University of Pennsylvania receives $11.5M for biodefense bioinformatics, awarded via full and open competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $11,465,992 ($11.5M)

Contractor: Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania, the

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2004-06-30

End Date: 2009-09-30

Contract Duration: 1,918 days

Daily Burn Rate: $6.0K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 27

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: BIOINFORMATICS RESOURCE CENTERS FOR BIODEFENSE

Place of Performance

Location: PHILADELPHIA, PHILADELPHIA County, PENNSYLVANIA, 19104

State: Pennsylvania Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $11.5 million to TRUSTEES OF THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA, THE for work described as: BIOINFORMATICS RESOURCE CENTERS FOR BIODEFENSE Key points: 1. Contract awarded for critical biodefense research infrastructure. 2. Long-term award suggests sustained need for bioinformatics support. 3. Full and open competition indicates broad market engagement. 4. University of Pennsylvania has a strong track record in research. 5. Award type (Cost No Fee) may indicate a focus on research objectives over profit. 6. Geographic concentration in Pennsylvania for this federal investment.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The total award of $11.5 million over approximately 5 years for bioinformatics resource centers for biodefense appears reasonable given the specialized nature of the work. Benchmarking against similar large-scale research infrastructure grants from NIH would provide a more precise value assessment. The 'Cost No Fee' contract type suggests that the primary focus is on achieving research outcomes rather than profit generation for the contractor, which can be a positive indicator for value if research goals are met efficiently.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded through a full and open competition, suggesting that multiple entities were eligible to bid and were considered. The presence of 27 bids indicates a robust level of interest and a competitive environment. This broad competition is generally favorable for price discovery and ensuring the government receives competitive offers.

Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition for a significant research grant like this is beneficial for taxpayers as it increases the likelihood of securing the best value and innovative solutions at a competitive price.

Public Impact

Benefits researchers and institutions involved in biodefense and public health. Provides essential bioinformatics resources and support for critical research. Impacts the scientific community by advancing data analysis capabilities. Supports the development of new strategies and countermeasures against biothreats. Primarily impacts the research and academic sector in Pennsylvania.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for over-reliance on a single institution for critical infrastructure.
Long duration could lead to vendor lock-in if not managed carefully.

Positive Signals

Established institution with a proven track record in research.
Competitive award process likely secured favorable terms.
Focus on critical biodefense research aligns with national security priorities.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on life sciences and biodefense. The market for specialized bioinformatics support is driven by government funding for public health and national security initiatives. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve looking at other large NIH grants for research infrastructure and data management services, which often run into millions of dollars over several years.

Small Business Impact

Information regarding small business participation, including set-asides or subcontracting plans, was not explicitly detailed in the provided data. Given the nature of the award to a large research institution, the primary focus is likely on the institution's direct capabilities. Further investigation would be needed to determine if small businesses were involved in subcontracting opportunities.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), a division of the Department of Health and Human Services. Accountability measures would be tied to the research milestones and deliverables outlined in the contract. Transparency is generally maintained through federal contract databases, though specific research progress reports may be proprietary.

Related Government Programs

National Institutes of Health Research Grants
Biodefense Research Programs
Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Initiatives
Public Health Infrastructure Support

Risk Flags

Technological obsolescence risk
Long-term vendor dependency
Performance monitoring challenges
Potential for cost creep without strict oversight

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $11.5 million to TRUSTEES OF THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA, THE. BIOINFORMATICS RESOURCE CENTERS FOR BIODEFENSE

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is TRUSTEES OF THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA, THE.

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 $11.5 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2004-06-30. End: 2009-09-30.

What is the track record of The Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania in managing large federal research grants, particularly in the life sciences?

The Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania, as a major research institution, has a long and extensive history of managing large federal research grants, including significant funding from agencies like the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Their track record typically involves successful execution of complex research projects, adherence to regulatory and ethical standards, and effective financial management. While specific performance metrics for this particular contract are not detailed here, the university's overall standing as a leading research entity suggests a strong capacity to handle substantial federal awards. Their ability to secure such grants repeatedly indicates a consistent performance that meets or exceeds federal agency expectations for research output and administrative competence.

How does the awarded amount of approximately $11.5 million compare to similar 'Bioinformatics Resource Centers for Biodefense' contracts?

Direct comparison of this $11.5 million award requires access to a database of similar, concurrently active contracts specifically for 'Bioinformatics Resource Centers for Biodefense.' However, considering the duration of approximately 5 years (1918 days / ~60 months), the annual funding averages around $2.3 million. This figure is within the expected range for large, specialized research infrastructure grants from agencies like NIH, which often fund centers of excellence or critical resource development. The 'Cost No Fee' (CNF) contract type also influences the total award amount, as it typically means the contractor is reimbursed for allowable costs but does not receive a negotiated profit margin. Therefore, the $11.5 million represents the direct costs associated with establishing and operating these vital bioinformatics resources.

What are the primary risks associated with a long-term contract (nearly 2000 days) for specialized research infrastructure?

A significant risk with long-term contracts for specialized research infrastructure is technological obsolescence. The field of bioinformatics evolves rapidly, and the infrastructure funded today might be outdated before the contract's end date. Another risk is vendor lock-in, where the government becomes heavily reliant on a single provider, potentially limiting future flexibility or access to newer technologies. Performance degradation over time is also a concern, as initial high performance may wane if not continuously monitored and managed. Furthermore, changes in scientific priorities or funding landscapes could render the funded research less relevant, impacting the overall value proposition. Finally, the long duration increases exposure to potential cost overruns if not meticulously managed, although the 'Cost No Fee' structure might mitigate some profit-driven cost escalation.

How effective are 'Cost No Fee' contracts in ensuring value for money in research and development settings?

'Cost No Fee' (CNF) contracts are primarily used when the primary objective is the performance of a service or the development of a product, rather than profit generation for the contractor. In R&D settings, CNF contracts can be effective for value for money because they align the contractor's incentives with achieving the research goals rather than maximizing profit. The government reimburses the contractor for all legitimate, allowable costs incurred in performing the contract. This structure encourages efficiency and focus on the scientific or technical objectives. However, effective value for money still depends heavily on robust government oversight to ensure costs are reasonable and necessary, and that the research outcomes meet the contract's objectives. Without strong oversight, there's a risk of inflated costs if the contractor is not diligent in cost control.

What does the number of bids (27) suggest about the market for biodefense bioinformatics services?

Receiving 27 bids for the 'Bioinformatics Resource Centers for Biodefense' contract strongly suggests a healthy and competitive market for these specialized services. This high number indicates that multiple organizations possess the necessary expertise, resources, and interest to compete for federal funding in this domain. A competitive landscape like this is advantageous for the government, as it typically leads to better pricing, innovative solutions, and a wider selection of qualified contractors. It implies that the barrier to entry for qualified bidders is not prohibitively high and that the government's solicitation was well-disseminated, attracting a broad range of potential offerors. This level of competition increases the likelihood that the selected contractor will provide optimal value.

What is the historical spending pattern for 'Bioinformatics Resource Centers for Biodefense' by the National Institutes of Health?

Analyzing the historical spending pattern for 'Bioinformatics Resource Centers for Biodefense' requires access to NIH's historical contract and grant databases. This specific contract, awarded in 2004 with an end date in 2009, represents a snapshot of spending during that period. To understand the broader pattern, one would need to examine funding trends over multiple fiscal years, looking at the number of awards, total dollar amounts obligated, and the average award size for similar initiatives. It's likely that NIH's investment in biodefense bioinformatics has evolved, potentially increasing over time due to heightened awareness of public health threats and advancements in computational biology. Tracking this spending history would reveal the government's sustained commitment and strategic focus on this research area.

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: ARCHITECT/ENGINEER SERVICES › ARCH-ENG SVCS - CONSTRUCTION

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Offers Received: 27

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)

Contractor Details

Address: 3451 WALNUT STREET, PHILADELPHIA, PA, 90

Business Categories: Category Business, Educational Institution, Higher Education, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $21,201,996

Exercised Options: $12,596,330

Current Obligation: $11,465,992

Contract Characteristics

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline