NIH awards $55.1M to Sanofi Pasteur for MVA vaccine R&D, spanning over a decade
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $55,112,291 ($55.1M)
Contractor: Sanofi Pasteur Biologics, LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services
Start Date: 2004-09-30
End Date: 2015-02-06
Contract Duration: 3,781 days
Daily Burn Rate: $14.6K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: PRODUCTION AND TESTING OF A MODIFIED VACCINIA ANKARA (MVA) VACCINE
Place of Performance
Location: CAMBRIDGE, MIDDLESEX County, MASSACHUSETTS, 02139
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Health and Human Services obligated $55.1 million to SANOFI PASTEUR BIOLOGICS, LLC for work described as: PRODUCTION AND TESTING OF A MODIFIED VACCINIA ANKARA (MVA) VACCINE Key points: 1. Significant investment in vaccine research and development. 2. Long contract duration suggests complex, multi-phase project. 3. Potential for breakthrough in infectious disease prevention. 4. Relies on a single, established contractor for critical development.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $55.1M over 11 years averages approximately $5M annually. This seems reasonable for advanced vaccine R&D, but without specific milestones or comparable projects, a precise valuation is difficult.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating a competitive bidding process. However, the long duration and specific nature of vaccine development may limit the number of truly competitive bids over time.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are supporting critical research that could lead to public health benefits, but the long-term nature and cost require ongoing scrutiny for value.
Public Impact
Supports development of a vaccine against potential public health threats. Investment in advanced biotechnology and life sciences. Potential for future commercialization and widespread public health impact.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 70 / 10
Warning Flags
- Long contract duration may indicate scope creep or extended development timelines.
- Reliance on a single awardee for a critical health product.
Positive Signals
- Supports critical R&D in life sciences.
- Awarded through full and open competition.
- Potential for significant public health benefit.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (NAICS 541710). Spending in this sector is crucial for innovation but can be characterized by long development cycles and high uncertainty, making value assessment challenging.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates the awardee is Sanofi Pasteur Biologics, LLC, a large pharmaceutical company. There is no explicit information suggesting opportunities or awards specifically set aside for small businesses in this contract.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract's long duration (over 11 years) necessitates robust oversight from NIH to ensure progress, manage costs, and verify milestones are met. Regular reviews and performance assessments are critical 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
- Long contract duration.
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type.
- Sole awardee for critical R&D.
- Lack of specific public health target mentioned.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-health-and-human-services, ma, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Health and Human Services awarded $55.1 million to SANOFI PASTEUR BIOLOGICS, LLC. PRODUCTION AND TESTING OF A MODIFIED VACCINIA ANKARA (MVA) VACCINE
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is SANOFI PASTEUR BIOLOGICS, LLC.
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 $55.1 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2004-09-30. End: 2015-02-06.
What specific milestones and deliverables were established to justify the $55.1M expenditure over the contract's duration?
The contract details likely outline specific research phases, preclinical testing, and potentially early-stage clinical trial objectives. The $55.1M would be allocated across these stages, with payments contingent on meeting defined scientific and regulatory milestones. Without access to the full contract, the precise breakdown remains unspecified, but such funding typically supports extensive laboratory work, animal studies, and initial human safety trials.
How was the risk of vaccine development failure mitigated or accounted for in the contract structure?
The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type suggests that the government reimburses the contractor for allowable costs plus a fixed fee representing profit. This structure shifts some development risk to the government, as it covers costs regardless of ultimate success. Risk mitigation would involve rigorous scientific review, phased funding tied to progress, and potentially termination clauses if research proves unfruitful or unsafe.
What is the projected public health impact and timeline for the MVA vaccine's potential availability?
The MVA vaccine aims to address specific infectious diseases, though the exact target is not detailed here. The R&D process is lengthy; this contract covers production and testing, implying it's beyond initial discovery. Public health impact depends on efficacy, safety, and regulatory approval, which could take several more years post-contract. The timeline for widespread availability is therefore uncertain and contingent on successful R&D outcomes.
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
Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Genzyme Corporation
Address: 38 SIDNEY STREET, CAMBRIDGE, MA, 02139
Business Categories: Category Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $74,940,567
Exercised Options: $74,940,567
Current Obligation: $55,112,291
Contract Characteristics
Multi-Year Contract: Yes
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Timeline
Start Date: 2004-09-30
Current End Date: 2015-02-06
Potential End Date: 2015-02-06 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2024-11-23
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