NIH Awards MIT $2M for Biomedical Research Under Full and Open Competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $20,297,159 ($20.3M)
Contractor: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services
Start Date: 2006-04-01
End Date: 2009-11-09
Contract Duration: 1,318 days
Daily Burn Rate: $15.4K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 5
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: BIOMEDICAL BASIC
Place of Performance
Location: CAMBRIDGE, MIDDLESEX County, MASSACHUSETTS, 02139
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Health and Human Services obligated $20.3 million to MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY for work described as: BIOMEDICAL BASIC Key points: 1. Significant investment in fundamental biomedical research. 2. MIT is a leading research institution, suggesting strong technical capability. 3. The contract type (Cost No Fee) implies a focus on research progress over profit. 4. Potential for breakthroughs in physical, engineering, and life sciences.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $2,029,715.90 over 1318 days is reasonable for a large-scale R&D project at a top-tier institution like MIT. Benchmarking against similar NIH grants for basic research would provide more precise pricing assessment.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
Full and open competition was utilized, indicating a broad solicitation for proposals. This method generally promotes competitive pricing and allows the government to select the most qualified offeror based on merit and cost.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are directed towards advancing scientific knowledge, with the potential for long-term societal benefits.
Public Impact
Advancement of scientific knowledge in biomedical fields. Potential for new discoveries impacting public health. Support for cutting-edge research at a prestigious institution.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of specific performance metrics in provided data.
- Potential for research to not yield expected results.
Positive Signals
- Award to a highly reputable research institution.
- Use of full and open competition.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under the R&D sector, specifically basic research in the physical, engineering, and life sciences. Federal spending in this area is crucial for innovation and long-term economic growth, with NIH being a primary funding agency.
Small Business Impact
This contract was awarded to a large research institution (MIT) and does not appear to involve small business participation based on the provided data. Future contracts could explore opportunities for small businesses in specialized research areas.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight would typically be managed by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) program officers to ensure research milestones are met and funds are used appropriately. Accountability is tied to the scientific outcomes and adherence to grant terms.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences
- Department of Health and Human Services Contracting
- National Institutes of Health Programs
Risk Flags
- Research Uncertainty
- Lack of Specific Deliverables
- Long Time Horizon for Results
- Dependence on Institutional Expertise
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-health-and-human-services, ma, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Health and Human Services awarded $20.3 million to MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY. BIOMEDICAL BASIC
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY.
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 $20.3 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2006-04-01. End: 2009-11-09.
What are the specific research objectives and expected outcomes of this biomedical grant?
The specific research objectives and expected outcomes are not detailed in the provided data. Typically, NIH grants outline specific aims, methodologies, and anticipated contributions to scientific understanding. Further review of the contract statement of work or associated grant documentation would be necessary to ascertain these details and evaluate the project's potential impact.
What is the risk of research failure or not meeting projected scientific goals?
Basic research inherently carries a risk of failure or not meeting projected goals, as it explores unknown scientific territory. Factors contributing to this risk include the complexity of biological systems, unforeseen experimental challenges, and the possibility that hypotheses may not be supported by data. The 'Cost No Fee' structure suggests the focus is on effort and progress rather than guaranteed outcomes.
How does this award contribute to the overall effectiveness of NIH's research portfolio?
This award contributes to NIH's effectiveness by funding fundamental research at a leading institution, potentially leading to groundbreaking discoveries that could form the basis for future applied research and medical advancements. Investing in basic science is critical for long-term innovation and maintaining a robust pipeline of scientific knowledge that addresses public health challenges.
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: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Offers Received: 5
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 77 MASSACHUSETTS AVE, CAMBRIDGE, MA, 02139
Business Categories: Category Business, Educational Institution, Higher Education, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $20,920,575
Exercised Options: $20,297,159
Current Obligation: $20,297,159
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Timeline
Start Date: 2006-04-01
Current End Date: 2009-11-09
Potential End Date: 2009-11-09 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2019-03-13
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