NIH Awards $19.8M for Atherosclerosis Research Coordinating Center to University of Washington
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $19,824,861 ($19.8M)
Contractor: University of Washington
Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services
Start Date: 2015-08-14
End Date: 2019-08-14
Contract Duration: 1,461 days
Daily Burn Rate: $13.6K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF - MULTI-ETHNIC STUDY OF ATHEROSCLEROSIS (MESA)III- COORDINATING CENTER
Place of Performance
Location: SEATTLE, KING County, WASHINGTON, 98115
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Health and Human Services obligated $19.8 million to UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF - MULTI-ETHNIC STUDY OF ATHEROSCLEROSIS (MESA)III- COORDINATING CENTER Key points: 1. Significant investment in a multi-year research project focused on cardiovascular health. 2. University of Washington, a leading research institution, is the sole awardee. 3. The contract is a firm-fixed-price delivery order, indicating defined scope and cost. 4. Spending falls within the R&D sector, specifically physical, engineering, and life sciences.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The $19.8M award for a 4-year coordinating center appears reasonable given the scope of a multi-ethnic study. Benchmarking against similar large-scale research coordination contracts would provide further validation.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. This method generally leads to better price discovery and value for the government.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are supporting critical public health research, aiming to improve understanding and prevention of atherosclerosis.
Public Impact
Supports vital research into a leading cause of death and disability. Potential for long-term public health benefits through improved understanding of atherosclerosis. Investment in a major academic institution's research capabilities.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Positive Signals
- Supports critical public health research.
- Awarded via full and open competition.
- Long-term project duration.
Sector Analysis
This award falls under the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. The $19.8M for a 4-year coordinating center is a substantial but not unusual investment for a large-scale, multi-site research initiative.
Small Business Impact
The awardee is a large university, not a small business. There is no indication of small business participation in this specific contract.
Oversight & Accountability
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is responsible for overseeing this research grant. Standard NIH oversight mechanisms for research grants would apply.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)
- Department of Health and Human Services Contracting
- National Institutes of Health Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for scope creep in long-term research projects.
- Reliance on a single institution for critical coordination functions.
- Long-term nature of research may delay tangible outcomes.
- Funding levels for large research grants can be subject to budget fluctuations.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-health-and-human-services, wa, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Health and Human Services awarded $19.8 million to UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON. IGF::OT::IGF - MULTI-ETHNIC STUDY OF ATHEROSCLEROSIS (MESA)III- COORDINATING CENTER
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 $19.8 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2015-08-14. End: 2019-08-14.
What is the specific scope of work for the MESA III Coordinating Center and how does it align with the overall study objectives?
The MESA III Coordinating Center likely manages data collection, analysis, participant coordination, and dissemination of findings for the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis. Its scope is crucial for ensuring the study's scientific rigor, data integrity, and successful completion of its objectives, which aim to understand the prevalence, progression, and determinants of subclinical cardiovascular disease in diverse populations.
What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this contract, and how will NIH measure the success of the University of Washington's performance?
Key performance indicators would likely include timely data submission, accuracy of data analysis, successful participant recruitment and retention across study sites, adherence to research protocols, and effective communication among research teams. NIH would measure success through regular progress reports, data quality audits, scientific publications, and the overall contribution to the study's research goals.
Beyond the initial award, what is the potential for follow-on funding or future phases of the MESA study, and what is the estimated total lifecycle cost?
The initial award covers the MESA III phase. The potential for follow-on funding depends on the study's progress, scientific merit, and continued relevance. Future phases or extensions are common for longitudinal studies like MESA, allowing for long-term tracking of outcomes. The total lifecycle cost would encompass all awarded phases and potential future funding, which could significantly exceed the current $19.8M.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)
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: NHLBIHV1502
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 4333 BROOKLYN AVE NE, SEATTLE, WA, 98195
Business Categories: Category Business, Educational Institution, Government, Higher Education, U.S. Local Government, U.S. National Government, Not Designated a Small Business, Higher Education (Public)
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $19,824,861
Exercised Options: $19,824,861
Current Obligation: $19,824,861
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: HHSN268201500003I
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2015-08-14
Current End Date: 2019-08-14
Potential End Date: 2019-08-14 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2024-12-20
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