HHS awards $21.3M for Atopic Dermatitis and Vaccinia Network clinical studies
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $21,335,472 ($21.3M)
Contractor: National Jewish Health
Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services
Start Date: 2004-03-31
End Date: 2011-12-31
Contract Duration: 2,831 days
Daily Burn Rate: $7.5K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: ATOPIC DERMATITIS AND VACCINIA NETWORK (ADVN) CLINICAL STUDIES CONSORTIUM
Place of Performance
Location: DENVER, DENVER County, COLORADO, 80206
State: Colorado Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Health and Human Services obligated $21.3 million to NATIONAL JEWISH HEALTH for work described as: ATOPIC DERMATITIS AND VACCINIA NETWORK (ADVN) CLINICAL STUDIES CONSORTIUM Key points: 1. Contract awarded to National Jewish Health for R&D in life sciences. 2. Full and open competition was utilized, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. The contract duration is significant at 2831 days. 4. The award type is a definitive contract, indicating a fixed price agreement. 5. No small business participation was noted.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $21.3M over approximately 7.7 years is difficult to benchmark without specific per-unit cost data for clinical studies. The 'Cost No Fee' (CNF) pricing structure suggests that the government reimburses allowable costs without an additional fee, which can be less cost-effective if not managed tightly.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The use of full and open competition is a positive indicator for price discovery. However, the nature of complex clinical research contracts can make direct price comparisons challenging, even with competition.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are directed towards critical medical research, with the potential for significant public health benefits if the studies are successful.
Public Impact
Advancement of research into atopic dermatitis and vaccinia. Potential for new treatments or understanding of these conditions. Support for a major research institution (National Jewish Health). Long-term commitment to a specific research area.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of small business participation
- Cost No Fee pricing structure can lead to cost overruns if not monitored
- Long contract duration may indicate potential for scope creep or evolving research needs
Positive Signals
- Full and open competition utilized
- Focus on critical health research area
- Award to a reputable research institution
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under the Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences sector. Spending in this area is crucial for scientific advancement but can be highly variable and difficult to predict in terms of return on investment.
Small Business Impact
The contract data indicates no specific set-aside for small businesses, and the prime contractor is National Jewish Health, a large research institution. This suggests that small businesses were not directly involved as prime contractors on this award.
Oversight & Accountability
The 'Cost No Fee' contract type requires robust oversight from the awarding agency (NIH) to ensure that costs are allowable, reasonable, and allocable to the contract's objectives. Regular reporting and audits would be essential for accountability.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences
- Department of Health and Human Services Contracting
- National Institutes of Health Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for cost overruns due to CNF structure
- Long contract duration may indicate evolving research needs or scope creep
- Lack of small business participation
- Difficulty in benchmarking R&D contract costs
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-health-and-human-services, co, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Health and Human Services awarded $21.3 million to NATIONAL JEWISH HEALTH. ATOPIC DERMATITIS AND VACCINIA NETWORK (ADVN) CLINICAL STUDIES CONSORTIUM
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is NATIONAL JEWISH HEALTH.
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 $21.3 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2004-03-31. End: 2011-12-31.
What specific milestones or deliverables were established to measure the success and value of the clinical studies funded by this contract?
The contract likely outlines specific research protocols, data collection requirements, and reporting schedules. Success would be measured by the timely completion of these phases, the quality of the data generated, and the scientific validity of the findings. The 'Cost No Fee' structure implies that the government is primarily concerned with the achievement of research objectives rather than profit margins for the contractor.
Given the 'Cost No Fee' structure and long duration, what mechanisms were in place to mitigate the risk of cost overruns and ensure efficient use of taxpayer funds?
Effective oversight by NIH would be critical, involving regular reviews of contractor expenditures, progress reports, and adherence to research protocols. Mechanisms might include pre-defined budget limits for different research phases, independent audits, and clear criteria for cost allowability. The CNF structure places the financial risk on the government, necessitating stringent monitoring.
How will the outcomes of these clinical studies be evaluated for their broader public health impact and potential translation into clinical practice?
The impact will be assessed through peer-reviewed publications, presentations at scientific conferences, and potentially through follow-on research grants. NIH likely has internal review processes to evaluate the significance of the findings. Translation into practice depends on the robustness of the results and subsequent regulatory approvals or guideline changes.
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: NIHDAIT0406
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)
Contractor Details
Address: 1400 JACKSON ST, DENVER, CO, 80206
Business Categories: Category Business, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $50,048,897
Exercised Options: $25,203,864
Current Obligation: $21,335,472
Contract Characteristics
Multi-Year Contract: Yes
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Timeline
Start Date: 2004-03-31
Current End Date: 2011-12-31
Potential End Date: 2011-12-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2024-11-23
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