NIH awards $11.3M contract to University of Rochester for immune function research

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $11,331,176 ($11.3M)

Contractor: University of Rochester

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2005-09-05

End Date: 2011-09-30

Contract Duration: 2,216 days

Daily Burn Rate: $5.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 21

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE

Sector: R&D

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

Place of Performance

Location: ROCHESTER, MONROE County, NEW YORK, 14642

State: New York Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $11.3 million to UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER for work described as: IMMUNE FUNCTION AND BIODEFENSE IN CHILDREN, ELDERLY AND IMMUNCOMPROMISED POPULATIONS Key points: 1. Contract focuses on critical populations: children, elderly, and immunocompromised. 2. Research aims to enhance understanding of immune function and biodefense. 3. Long-term contract duration suggests a sustained research effort. 4. The award was made under full and open competition. 5. University of Rochester has a history of receiving federal research grants. 6. The contract type is Cost No Fee, common for research and development. 7. Geographic impact is concentrated in New York.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $11.3 million over approximately 6 years for specialized research is within a reasonable range for NIH-funded projects of this scope. Benchmarking against similar R&D contracts for immunological studies would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. The Cost No Fee structure indicates that the government reimburses allowable costs but does not pay a profit, which is typical for academic research institutions and can be cost-effective for the government.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple qualified bidders had the opportunity to submit proposals. This competitive process is designed to ensure the government receives the best value and technical approach. The number of proposals received (21) suggests robust interest and a healthy competitive environment for this research area.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally leads to more competitive pricing and innovative solutions, which is beneficial for taxpayers by maximizing the return on investment for federal research funds.

Public Impact

Benefits children, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems through advancements in medical understanding. Delivers critical research findings in the fields of immunology and biodefense. Geographic impact is primarily in New York, where the University of Rochester is located. Supports scientific workforce development through research positions and training opportunities at the university.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for research findings to be highly specialized and not immediately applicable to broad public health interventions.
Long contract duration could lead to scope creep or shifts in research priorities that may not align with evolving public health needs.
Reliance on a single academic institution for this critical research area.

Positive Signals

Focus on vulnerable populations addresses significant public health concerns.
The competitive award process suggests a strong likelihood of high-quality research.
The sustained funding over several years allows for in-depth and potentially groundbreaking discoveries.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on life sciences and health. The market for biomedical research is substantial, with significant federal investment driven by agencies like NIH. This contract aligns with NIH's mission to seek fundamental knowledge about the nature and behavior of living systems and the application of that knowledge to enhance health, lengthen life, and prevent illness. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve analyzing other NIH grants and contracts awarded for immunological and biodefense research.

Small Business Impact

This contract was awarded under full and open competition and does not appear to have specific small business set-aside provisions. However, the University of Rochester, as a large research institution, may engage small businesses as subcontractors for specialized services or supplies, contributing to the broader small business ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight is primarily provided by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), which manages the grant and monitors progress against research objectives. The Cost No Fee contract structure requires detailed financial reporting and justification of expenses. Transparency is maintained through public dissemination of research findings via publications and conferences. The Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human Services would have jurisdiction over potential fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

NIH Research Grants
Biodefense Research Programs
Immunology Research
Public Health Research

Risk Flags

Long contract duration
Specialized research focus
Cost-reimbursement contract type

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $11.3 million to UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER. IMMUNE FUNCTION AND BIODEFENSE IN CHILDREN, ELDERLY AND IMMUNCOMPROMISED POPULATIONS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER.

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 $11.3 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2005-09-05. End: 2011-09-30.

What is the University of Rochester's track record with federal research grants, particularly from NIH?

The University of Rochester has a long and established history of receiving substantial funding from federal agencies, including the National Institutes of Health (NIH). As a major research university, it consistently ranks among institutions with high levels of federal research and development expenditures. Its portfolio includes numerous grants and contracts across various scientific disciplines, with a significant focus on biomedical research. This specific contract builds upon a foundation of expertise in immunology and related fields, evidenced by prior publications and successful grant applications. NIH's continued funding of the university underscores its confidence in Rochester's research capabilities and its ability to manage complex, long-term scientific projects effectively.

How does the $11.3 million award compare to other NIH contracts for similar immunological research?

The $11.3 million award for a 6-year research project on immune function and biodefense is within the typical range for large, multi-year R&D grants and contracts issued by the NIH. NIH funds a wide spectrum of research, from small exploratory grants to large center grants and contracts. Projects focusing on complex biological systems, requiring extensive laboratory work, personnel, and specialized equipment, often receive funding in the multi-million dollar range over several years. For instance, other NIH institutes fund similar large-scale initiatives in areas like cancer immunology, infectious diseases, and aging, with budgets often exceeding $1-2 million annually. Therefore, this award appears commensurate with the scope, duration, and scientific ambition of the research described.

What are the primary risks associated with this type of long-term, specialized research contract?

The primary risks associated with this long-term, specialized research contract include scientific risk (the possibility that the research may not yield the expected or desired results), personnel risk (reliance on key researchers who may leave the project), and programmatic risk (potential shifts in scientific priorities or funding landscapes that could impact the project's relevance or continuation). For a Cost No Fee contract, there's also a risk of cost overruns if not managed meticulously, although the absence of profit motive can mitigate some financial pressures. Furthermore, the long duration increases the chance of unforeseen scientific challenges or the emergence of more promising alternative research avenues that could render the current project less impactful.

How effective is the 'Cost No Fee' contract type for achieving NIH's research objectives?

The 'Cost No Fee' (CNF) contract type is generally considered effective for achieving NIH's research objectives, particularly when contracting with non-profit research institutions like universities. This structure reimburses the contractor for all allowable costs incurred in performing the contract but does not include a profit margin. This is appropriate because the primary goal is the advancement of scientific knowledge rather than commercial gain. It encourages the institution to focus on the scientific mission and efficient use of resources. While it requires robust financial oversight to ensure costs are reasonable and allocable, it aligns well with the academic and exploratory nature of much federal R&D, fostering a collaborative environment focused on discovery.

What are the historical spending patterns for NIH in the area of immunology and biodefense research?

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) consistently allocates a significant portion of its budget to research in immunology and biodefense, reflecting its critical importance to national health and security. Historical spending patterns show a steady increase in funding for these areas over the past two decades, driven by emerging infectious diseases, bioterrorism concerns, and advancements in understanding the immune system. NIH's various institutes, such as the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), are major funders. Annual outlays for immunology and related biodefense research often run into the billions of dollars, encompassing basic science, vaccine development, therapeutics, and diagnostics. This specific $11.3 million award represents a small but targeted investment within this broader federal commitment.

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: BASIC RESEARCH

Offers Received: 21

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 575 MT HOPE AVE, ROCHESTER, NY, 14620

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $24,913,140

Exercised Options: $15,245,394

Current Obligation: $11,331,176

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Timeline