-effectiveness.
Public Impact
The University of Oklahoma benefits as the primary contractor, advancing its research capabilities. The program aims to deliver critical insights into antibody and T cell epitope discovery. Geographic impact is primarily within Oklahoma, supporting local research institutions. Workforce implications include employment for researchers, technicians, and support staff at the University of Oklahoma.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for cost overruns in long-term research projects if not closely monitored.
- Ensuring continued scientific relevance and alignment with evolving research priorities.
Positive Signals
- Strong competition indicates a high-quality pool of potential awardees.
- Long contract duration allows for sustained research progress and development.
- Focus on a critical area of immunology with significant public health implications.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on life sciences and biotechnology. The market for such specialized biological research services is driven by government funding agencies like NIH and private pharmaceutical companies. The contract's value is moderate for a multi-year, large-scale research initiative, reflecting the significant investment required for advanced scientific discovery programs.
Small Business Impact
The contract data does not indicate any specific small business set-asides or subcontracting requirements. As a research grant awarded to a university, the primary focus is on scientific merit and capability rather than small business participation goals. Further analysis would be needed to determine if any subcontracting opportunities were available to small businesses.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight is likely managed by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) program officers and contracting specialists. The 'Cost No Fee' structure necessitates rigorous financial and programmatic oversight to ensure funds are used effectively and research milestones are met. Transparency is generally maintained through public research publications and NIH reporting requirements.
Related Government Programs
- National Institutes of Health Research Grants
- Biomedical Research and Development
- Immunology Research Programs
- Antibody Discovery Initiatives
- T Cell Epitope Mapping
Risk Flags
- Potential for cost overruns in long-term research projects.
- Ensuring scientific relevance and alignment with evolving research priorities.
- Complexity of biological research may lead to unforeseen challenges.
Tags
research-and-development, department-of-health-and-human-services, national-institutes-of-health, university-of-oklahoma, cost-plus-fixed-fee, full-and-open-competition, life-sciences, immunology, antibody-discovery, t-cell-epitope, oklahoma, large-contract
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Health and Human Services awarded $10.6 million to UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA. LARGE SCALE ANTIBODY AND T CELL EPITOPE DISCOVERY PROGRAM
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA.
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 $10.6 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2004-03-31. End: 2009-09-30.
What is the track record of the University of Oklahoma in securing and managing large-scale federal research grants, particularly in the life sciences?
The University of Oklahoma has a history of securing federal research funding, including grants from agencies like NIH, NSF, and DOE. Its track record in managing large-scale grants is generally positive, characterized by adherence to federal regulations and successful completion of research objectives. Specific to this contract, the university's established research infrastructure and experienced scientific personnel would have been key factors in its selection. A detailed review of its past performance on similar contracts, including any audit findings or performance issues, would provide a more granular assessment of its capabilities and reliability as a federal contractor in the R&D space.
How does the $10.6 million award compare to other NIH contracts for similar antibody and T cell epitope discovery programs?
The $10.6 million award over approximately six years represents a significant investment, averaging around $1.77 million per year. This figure is substantial for a single research program but falls within the typical range for large-scale, multi-disciplinary R&D initiatives funded by NIH. Comparable programs often involve complex biological assays, high-throughput screening, and extensive data analysis, necessitating considerable resources. Benchmarking against other NIH solicitations and awards for similar research areas, such as 'immunological assays,' 'epitope mapping,' or 'antibody development,' would reveal if this award is competitive in terms of scope and duration relative to market rates for advanced scientific research services.
What are the primary risks associated with a 'Cost No Fee' contract for a long-term R&D program like this?
The primary risks with a 'Cost No Fee' (Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee) contract for a long-term R&D program revolve around cost control and scope creep. While the fixed fee provides the contractor with a predictable profit margin, the government bears the risk of reimbursing all allowable costs, which can exceed initial estimates due to unforeseen research challenges, material price increases, or inefficient resource management. For the government, ensuring that the contractor exercises prudent fiscal management and avoids unnecessary expenditures is crucial. Robust oversight mechanisms, including regular financial reviews and progress reporting, are essential to mitigate these risks and ensure the program stays within budget and achieves its scientific objectives.
What is the expected scientific impact and potential return on investment for taxpayers from this antibody and T cell epitope discovery program?
The expected scientific impact of this program is significant, aiming to advance fundamental understanding of the immune system's response to various targets. Discovering novel antibodies and T cell epitopes can pave the way for new diagnostics, vaccines, and therapeutics for infectious diseases, autoimmune disorders, and cancer. For taxpayers, the return on investment lies in the potential for groundbreaking scientific discoveries that could lead to improved public health outcomes, reduced healthcare costs in the long run, and the development of new biotechnologies. While direct financial returns are uncertain in basic research, the societal benefits and potential for future commercialization of discoveries represent a substantial, albeit indirect, ROI.
How has NIH's funding for antibody and T cell research evolved over the period of this contract (2004-2009) and subsequently?
During the 2004-2009 period, NIH funding for immunology research, including antibody and T cell studies, was robust, driven by advancements in molecular biology and genomics. This contract aligns with a broader trend of investing in understanding the immune system. Post-2009, NIH funding priorities have continued to evolve, with increased emphasis on areas like immunotherapy, personalized medicine, and infectious disease research, often building upon foundational work in immunology. While specific funding levels fluctuate based on appropriations and strategic initiatives, the importance of antibody and T cell research has remained a consistent focus, reflecting its critical role in developing new health interventions.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences
Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › Community and Regional Development R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: BASIC RESEARCH
Solicitation ID: 0343
Offers Received: 14
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)
Contractor Details
Address: 1100 NORTH LINDSAY, SCB-228, OKLAHOMA CITY, OK, 90
Business Categories: Category Business, Educational Institution, Government, Higher Education, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, U.S. Regional/State Government
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $14,066,102
Exercised Options: $10,732,871
Current Obligation: $10,570,177
Contract Characteristics
Multi-Year Contract: Yes
Timeline
Start Date: 2004-03-31
Current End Date: 2009-09-30
Potential End Date: 2009-09-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2013-07-19
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