NIH Awards $18.7M for B Cell Epitope Research to Tulane University

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $18,714,311 ($18.7M)

Contractor: THE Administrators of Tulane Educational Fund

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2009-08-25

End Date: 2016-08-23

Contract Duration: 2,555 days

Daily Burn Rate: $7.3K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 15

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: B CELL EPITOPE RESEARCH

Place of Performance

Location: NEW ORLEANS, ORLEANS County, LOUISIANA, 70112

State: Louisiana Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $18.7 million to THE ADMINISTRATORS OF TULANE EDUCATIONAL FUND for work described as: B CELL EPITOPE RESEARCH Key points: 1. Significant investment in fundamental scientific research. 2. Competition method indicates broad market interest. 3. Potential for breakthrough discoveries in immunology. 4. Long-term contract duration suggests ongoing research needs.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract type is 'COST NO FEE', which is common for R&D but offers less price certainty than fixed-price contracts. Benchmarking is difficult without specific deliverables and comparable research projects.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. This method generally promotes competitive pricing and innovation.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are supporting critical scientific research with potential long-term health benefits, though the direct return on investment is uncertain at this early stage.

Public Impact

Advancement of scientific understanding in immunology. Potential for new diagnostic or therapeutic targets. Supports academic research infrastructure and expertise.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Uncertainty of research outcomes.
Long-term funding commitment.
Difficulty in benchmarking R&D costs.

Positive Signals

Supports cutting-edge scientific inquiry.
Awarded through competitive process.
Addresses critical health research area.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. Spending in this sector is crucial for innovation but often involves high risk and long timelines.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not awarded to a small business. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses were subcontracted.

Oversight & Accountability

NIH is responsible for overseeing this research grant. Accountability will likely be measured by research progress reports and the achievement of scientific milestones.

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

Research outcome uncertainty
Long-term funding dependency
Potential for scope creep
Limited direct economic return in short term

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $18.7 million to THE ADMINISTRATORS OF TULANE EDUCATIONAL FUND. B CELL EPITOPE RESEARCH

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is THE ADMINISTRATORS OF TULANE EDUCATIONAL FUND.

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 $18.7 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2009-08-25. End: 2016-08-23.

What is the expected scientific impact of this B cell epitope research?

The research aims to identify and characterize B cell epitopes, which are specific regions on antigens that antibodies bind to. Understanding these epitopes is fundamental for developing effective vaccines, diagnostics, and immunotherapies for infectious diseases and autoimmune disorders.

What are the primary risks associated with this type of R&D contract?

The primary risks include the inherent uncertainty of research outcomes, potential for cost overruns if research proves more complex than anticipated, and the long lead time before any practical applications or commercialization can be realized. Scientific feasibility is also a key risk.

How does this contract contribute to overall public health effectiveness?

By funding fundamental research into the immune system's response to pathogens, this contract contributes to the long-term goal of improving public health. Discoveries made could lead to more effective vaccines or treatments, ultimately reducing disease burden and improving health outcomes.

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

Solicitation ID: NIHAI2008031

Offers Received: 15

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 35 MCALISTER DR, NEW ORLEANS, LA, 70118

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Educational Institution, Higher Education, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Higher Education (Private)

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $18,714,311

Exercised Options: $18,714,311

Current Obligation: $18,714,311

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Timeline