NIH Spends $12.4M on Warfarin Dosing Trial, Awarded to University of Pennsylvania
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $12,427,447 ($12.4M)
Contractor: Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania, the
Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services
Start Date: 2008-04-01
End Date: 2014-04-30
Contract Duration: 2,220 days
Daily Burn Rate: $5.6K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 4
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: RANDOMIZED CLINICAL TRIAL OF GENOTYPE GUIDED DOSING OF WARFARIN THERAPY
Place of Performance
Location: PHILADELPHIA, PHILADELPHIA County, PENNSYLVANIA, 19104
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Health and Human Services obligated $12.4 million to TRUSTEES OF THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA, THE for work described as: RANDOMIZED CLINICAL TRIAL OF GENOTYPE GUIDED DOSING OF WARFARIN THERAPY Key points: 1. The contract focuses on research and development in life sciences, specifically genotype-guided warfarin dosing. 2. Awarded via full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. The contract value is substantial for a research and development project. 4. The project duration is nearly 6 years, indicating a long-term research commitment.
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 is $12.4M over approximately 6 years.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. This method generally promotes price discovery and competitive pricing.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for a research project aimed at improving patient outcomes through personalized medicine, potentially leading to long-term healthcare cost savings.
Public Impact
Potential for improved patient safety and efficacy in warfarin treatment. Advancement of personalized medicine through genetic research. Contribution to scientific knowledge in pharmacology and genetics. Potential for reduced healthcare costs associated with adverse drug events.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Long project duration may increase risk of cost overruns or scope creep.
- Research outcomes are inherently uncertain and may not yield desired results.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition.
- Focus on improving patient care and safety.
- Potential for significant long-term healthcare cost savings.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on life sciences. Benchmarks for R&D contracts can vary widely based on the complexity and duration of the research.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate whether small businesses were involved in this contract. The prime contractor is 'TRUSTEES OF THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA, THE', which is a large research institution.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract is managed by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), a major federal agency with established oversight mechanisms for research grants and contracts. The 'COST NO FEE' structure implies scrutiny of expenses.
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
- Long contract duration (2220 days).
- Research and Development inherently carries scientific uncertainty.
- Cost-reimbursable contract type requires diligent oversight.
- No indication of small business participation.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-health-and-human-services, pa, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Health and Human Services awarded $12.4 million to TRUSTEES OF THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA, THE. RANDOMIZED CLINICAL TRIAL OF GENOTYPE GUIDED DOSING OF WARFARIN THERAPY
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is TRUSTEES OF THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA, THE.
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 $12.4 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2008-04-01. End: 2014-04-30.
What is the expected impact of genotype-guided warfarin dosing on patient outcomes compared to standard dosing?
The primary goal of this research is to determine if tailoring warfarin dosage based on a patient's genetic makeup can lead to more stable anticoagulation, reduce the incidence of bleeding or clotting events, and ultimately improve patient safety and treatment effectiveness. Successful outcomes could set a new standard of care.
What are the key risks associated with a long-term R&D contract like this, and how are they mitigated?
Key risks include scientific uncertainty, potential for research findings to be inconclusive, and the long duration increasing exposure to changing scientific landscapes or funding priorities. Mitigation strategies often involve phased reviews, clear milestones, and adaptive research protocols to adjust to new information or challenges.
How does the 'COST NO FEE' contract structure influence the efficiency and effectiveness of this research?
The 'COST NO FEE' structure incentivizes the contractor to manage costs efficiently, as they are reimbursed for actual expenses but do not earn a profit margin. This can promote focus on research objectives rather than profit maximization, potentially enhancing the effectiveness of spending for the taxpayer, provided robust oversight is in place.
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: BASIC RESEARCH
Solicitation ID: NHLBIHV0803
Offers Received: 4
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 3451 WALNUT ST, PHILADELPHIA, PA, 19104
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Tax Exempt, Educational Institution, Higher Education, Hospital, Not Designated a Small Business, Higher Education (Private), Special Designations
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $12,427,447
Exercised Options: $12,427,447
Current Obligation: $12,427,447
Contract Characteristics
Multi-Year Contract: Yes
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Timeline
Start Date: 2008-04-01
Current End Date: 2014-04-30
Potential End Date: 2014-04-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2024-11-23
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