NIH awards $56M for GTEx Project data analysis to Broad Institute under full and open competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $56,073,087 ($56.1M)
Contractor: THE Broad Institute, Inc
Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services
Start Date: 2010-07-30
End Date: 2017-10-30
Contract Duration: 2,649 days
Daily Burn Rate: $21.2K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: TAS::75 0872::TAS LABORATORY, DATA ANALYSIS, AND COORDINATING CENTER (LDACC) FOR THE GENOTYPE-TISSUE EXPRESSION (GTEX) PROJECT - A NIH COMMON FUND INITIATIVE
Place of Performance
Location: CAMBRIDGE, MIDDLESEX County, MASSACHUSETTS, 02142
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Health and Human Services obligated $56.1 million to THE BROAD INSTITUTE, INC for work described as: TAS::75 0872::TAS LABORATORY, DATA ANALYSIS, AND COORDINATING CENTER (LDACC) FOR THE GENOTYPE-TISSUE EXPRESSION (GTEX) PROJECT - A NIH COMMON FUND INITIATIVE Key points: 1. The contract supports critical genotype-tissue expression research, a key NIH Common Fund initiative. 2. Broad Institute, a leading research institution, is the awardee. 3. The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 4. The sector is R&D, specifically focusing on life sciences research.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $56M over its period of performance appears reasonable for a large-scale, multi-year research data analysis project. Benchmarking against similar NIH Common Fund initiatives would provide further context.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded through full and open competition, indicating that multiple qualified bidders had the opportunity to submit proposals. This method generally promotes competitive pricing and ensures the government receives the best value.
Taxpayer Impact: The competitive nature of the award suggests that taxpayer funds are being used efficiently by selecting the most capable and cost-effective provider for this important research.
Public Impact
Supports the Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) Project, advancing understanding of gene expression. The NIH Common Fund initiative aims to improve disease treatment and prevention strategies. Data analysis is crucial for interpreting complex genomic and tissue data. The award to a prominent institution like Broad Institute suggests high-quality research execution.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Contract duration is long (2649 days).
- No small business participation noted.
Positive Signals
- Awarded under full and open competition.
- Supports a high-impact NIH Common Fund initiative.
- Awardee is a reputable research institution.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on life sciences. Spending in this area is critical for scientific advancement and public health, with significant government investment aimed at fostering innovation and discovery.
Small Business Impact
There is no indication of small business participation in this contract. Given the scale and nature of the research, it's possible that the prime contractor does not subcontract to small businesses, or that opportunities were not identified or pursued.
Oversight & Accountability
The award was made by the National Institutes of Health, a major federal agency with established oversight mechanisms for research grants and contracts. The use of full and open competition suggests a transparent procurement process.
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.
- No small business participation.
- Potential for single-source dependency if follow-on work is not competed.
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 $56.1 million to THE BROAD INSTITUTE, INC. TAS::75 0872::TAS LABORATORY, DATA ANALYSIS, AND COORDINATING CENTER (LDACC) FOR THE GENOTYPE-TISSUE EXPRESSION (GTEX) PROJECT - A NIH COMMON FUND INITIATIVE
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is THE BROAD INSTITUTE, INC.
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 $56.1 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2010-07-30. End: 2017-10-30.
What is the specific impact of the data analysis performed under this contract on advancing our understanding of human disease?
The data analysis under the GTEx project aims to map gene expression to tissue types, providing crucial insights into how genetic variations influence biological functions and disease susceptibility. This foundational research helps identify potential therapeutic targets and biomarkers for various conditions, ultimately contributing to more personalized and effective treatments.
What are the potential risks associated with relying on a single institution for such a critical data analysis project?
While the Broad Institute is highly capable, relying on a single entity for critical data analysis could pose risks such as vendor lock-in, potential for single points of failure, and limited exposure to diverse analytical approaches. However, the competitive award process and NIH's oversight should mitigate some of these concerns by ensuring rigorous standards and performance monitoring.
How effectively does this contract leverage taxpayer funds to achieve its research objectives compared to alternative approaches?
The contract's value of $56M over approximately 7 years, awarded through full and open competition, suggests a potentially cost-effective approach for a complex, long-term research initiative. The competitive process likely drove down costs, and the focus on a well-defined project with a leading institution maximizes the potential for impactful scientific outcomes, thereby enhancing the value derived from taxpayer investment.
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
Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 7 CAMBRIDGE CTR, CAMBRIDGE, MA, 02142
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Tax Exempt, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $94,681,492
Exercised Options: $60,573,087
Current Obligation: $56,073,087
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 2
Total Subaward Amount: $132,481
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Timeline
Start Date: 2010-07-30
Current End Date: 2017-10-30
Potential End Date: 2017-10-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2024-04-02
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