NIH Spends $11M on Population Genetics Analysis for Vaccine/Infection Immunity Research

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $10,963,009 ($11.0M)

Contractor: University of Alabama AT Birmingham

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2004-09-30

End Date: 2010-07-31

Contract Duration: 2,130 days

Daily Burn Rate: $5.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 13

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: POPULATION GENETICS ANALYSIS PROGRAM: IMMUNITY TO VACCINES/INFECTIONS

Place of Performance

Location: BIRMINGHAM, JEFFERSON County, ALABAMA, 35294

State: Alabama Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $11.0 million to UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM for work described as: POPULATION GENETICS ANALYSIS PROGRAM: IMMUNITY TO VACCINES/INFECTIONS Key points: 1. The contract focuses on critical research into population genetics and its relation to immunity against vaccines and infections. 2. Competition was full and open, suggesting a robust market for these specialized research services. 3. The contract duration of 2130 days (approx. 5.8 years) indicates a long-term research objective. 4. The primary sector is Research and Development, aligning with the program's scientific goals.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract type is 'COST NO FEE', which is common for research and development where costs are reimbursed but no profit is made. This suggests the focus is on achieving research outcomes rather than profit maximization.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

Full and open competition was utilized, indicating that multiple vendors were able to bid on this contract. This method generally promotes competitive pricing and ensures the government receives the best value.

Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition is taxpayer-favorable as it drives efficiency and potentially lower costs through market forces.

Public Impact

Advances understanding of disease immunity and vaccine effectiveness. Potential for improved public health strategies and interventions. Supports scientific innovation in genetics and immunology. Long-term research may yield significant breakthroughs. Data generated could inform future health policy.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Contract duration is extensive, requiring sustained oversight.
Research outcomes can be uncertain and difficult to quantify.
Potential for scope creep in long-term R&D projects.

Positive Signals

Focus on critical public health research area.
Full and open competition utilized.
Clear scientific objectives for immunity research.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. Spending in this area is crucial for scientific advancement and innovation, with benchmarks varying widely based on the specific research field and project scope.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate whether small businesses were involved in this contract. Full and open competition typically allows for small business participation if they possess the required capabilities.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract was awarded by the Department of Health and Human Services, specifically the National Institutes of Health, which have established oversight mechanisms for research grants and contracts. The long duration necessitates ongoing monitoring of progress and expenditures.

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

Long contract duration requires sustained oversight.
Research outcomes are inherently uncertain.
Potential for scope creep in R&D.
Cost reimbursement contract type requires careful monitoring.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $11.0 million to UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM. POPULATION GENETICS ANALYSIS PROGRAM: IMMUNITY TO VACCINES/INFECTIONS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM.

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 $11.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2004-09-30. End: 2010-07-31.

What specific genetic markers or population groups are being analyzed in this program, and how do they relate to vaccine or infection immunity?

The program likely analyzes genetic variations within different human populations to identify specific alleles or haplotypes that correlate with differential immune responses to vaccines or natural infections. This could involve studying genes involved in immune system regulation, pathogen recognition, or vaccine efficacy. The goal is to understand the genetic basis of immunity, potentially leading to personalized vaccination strategies or improved treatments for infectious diseases.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this research contract, and how is success measured given the 'COST NO FEE' structure?

Success for a 'COST NO FEE' research contract is typically measured by the achievement of specific research milestones, publications in peer-reviewed journals, presentations at scientific conferences, and the generation of valuable data. KPIs might include the number of genetic variants identified, the statistical significance of their association with immunity, the development of predictive models, or the successful completion of specific experimental phases. The focus is on scientific output and knowledge advancement rather than financial performance.

How does the University of Alabama at Birmingham's expertise in population genetics align with the stated objectives of the NIH program?

The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) is recognized for its strengths in various biomedical research areas, including genetics and immunology. Their established research programs in population genetics likely provide the necessary infrastructure, experienced personnel, and a track record of successful research in related fields. This alignment suggests UAB possesses the requisite scientific capabilities and institutional support to effectively execute the complex analyses and research objectives outlined by the NIH program.

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 › N – Health R&D Services

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Offers Received: 13

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)

Contractor Details

Parent Company: THE University of Alabama System

Address: 701 20TH ST SOUTH AB 990, BIRMINGHAM, AL, 35294

Business Categories: Category Business, Educational Institution, Higher Education, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $12,630,054

Exercised Options: $10,963,009

Current Obligation: $10,963,009

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Timeline