NIH Spends $14.75M on Immune Function Research at Oregon Health & Science University

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $14,753,276 ($14.8M)

Contractor: Oregon Health & Science University

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2005-09-30

End Date: 2011-03-31

Contract Duration: 2,008 days

Daily Burn Rate: $7.3K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 20

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: IMMUNE FUNCTION AND BIODEFENSE IN CHILDREN, ELDERLY, AND IMMUNOCOMPROMISED POPULATIONS

Place of Performance

Location: PORTLAND, MULTNOMAH County, OREGON, 97239

State: Oregon Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $14.8 million to OREGON HEALTH & SCIENCE UNIVERSITY for work described as: IMMUNE FUNCTION AND BIODEFENSE IN CHILDREN, ELDERLY, AND IMMUNOCOMPROMISED POPULATIONS Key points: 1. The contract focuses on critical research into immune function and biodefense across vulnerable populations. 2. Oregon Health & Science University is the sole awardee, indicating specialized capabilities. 3. The contract duration spans from 2005 to 2011, suggesting a long-term research project. 4. Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences is the designated sector.

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 allowed. The total award of $14.75M over six years averages to approximately $2.46M annually, which seems reasonable for specialized R&D.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting multiple entities had the opportunity to bid. However, the specific awardee is Oregon Health & Science University, implying they were the most qualified or offered the best value.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are supporting critical research into public health vulnerabilities, potentially leading to advancements in biodefense and treatment for at-risk populations.

Public Impact

Enhances understanding of immune system vulnerabilities in children, elderly, and immunocompromised individuals. Supports biodefense research crucial for national security and public health preparedness. Potential for breakthroughs in treatments and preventative measures for infectious diseases. Invests in scientific advancement within a key federal health agency.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Long contract duration could lead to scope creep or evolving research needs.
Lack of profit margin (Cost No Fee) might limit contractor incentive for efficiency.

Positive Signals

Focus on critical public health and biodefense research.
Awarded through full and open competition.
Potential for significant scientific and societal impact.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under the Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences sector. Federal spending in this area is substantial, with agencies like NIH investing heavily in scientific discovery and innovation to address national health challenges.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate whether small businesses were involved in this contract. Typically, large research grants or contracts with universities may not directly involve small business set-asides unless specific subcontracting opportunities arise.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract was awarded by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) through the National Institutes of Health (NIH), which have established oversight mechanisms for research grants and contracts to ensure scientific integrity and proper use of funds.

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 (6 years) increases risk of changing research priorities or scope.
Cost-reimbursement contract type requires diligent oversight to prevent cost overruns.
Sole awardee raises questions about the breadth of initial competition, despite 'full and open' designation.
Lack of profit incentive may reduce contractor drive for exceptional performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $14.8 million to OREGON HEALTH & SCIENCE UNIVERSITY. IMMUNE FUNCTION AND BIODEFENSE IN CHILDREN, ELDERLY, AND IMMUNOCOMPROMISED POPULATIONS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is OREGON HEALTH & SCIENCE UNIVERSITY.

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 $14.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2005-09-30. End: 2011-03-31.

What specific scientific outcomes or deliverables were expected from this $14.75M research contract, and were they achieved?

The contract aimed to advance understanding of immune function and biodefense in vulnerable populations. Specific deliverables would typically include research publications, data sets, and potentially novel insights into disease mechanisms or countermeasures. Assessing achievement requires reviewing NIH's project reports and scientific output from Oregon Health & Science University during the contract period.

Given the 'Cost No Fee' structure, how was contractor performance and efficiency monitored to ensure responsible use of taxpayer funds?

For 'Cost No Fee' contracts, performance is typically monitored through regular progress reports, scientific reviews, and adherence to research protocols. NIH program officers and scientific reviewers would oversee the research's direction and milestones. While profit isn't a factor, the agency ensures the research is scientifically sound and progressing as planned to justify continued funding.

How does the $14.75M investment in this specific research area compare to broader federal R&D spending on immune function and biodefense, and what was the long-term impact?

This $14.75M award represents a significant, albeit specific, investment. Federal R&D spending on immune function and biodefense is vast, encompassing numerous projects across agencies. The long-term impact of this particular contract would be measured by its contribution to the scientific literature, potential influence on subsequent research directions, and any translation into public health strategies or countermeasures.

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

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Offers Received: 20

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 2525 SW 1ST AVENUE, PORTLAND, OR, 97201

Business Categories: Category Business, Educational Institution, Government, Higher Education, Not Designated a Small Business, U.S. Regional/State Government

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $17,065,647

Exercised Options: $17,065,647

Current Obligation: $14,753,276

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Timeline