NIH awards $32.5M for influenza research, spanning a decade of surveillance and development

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $32,516,137 ($32.5M)

Contractor: Regents of the University of Minnesota

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2007-03-30

End Date: 2017-01-10

Contract Duration: 3,574 days

Daily Burn Rate: $9.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 22

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: NIAID CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE FOR INFLUENZA RESEARCH AND SURVEILLANCE

Place of Performance

Location: MINNEAPOLIS, HENNEPIN County, MINNESOTA, 55454

State: Minnesota Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $32.5 million to REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA for work described as: NIAID CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE FOR INFLUENZA RESEARCH AND SURVEILLANCE Key points: 1. Contract value represents significant, long-term investment in critical public health infrastructure. 2. Full and open competition suggests a robust market for specialized research services. 3. Contract duration of nearly 10 years indicates a stable, ongoing need for these capabilities. 4. Focus on influenza research aligns with national priorities for pandemic preparedness. 5. Geographic concentration in Minnesota may reflect specialized regional expertise or facilities.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The total award of $32.5 million over approximately 10 years averages to about $3.25 million annually. This figure appears reasonable for a large-scale, multi-year research initiative focused on a complex area like influenza surveillance and research. Benchmarking against similar large federal research grants for infectious diseases would provide further context, but the sustained funding suggests a perceived value for the services rendered.

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. The presence of 22 proposals suggests a healthy level of interest and competition within the scientific community for this type of funding. This competitive process likely contributed to achieving a fair price and selecting the most capable research institution.

Taxpayer Impact: A competitive award process ensures that taxpayer funds are used efficiently by selecting the best value offer, rather than simply the first or only option available.

Public Impact

Benefits public health through enhanced understanding and control of influenza. Supports advanced scientific research and development in virology and immunology. Contributes to national and global pandemic preparedness efforts. Potentially impacts the workforce through research positions and training opportunities. Geographic impact is concentrated in Minnesota, fostering local research capabilities.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Long contract duration could lead to vendor lock-in if not managed carefully.
Concentration of funding in one institution may limit broader research ecosystem engagement.

Positive Signals

Sustained funding allows for long-term research projects and infrastructure development.
Full and open competition indicates a strong market response and potential for innovation.
Focus on a critical public health issue demonstrates alignment with national needs.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on life sciences and public health. The market for federal research grants in infectious diseases is highly competitive, with numerous academic institutions and private organizations vying for funding. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is a primary source of such funding, supporting a wide array of scientific endeavors. Benchmarks for similar multi-year research grants can range from millions to tens of millions of dollars annually, depending on the scope and complexity.

Small Business Impact

This contract does not appear to have specific small business set-aside provisions, as indicated by 'ss': false and 'sb': false. The nature of large-scale, specialized research often involves prime contracts awarded to large institutions or universities. However, the prime contractor, the University of Minnesota, may engage small businesses as subcontractors for specific services or supplies, though this is not explicitly detailed in the provided data.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily reside with the National Institutes of Health (NIH), a division of the Department of Health and Human Services. NIH program officers and contracting specialists would monitor progress, adherence to research protocols, and financial expenditures. The university's internal review boards and compliance offices also provide oversight. Transparency is generally maintained through public research publications and reporting requirements, though specific contract performance details may be proprietary.

Related Government Programs

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) Programs
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Influenza Surveillance
Department of Health and Human Services Public Health Initiatives
National Science Foundation (NSF) Biological Research Grants

Risk Flags

Long-term funding dependency
Potential for research scope drift
Reliance on specific institutional expertise

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $32.5 million to REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA. NIAID CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE FOR INFLUENZA RESEARCH AND SURVEILLANCE

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA.

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 $32.5 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2007-03-30. End: 2017-01-10.

What is the specific research focus within influenza for the NIAID Centers of Excellence?

The NIAID Centers of Excellence for Influenza Research and Surveillance (CEIRS) program aims to foster a coordinated network of research centers to advance the understanding of influenza viruses and the diseases they cause. This includes studying influenza virus biology, pathogenesis, immunology, and epidemiology. The program supports research on the development of improved vaccines and therapeutics, as well as enhancing global surveillance capabilities to detect and respond to emerging influenza threats. The specific activities under this contract would detail the precise research projects undertaken by the University of Minnesota's center, likely encompassing areas such as viral evolution, host-pathogen interactions, and the effectiveness of current and novel interventions.

How does the $32.5 million award compare to other large federal influenza research grants?

The $32.5 million award over approximately 10 years, averaging about $3.25 million annually, is substantial but falls within the typical range for major federal research center grants. For instance, other NIH Centers of Excellence programs, such as those for HIV/AIDS or emerging infectious diseases, often receive similar levels of funding. Large-scale grants from agencies like the National Science Foundation (NSF) or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for infectious disease research can also reach these figures. The competitiveness of the grant process and the specific scientific aims dictate the final award amounts, making direct comparisons challenging without knowing the exact scope of work for each grant.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this contract?

Key performance indicators for this contract would likely focus on scientific output and public health impact. These could include the number and quality of peer-reviewed publications, presentations at scientific conferences, development of new diagnostic tools or assays, contributions to influenza vaccine strain selection, and the generation of epidemiological data that informs public health policy. Milestones related to the establishment and maintenance of surveillance networks, data sharing, and the training of researchers would also be critical. The NIH program officers would monitor these KPIs to ensure the research objectives are being met and that the investment is yielding valuable scientific and public health outcomes.

What is the track record of the University of Minnesota in receiving and managing large federal research grants?

The University of Minnesota has a long and established track record of successfully competing for and managing large federal research grants across various scientific disciplines, including public health and infectious diseases. As a major research institution, it consistently ranks among the top universities for federal research expenditures. The university possesses the necessary infrastructure, administrative support, and experienced research personnel to handle complex, multi-year projects funded by agencies like NIH, NSF, and others. Their history of managing significant grants suggests a strong capacity for scientific execution, financial stewardship, and compliance with federal regulations.

What are the potential risks associated with a decade-long research contract?

Potential risks associated with a decade-long research contract include scientific obsolescence, where research priorities or methodologies become outdated before the contract concludes. There's also the risk of shifting federal funding priorities, which could impact future renewals or modifications. For the contractor, maintaining institutional commitment and staff expertise over such a long period can be challenging. From a government perspective, ensuring continued relevance and value for money requires robust oversight and flexibility to adapt the research agenda as scientific understanding evolves and new threats emerge. Unforeseen scientific challenges or failures to achieve key milestones also represent inherent risks in long-term research endeavors.

How does this contract contribute to the broader goal of pandemic preparedness?

This contract significantly contributes to pandemic preparedness by strengthening the nation's capacity to understand, monitor, and respond to influenza threats. The research conducted under these centers aims to improve surveillance systems for early detection of novel or concerning influenza strains, enhance our knowledge of viral evolution and transmission, and accelerate the development of more effective vaccines and antiviral treatments. By fostering centers of excellence, the NIH ensures a sustained focus on influenza, building a robust scientific foundation and a network of experts ready to address emerging public health crises. This long-term investment is crucial for maintaining a proactive stance against potential pandemics.

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 › General Science and Technology R&D Services

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: BASIC RESEARCH

Offers Received: 22

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: University of Minnesota Twin C (UEI: 006220594)

Address: 200 OAK ST SE, MINNEAPOLIS, MN, 55455

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $43,154,772

Exercised Options: $32,516,137

Current Obligation: $32,516,137

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Timeline