NIH awards $14.18M for Biomedical R&D to Northwestern University under full and open competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $14,179,268 ($14.2M)
Contractor: Northwestern University
Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services
Start Date: 2006-09-30
End Date: 2013-05-31
Contract Duration: 2,435 days
Daily Burn Rate: $5.8K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 23
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: BIOMEDICAL (BASIC)
Place of Performance
Location: CHICAGO, COOK County, ILLINOIS, 60611
State: Illinois Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Health and Human Services obligated $14.2 million to NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY for work described as: BIOMEDICAL (BASIC) Key points: 1. Significant R&D investment in biomedical sciences. 2. Northwestern University is a key player in this sector. 3. Potential for groundbreaking discoveries. 4. Long contract duration suggests complex research.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract type is 'COST NO FEE', which is common for research and development where costs are reimbursed but no profit is made. The total award amount of $14.18M over approximately 6.7 years suggests a moderate annual spend.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
Full and open competition was utilized, indicating a broad search for qualified contractors. This method generally promotes competitive pricing and access to the best available talent and technology.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are directed towards critical biomedical research, potentially leading to advancements in health and medicine.
Public Impact
Supports advancement in physical, engineering, and life sciences. Potential for new treatments or understanding of diseases. Investment in academic research infrastructure.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 58 / 10
Warning Flags
- Long contract duration may indicate scope creep or delays.
- Cost-reimbursement contracts can be susceptible to cost overruns if not managed tightly.
Positive Signals
- Supports critical R&D in a vital sector.
- Utilizes full and open competition for best value.
- Long-term commitment to research can yield significant results.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under the 'Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences' NAICS code (541710). Spending in this sector is crucial for innovation and national competitiveness, with significant government investment.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded to Northwestern University, a large research institution. There is no indication of specific provisions or subcontracts for small businesses in the provided data.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract was awarded by the Department of Health and Human Services (NIH), a major federal agency with established oversight mechanisms for research grants and contracts. The long duration necessitates ongoing monitoring.
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
- Long contract duration.
- Cost-reimbursement contract type.
- Lack of specific performance metrics in provided data.
- Potential for research to not yield immediate or tangible results.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-health-and-human-services, il, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Health and Human Services awarded $14.2 million to NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY. BIOMEDICAL (BASIC)
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY.
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 $14.2 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2006-09-30. End: 2013-05-31.
What specific biomedical research areas are being funded by this contract, and what are the expected outcomes?
The provided data indicates the contract is for 'Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences' (NAICS 541710) awarded to Northwestern University by NIH. Specific research areas and expected outcomes are not detailed, but typically such funding supports basic science exploration, potentially leading to advancements in disease understanding, diagnostics, or therapeutics.
How effectively has Northwestern University managed the budget and timeline for this long-term research contract?
The contract duration is 2435 days (approx. 6.7 years) with a total award of $14.18M. Without access to performance reports or financial audits, it's impossible to assess budget management or adherence to timeline. The 'COST NO FEE' structure implies reimbursement of actual costs, making oversight critical to prevent overspending.
What is the potential return on investment for taxpayers from this biomedical research funding?
The return on investment for basic biomedical research is often long-term and indirect, measured by scientific breakthroughs, improved public health, and economic benefits from new technologies or treatments. While direct financial returns are unlikely, the societal value of advancements in health can be immense.
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: 23
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 633 CLARK ST, EVANSTON, IL, 60208
Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $14,179,268
Exercised Options: $14,179,268
Current Obligation: $14,179,268
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Timeline
Start Date: 2006-09-30
Current End Date: 2013-05-31
Potential End Date: 2013-05-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2024-11-23
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