HHS Awards $18.3M for AIDS Therapeutics Development In Vitro Testing to Southern Research Institute
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $18,294,418 ($18.3M)
Contractor: Southern Research Institute
Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services
Start Date: 2007-09-24
End Date: 2014-09-23
Contract Duration: 2,556 days
Daily Burn Rate: $7.2K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: AWARD OF PART B - IN VITRO TESTING RESOURCES FOR AIDS THERAPEUTICS DEVELOPMENT
Place of Performance
Location: BIRMINGHAM, JEFFERSON County, ALABAMA, 35255
State: Alabama Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Health and Human Services obligated $18.3 million to SOUTHERN RESEARCH INSTITUTE for work described as: AWARD OF PART B - IN VITRO TESTING RESOURCES FOR AIDS THERAPEUTICS DEVELOPMENT Key points: 1. Contract awarded for critical research in AIDS therapeutics development. 2. Southern Research Institute is the sole awardee. 3. Long contract duration of 2556 days. 4. No small business participation noted.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. The total award amount is substantial for specialized R&D services.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. However, the specific pricing mechanisms and how they were evaluated against other proposals are not detailed.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are supporting critical research into AIDS therapeutics, potentially leading to significant public health benefits. The cost-plus-fixed-fee structure requires careful oversight to ensure value for money.
Public Impact
Supports vital research into treatments for AIDS. Funding directed towards scientific advancement in a critical health area. Potential for long-term public health benefits through therapeutic development.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can incentivize higher costs.
- No small business participation.
Positive Signals
- Supports critical R&D in a major health area.
- Awarded through full and open competition.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on life sciences. The award amount is moderate for a multi-year R&D project of this nature.
Small Business Impact
The contract explicitly states no small business participation. This indicates that the prime contractor, Southern Research Institute, is likely a large business, and no subcontracting opportunities for small businesses were identified or pursued in this award.
Oversight & Accountability
The Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type necessitates robust oversight from the National Institutes of Health to monitor costs, ensure progress, and verify that the fixed fee remains appropriate throughout the contract's duration.
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
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type.
- Long contract duration may increase risk of scope creep or changing research needs.
- No small business participation noted.
- Specific performance metrics and value achieved are not detailed.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-health-and-human-services, al, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Health and Human Services awarded $18.3 million to SOUTHERN RESEARCH INSTITUTE. AWARD OF PART B - IN VITRO TESTING RESOURCES FOR AIDS THERAPEUTICS DEVELOPMENT
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is SOUTHERN RESEARCH INSTITUTE.
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 $18.3 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2007-09-24. End: 2014-09-23.
What was the competitive landscape like for this full and open competition, and how did Southern Research Institute's proposal stand out to justify the award?
While awarded under full and open competition, the specific details of the competitive landscape are not provided in this data. To understand how Southern Research Institute's proposal stood out, one would need to review the source selection decision document. This document typically outlines the evaluation criteria, the number of proposals received, and the rationale for selecting the winning offeror based on technical merit, past performance, and price.
What are the potential risks associated with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract for long-term R&D, and how are they mitigated?
The primary risk with Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contracts is that the contractor may have less incentive to control costs, as costs are reimbursed. The fixed fee, however, provides a ceiling. Mitigation strategies include strong government oversight, detailed cost tracking, performance metrics, and clear definition of work to prevent scope creep. Regular reviews and audits are crucial to ensure efficiency and prevent overspending.
How does the $18.3 million investment in in-vitro testing resources for AIDS therapeutics development align with current NIH research priorities and expected outcomes?
This investment directly aligns with the National Institutes of Health's ongoing commitment to combating HIV/AIDS. The focus on in-vitro testing is a foundational step in developing new therapeutics, enabling early-stage research and drug screening. The expected outcomes include the identification and advancement of promising drug candidates, contributing to the broader goal of finding more effective treatments and ultimately a cure for AIDS.
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
Solicitation ID: NIHNIAIDDAIDS0725
Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 2000 9TH AVE S, BIRMINGHAM, AL, 35205
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: $34,156,759
Exercised Options: $33,783,850
Current Obligation: $18,294,418
Contract Characteristics
Multi-Year Contract: Yes
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Timeline
Start Date: 2007-09-24
Current End Date: 2014-09-23
Potential End Date: 2014-09-23 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2017-09-15
More Contracts from Southern Research Institute
- R&D in the Physical, Engineering and Life Sciences — $30.7M (Department of Health and Human Services)
- Support of the Research Effort to Evaluate Toxicity Following Early Life Exposure to Test Articles for the NTP — $29.1M (Department of Health and Human Services)
- Federal Contract — $17.5M (Department of Health and Human Services)
- Federal Contract — $11.5M (Department of Health and Human Services)
- Preclinical Toxicology and Pharmacology of Drugs — $11.2M (Department of Health and Human Services)
Other Department of Health and Human Services Contracts
- Contact Center Operations (CCO) — $5.5B (Maximus Federal Services, Inc.)
- TAS::75 0849::TAS Oper of Govt R&D Goco Facilities — $4.8B (Leidos Biomedical Research Inc)
- THE Purpose of This Contract IS to Provide the Full Complement of Services Necessary to Care for UC in ORR Custody Including Facilities Set-Up, Maintenance, and Support Internal and Perimeter (IF Applicable) Security, Direct Care and Supervision Inc — $3.5B (Rapid Deployment Inc)
- Contact Center Operations — $2.6B (Maximus Federal Services, Inc.)
- Federal Contract — $2.4B (Leidos Biomedical Research Inc)
View all Department of Health and Human Services contracts →