NIH awards $13.6M for R&D in physical, engineering, and life sciences to University of California, San Francisco

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $13,638,331 ($13.6M)

Contractor: Regents of the University of California, SAN Francisco, the

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2007-07-27

End Date: 2015-12-31

Contract Duration: 3,079 days

Daily Burn Rate: $4.4K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: R&D-OTHER R & D-B RES

Place of Performance

Location: SAN FRANCISCO, SAN FRANCISCO County, CALIFORNIA, 94118

State: California Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $13.6 million to REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO, THE for work described as: R&D-OTHER R & D-B RES Key points: 1. Contract awarded via full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 2. The contract spans over 8 years, indicating a long-term research and development effort. 3. The 'Cost No Fee' pricing structure implies reimbursement of allowable costs without additional profit. 4. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 541710 points to a focus on R&D services. 5. The contract's duration and scope suggest a significant investment in scientific advancement. 6. The awardee, University of California, San Francisco, is a prominent research institution.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract's 'Cost No Fee' structure is typical for research grants and contracts where the primary goal is the advancement of knowledge rather than profit. Benchmarking value is challenging without specific deliverables or comparable projects. However, the extensive duration suggests a sustained commitment to research, which can be cost-effective if the outcomes are significant.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit a bid. The presence of 4 bids suggests a reasonable level of competition for this research and development opportunity. This competitive process is generally expected to lead to more favorable pricing and selection of the most capable offeror.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is beneficial for taxpayers as it encourages multiple entities to vie for the contract, potentially driving down costs and ensuring the government receives the best value for its investment.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are researchers and institutions involved in physical, engineering, and life sciences R&D. The contract supports the advancement of scientific knowledge and technological innovation. The geographic impact is centered in California, where the University of California, San Francisco is located. The contract likely supports a workforce of scientists, researchers, and administrative staff.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep in long-term R&D projects.
Difficulty in measuring tangible outcomes for 'Cost No Fee' contracts.
Reliance on a single institution may limit broader scientific collaboration.

Positive Signals

Award to a reputable research institution suggests a high likelihood of quality research.
Long contract duration allows for sustained focus and development.
Full and open competition indicates a fair and transparent award process.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development (R&D) sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. This is a critical area for innovation and economic growth. Comparable spending in this sector often involves significant investments by government agencies like NIH to foster scientific breakthroughs. The market size for R&D services is substantial, with numerous academic institutions and private firms competing for federal funding.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication of a small business set-aside for this contract. Given the nature of advanced research and development, it is possible that larger institutions are better positioned to compete. Subcontracting opportunities for small businesses would depend on the specific research activities undertaken by the prime contractor.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight would typically be managed by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) program officials responsible for the research grant. Accountability measures would be tied to the achievement of research milestones and adherence to scientific protocols. Transparency is generally maintained through public reporting of research findings, although specific contract details might be less accessible.

Related Government Programs

National Institutes of Health Research Grants
Biomedical Research Funding
University Research Partnerships
Federal Science and Technology Investment

Risk Flags

Long contract duration may increase risk of scope creep or changing research priorities.
'Cost No Fee' structure requires strong cost monitoring by the agency.
Research outcomes are inherently uncertain.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $13.6 million to REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO, THE. R&D-OTHER R & D-B RES

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO, 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 $13.6 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2007-07-27. End: 2015-12-31.

What specific research areas are covered under this contract?

The contract falls under NAICS code 541710, which covers Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. While the data does not specify the exact sub-fields, this broad classification suggests research activities could span areas such as materials science, biotechnology, engineering disciplines, and various branches of biology and medicine. The University of California, San Francisco's known strengths would likely guide the specific focus of the R&D efforts.

How does the 'Cost No Fee' pricing structure impact value for money?

The 'Cost No Fee' (CNF) structure means the contractor is reimbursed for allowable costs incurred in performing the contract but does not receive any profit. This is common in research-oriented contracts where the primary objective is scientific advancement rather than commercial gain. For taxpayers, this structure can be advantageous as it eliminates profit margins. However, it places a greater emphasis on robust oversight to ensure costs are reasonable and directly related to the research objectives. Value is then measured by the scientific progress and potential impact of the research, rather than cost savings.

What is the significance of the contract duration (3079 days)?

A contract duration of 3079 days, approximately 8.4 years, is substantial and indicates a long-term commitment to a specific research program. This extended period allows for in-depth investigation, development of complex methodologies, and the potential for significant scientific breakthroughs. It suggests that the research is likely foundational or requires a prolonged period of study and experimentation, rather than a short-term project with immediate deliverables. Such long-term investments are characteristic of major scientific endeavors.

What is the track record of the contractor, University of California, San Francisco, with federal contracts?

The University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) is a world-renowned public research university and a leading center for biomedical research. As such, it has a long and extensive history of receiving substantial federal funding, primarily through grants and contracts from agencies like the National Institutes of Health (NIH). UCSF consistently ranks among the top institutions for NIH funding, indicating a strong track record in managing federal awards, conducting high-quality research, and complying with federal regulations. This specific contract award is consistent with their established role as a major federal research partner.

How does this contract compare to other R&D spending by the NIH?

The total award amount of $13.6 million over approximately 8.4 years places this contract within a moderate range for NIH-funded research projects. NIH funds a vast array of research, from individual investigator grants costing hundreds of thousands of dollars to large center grants and program projects that can reach tens or hundreds of millions over similar or longer durations. This contract's value is consistent with significant, multi-year research initiatives aimed at advancing specific scientific areas, reflecting NIH's broad mission to support diverse research endeavors.

Are there any specific risks associated with this type of R&D contract?

Key risks for R&D contracts, especially those with long durations and 'Cost No Fee' structures, include the inherent uncertainty of research outcomes – the possibility that the research may not yield the expected results or breakthroughs. There's also a risk of cost overruns if not managed carefully, though the CNF structure mitigates direct profit risk for the contractor. Ensuring the continued relevance and scientific rigor of the research over many years can be challenging. Furthermore, the potential for intellectual property disputes or challenges in translating research findings into practical applications are also considerations.

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 › OTHER RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: State of California Controllers Office (UEI: 071549000)

Address: 1855 FOLSOM ST STE 425, SAN FRANCISCO, CA, 94103

Business Categories: Category Business, Educational Institution, Government, Higher Education, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, U.S. Regional/State Government

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $13,638,331

Exercised Options: $13,638,331

Current Obligation: $13,638,331

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Timeline