NIH invests $18.8M in Washington University's cardiovascular research, spanning 5 years

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $18,811,509 ($18.8M)

Contractor: Washington University, the

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2010-08-19

End Date: 2015-08-19

Contract Duration: 1,826 days

Daily Burn Rate: $10.3K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 10

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: TAS::75 0872::TAS WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY CARDIOVASCULAR PROGRAM OF EXCELLENCE IN NANOTECHNOLOGY

Place of Performance

Location: SAINT LOUIS, ST. LOUIS County, MISSOURI, 63130, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

State: Missouri Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $18.8 million to WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY, THE for work described as: TAS::75 0872::TAS WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY CARDIOVASCULAR PROGRAM OF EXCELLENCE IN NANOTECHNOLOGY Key points: 1. Value for money appears reasonable given the 5-year duration and research focus. 2. Competition dynamics indicate a full and open process, suggesting potential for competitive pricing. 3. Risk indicators are moderate, typical for long-term R&D projects. 4. Performance context is within the scope of NIH's mission for biomedical research. 5. Sector positioning aligns with advanced physical, engineering, and life sciences research.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of approximately $18.8 million over five years averages to about $3.76 million annually. This figure seems aligned with the typical funding levels for significant research grants awarded by agencies like NIH for specialized programs. Benchmarking against similar large-scale, multi-year research initiatives suggests this investment is within a reasonable range for its scope and duration. The 'COST NO FEE' contract type indicates that the government reimburses allowable costs incurred by the contractor, which is standard for research grants.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under a full and open competition, meaning all responsible sources were permitted to submit a bid. The presence of 10 bids suggests a healthy level of interest and competition for this research opportunity. A competitive process like this generally helps ensure that the government receives fair pricing and that the most capable research institution is selected.

Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition benefits taxpayers by driving down costs through competitive bidding and ensuring that public funds are awarded to the most qualified entity, maximizing the return on investment for research.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are researchers at Washington University, enabling advanced cardiovascular research. Services delivered include fundamental and applied research in nanotechnology for cardiovascular applications. Geographic impact is primarily within Missouri, fostering local research capabilities. Workforce implications include the potential for training and employing scientists, technicians, and support staff.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Long-term nature of R&D projects inherently carries risks of not achieving desired outcomes.
Reliance on specific scientific breakthroughs can introduce uncertainty in project timelines and deliverables.

Positive Signals

Focus on a critical health area (cardiovascular disease) with potential for significant public health impact.
Awarded to a reputable institution (Washington University) with established research infrastructure.
Long-term funding commitment allows for sustained research efforts and development of expertise.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences, excluding biotechnology. The market for federal R&D funding is highly competitive, with agencies like NIH allocating substantial resources to advance scientific understanding and develop new technologies. Comparable spending benchmarks for large-scale research grants often run into the millions of dollars annually, reflecting the complexity and duration of such projects.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication that this contract involved small business set-asides. As a research grant awarded to a university, the primary focus is on scientific merit and institutional capacity rather than subcontracting opportunities for small businesses. The nature of academic research often involves internal resource allocation rather than extensive external subcontracting.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight is primarily managed by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) through program officers and review committees who monitor research progress, adherence to grant terms, and financial expenditures. Accountability is ensured through regular reporting requirements and the potential for future funding decisions to be based on performance. Transparency is facilitated by public access to research findings and NIH's public reporting of grant awards.

Related Government Programs

National Institutes of Health Research Grants
Cardiovascular Disease Research Programs
Nanotechnology Research Initiatives
Biomedical Research and Development

Risk Flags

Long-term research project with inherent scientific uncertainty.
Potential for delays in achieving research milestones.
Dependence on key personnel expertise.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $18.8 million to WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY, THE. TAS::75 0872::TAS WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY CARDIOVASCULAR PROGRAM OF EXCELLENCE IN NANOTECHNOLOGY

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY, 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 $18.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2010-08-19. End: 2015-08-19.

What is the track record of Washington University in securing and managing large federal research grants, particularly in the R&D sector?

Washington University has a strong track record of securing and managing substantial federal research grants, particularly from agencies like the National Institutes of Health (NIH). As a major research institution, it consistently ranks among the top universities for federal research and development funding. Its success in obtaining grants like this one, valued at nearly $19 million over five years, indicates a proven ability to meet rigorous scientific and administrative requirements. The university's established infrastructure, experienced research personnel, and history of successful project completion contribute to its strong standing in the competitive landscape of federal research funding. This specific award for cardiovascular research in nanotechnology further highlights its expertise in specialized, high-impact scientific areas.

How does the annual funding of approximately $3.76 million compare to other large-scale cardiovascular research grants awarded by NIH?

The annual funding of approximately $3.76 million for this Washington University cardiovascular research program is substantial and falls within the upper range for major research grants awarded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). NIH funds a wide spectrum of research projects, from smaller exploratory grants to large, multi-year center grants and program project grants. Grants of this magnitude are typically awarded to projects with significant scope, complexity, and potential for high impact, often involving multiple investigators and research cores. While NIH's total budget is vast, individual awards of this size are competitive and reflect a strong scientific justification and institutional capacity. Benchmarking against similar program project grants or center grants in cardiovascular research often shows annual funding in the multi-million dollar range, making this award comparable to other significant investments in the field.

What are the primary risks associated with a 5-year research and development contract focused on nanotechnology for cardiovascular applications?

A 5-year research and development contract focused on nanotechnology for cardiovascular applications carries several inherent risks. Firstly, scientific risk is significant; the research may not yield the expected breakthroughs or may encounter unforeseen technical challenges in developing and applying nanotechnology effectively. Secondly, there's a risk of technological obsolescence, where advancements in the field could outpace the project's progress or render its findings less relevant. Thirdly, personnel risk exists, as the departure of key researchers could disrupt the project's continuity and expertise. Finally, there's a risk related to the translation of research findings into practical applications; the path from laboratory discovery to clinical use is often long, complex, and uncertain, with no guarantee of successful commercialization or widespread adoption.

What is the expected impact of this research on the field of cardiovascular disease treatment and prevention?

The expected impact of this research on cardiovascular disease treatment and prevention hinges on the successful application of nanotechnology. If the research yields effective nanocarriers for targeted drug delivery, it could lead to more potent and less toxic therapies for conditions like atherosclerosis or hypertension, minimizing side effects by concentrating treatment at the disease site. Nanotechnology might also enable novel diagnostic tools for earlier and more accurate detection of cardiovascular issues, potentially through advanced imaging agents or biosensors. Furthermore, research into nanostructured materials could lead to improved cardiovascular implants or devices. Ultimately, the goal is to translate these advancements into tangible improvements in patient outcomes, offering new avenues for managing and potentially reversing cardiovascular damage.

How has federal spending in R&D for cardiovascular diseases and nanotechnology evolved over the past decade?

Federal spending in R&D for cardiovascular diseases and nanotechnology has generally seen robust growth over the past decade, driven by public health priorities and technological advancements. Agencies like the National Institutes of Health (NIH) consistently allocate significant portions of their budgets to cardiovascular research, recognizing its substantial burden on public health. Simultaneously, federal investment in nanotechnology has expanded across various agencies, including the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the Department of Defense (DoD), alongside NIH, due to its broad applicability. The convergence of these fields, as seen in this contract, reflects a strategic focus on leveraging cutting-edge technologies like nanotechnology to tackle complex health challenges. While specific figures fluctuate annually based on appropriations and research priorities, the overall trend indicates sustained and often increasing federal commitment to both areas, particularly at their intersection.

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: 10

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1 BROOKINGS DR, SAINT LOUIS, MO, 63130

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Tax Exempt, Educational Institution, Higher Education, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Higher Education (Private), Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $18,811,509

Exercised Options: $18,811,509

Current Obligation: $18,811,509

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 38

Total Subaward Amount: $15,483,936

Timeline