NIH awards $12.7M contract for Destroyer research to Yale University, spanning 20 years

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $12,765,000 ($12.8M)

Contractor: Yale Univ

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2005-09-29

End Date: 2011-03-31

Contract Duration: 2,009 days

Daily Burn Rate: $6.4K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 21

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: DESTROYERS

Place of Performance

Location: NEW HAVEN, NEW HAVEN County, CONNECTICUT, 06520

State: Connecticut Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $12.8 million to YALE UNIV for work described as: DESTROYERS Key points: 1. Significant long-term investment in destroyer research. 2. Competition was full and open, suggesting potential for competitive pricing. 3. Contract type is 'Cost No Fee', which shifts risk to the government. 4. The sector is Research and Development, specifically social sciences and humanities.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract's 'Cost No Fee' structure means the government bears the cost risk. Without a fixed price, it's difficult to assess value without detailed cost breakdowns.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

Full and open competition was utilized, which typically fosters competitive pricing. However, the 'Cost No Fee' structure may limit the government's ability to realize cost savings.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are committed for a long duration, with the government absorbing cost overruns. The value for money depends heavily on the research outcomes.

Public Impact

Long-term funding for critical research areas. Potential for groundbreaking discoveries in social sciences and humanities. Government bears financial risk due to contract type.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 63 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost No Fee contract type
Long contract duration (20 years)
Potential for cost overruns

Positive Signals

Full and open competition
Research in potentially impactful areas

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities. Spending in this sector can vary widely, but long-term, high-value contracts like this are notable.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate any specific provisions or participation from small businesses in this contract.

Oversight & Accountability

The long duration and 'Cost No Fee' structure necessitate robust oversight to ensure research progress and prevent cost escalation.

Related Government Programs

Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities
Department of Health and Human Services Contracting
National Institutes of Health Programs

Risk Flags

Cost overrun risk due to 'Cost No Fee' structure.
Long contract duration may lead to outdated research objectives.
Potential for scope creep without strict oversight.
Lack of defined profit motive for contractor.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $12.8 million to YALE UNIV. DESTROYERS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is YALE UNIV.

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 $12.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2005-09-29. End: 2011-03-31.

How will the 'Cost No Fee' structure be managed to ensure efficient use of taxpayer funds over the 20-year period?

Effective management of a 'Cost No Fee' contract requires stringent monitoring of research progress, regular performance reviews, and clear milestones. The contracting agency must ensure that costs incurred are reasonable and allocable to the contract's objectives, even without a fixed price ceiling. Regular audits and transparent reporting are crucial to maintain accountability and prevent potential waste.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this research contract to measure its success and value?

Success metrics should focus on research output, such as publications in peer-reviewed journals, development of new methodologies, and contributions to the body of knowledge in social sciences and humanities. Milestones for research phases, successful completion of objectives, and the impact of findings on policy or practice should also be defined. Regular progress reports against these KPIs will be essential for evaluating the contract's value.

Given the 20-year duration, what mechanisms are in place to adapt to evolving research needs and technological advancements?

Adaptability can be built into the contract through clauses allowing for modifications based on research findings or changes in the field. Periodic reviews (e.g., every 3-5 years) can assess the continued relevance of the research objectives and allow for adjustments. The contracting agency should maintain open communication with the contractor to identify emerging trends and incorporate them into the research plan as needed.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities

Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › Community and Regional Development 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: 105 WALL ST, NEW HAVEN, CT, 06511

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Tax Exempt, Educational Institution, Higher Education, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Higher Education (Private)

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $17,414,791

Exercised Options: $12,765,000

Current Obligation: $12,765,000

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Timeline