NIH Awards $12.6M to University of Washington for Biomedical Research Over 5 Years

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $12,582,498 ($12.6M)

Contractor: University of Washington

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2007-09-28

End Date: 2012-09-27

Contract Duration: 1,826 days

Daily Burn Rate: $6.9K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 15

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: BIOMEDICAL (APPLIED/EXPLORATORY)

Place of Performance

Location: SEATTLE, KING County, WASHINGTON, 98105

State: Washington Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $12.6 million to UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON for work described as: BIOMEDICAL (APPLIED/EXPLORATORY) Key points: 1. Significant investment in biomedical research by NIH. 2. University of Washington is a major research institution. 3. Long-term contract (5 years) suggests sustained research focus. 4. Potential for groundbreaking discoveries in the biomedical sector.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract type is 'COST NO FEE', indicating the government pays the actual costs incurred by the contractor but no additional fee. This is common for research grants where the primary goal is the advancement of knowledge rather than profit.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a robust process to identify the best value. The 'COST NO FEE' structure prioritizes research objectives over price negotiation.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are directed towards advancing scientific knowledge and potential health innovations, with the expectation of public benefit from research outcomes.

Public Impact

Advancement of biomedical knowledge with potential for new treatments or cures. Supports a leading research university, fostering scientific talent and infrastructure. Long-term funding provides stability for complex, multi-year research projects.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Positive Signals

Supports a leading research institution.
Long-term funding for sustained research.
Full and open competition ensures broad participation.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Biomedical (Applied/Exploratory) sector, specifically for Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools. Spending in this area is crucial for scientific progress and public health.

Small Business Impact

This contract was awarded to a university, not a small business. There is no indication of specific provisions for small business participation in this particular award.

Oversight & Accountability

NIH, as a major funding agency, typically has robust oversight mechanisms for research grants and contracts to ensure scientific integrity and responsible use of funds.

Related Government Programs

Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools
Department of Health and Human Services Contracting
National Institutes of Health Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for research to not yield desired outcomes.
Long duration may lead to scope creep or changing research priorities.
Reliance on a single institution for a significant funding amount.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $12.6 million to UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON. BIOMEDICAL (APPLIED/EXPLORATORY)

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON.

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 $12.6 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2007-09-28. End: 2012-09-27.

What is the expected scientific impact of this research?

The specific scientific impact is not detailed in the provided data. However, as a biomedical research contract from NIH to a major university, it is expected to contribute to advancements in understanding diseases, developing new diagnostic tools, or exploring novel therapeutic approaches. The long-term nature suggests complex, potentially high-impact research.

What are the primary risks associated with this type of research funding?

Key risks include the possibility of research not yielding expected results, potential for delays in project timelines, and the inherent uncertainty in scientific discovery. Ensuring efficient use of funds and maintaining research integrity are also ongoing considerations for the funding agency and the institution.

How effective is the 'COST NO FEE' contract type for fostering innovation in biomedical research?

The 'COST NO FEE' structure is generally effective for research where the primary goal is knowledge creation rather than profit. It allows researchers to focus on scientific objectives without the pressure of profit margins, potentially encouraging exploration of high-risk, high-reward ideas. However, it requires strong oversight to ensure efficient resource utilization.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Educational Services › Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools › Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools

Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › N – Health R&D Services

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: RFPNIHNICHD0711W

Offers Received: 15

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 3900 15TH AVE NE, SEATTLE, WA, 98195

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $26,116,402

Exercised Options: $12,582,498

Current Obligation: $12,582,498

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Timeline