NIH Awards Duke University $32.8M for External Quality Assurance Program Oversight
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $32,832,409 ($32.8M)
Contractor: Duke University
Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services
Start Date: 2010-09-30
End Date: 2017-09-29
Contract Duration: 2,556 days
Daily Burn Rate: $12.8K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: TAS::75 0885::TASEXTERNAL QUALITY ASSURANCE PROGRAM OVERSIGHT LABORATORY
Place of Performance
Location: DURHAM, DURHAM County, NORTH CAROLINA, 27705
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Health and Human Services obligated $32.8 million to DUKE UNIVERSITY for work described as: TAS::75 0885::TASEXTERNAL QUALITY ASSURANCE PROGRAM OVERSIGHT LABORATORY Key points: 1. Significant contract value of $32.8 million awarded to Duke University. 2. Competition was full and open, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. Contract duration is over 7 years, indicating a long-term need. 4. The sector is R&D, specifically physical, engineering, and life sciences.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract type is 'COST NO FEE', which can sometimes lead to less price discipline compared to fixed-price contracts. The award amount is substantial, but without specific performance metrics or comparable contracts, a precise value assessment is difficult.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, which generally promotes competitive pricing. However, the 'COST NO FEE' structure means the government bears the cost risk, potentially impacting the final price discovery.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for a significant R&D program. While competition is present, the cost-reimbursement nature warrants scrutiny to ensure efficiency and value.
Public Impact
Supports critical quality assurance in research, potentially impacting public health outcomes. Long-term funding for a specific research area may foster specialized expertise. The large sum allocated could be a significant investment in scientific advancement.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost-reimbursement contract type may lack strong price controls.
- Long contract duration could lead to scope creep or evolving needs.
Positive Signals
- Full and open competition utilized.
- Supports a vital area of scientific research.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. Spending in this area is crucial for innovation but can be complex to benchmark due to the unique nature of research projects.
Small Business Impact
There is no indication that small businesses were involved in this contract, as it was awarded directly to Duke University. Future opportunities for small businesses in subcontracting roles are not specified.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract is overseen by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), a reputable agency within HHS. The 'DEFINITIVE CONTRACT' type suggests a well-defined scope, but ongoing monitoring is essential for cost control and performance.
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
- Cost-reimbursement contract type.
- Long contract duration.
- Lack of explicit small business participation.
- Potential for cost overruns without strong price controls.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-health-and-human-services, nc, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Health and Human Services awarded $32.8 million to DUKE UNIVERSITY. TAS::75 0885::TASEXTERNAL QUALITY ASSURANCE PROGRAM OVERSIGHT LABORATORY
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is DUKE UNIVERSITY.
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 $32.8 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2010-09-30. End: 2017-09-29.
What specific quality assurance metrics are being monitored under this contract to ensure the $32.8 million investment yields tangible research improvements?
The contract details do not specify the exact quality assurance metrics. However, as an 'EXTERNAL QUALITY ASSURANCE PROGRAM OVERSIGHT LABORATORY', the focus is likely on evaluating the quality and reliability of research conducted by other entities. The NIH would typically have internal protocols and performance indicators to track the effectiveness of this oversight function, ensuring adherence to scientific standards and regulatory compliance.
Given the 'COST NO FEE' structure, what mechanisms are in place to prevent cost overruns and ensure the government receives the best value for its investment?
While 'COST NO FEE' contracts place cost risk on the government, they are often used for research where final costs are uncertain. Oversight mechanisms would include detailed budget reviews, regular financial reporting from Duke University, and performance evaluations. The NIH contracting officers are responsible for ensuring costs are reasonable, allocable, and allowable according to federal regulations and the contract terms.
How does the long duration of this contract (over 7 years) align with the evolving landscape of physical, engineering, and life sciences research?
A long contract duration suggests a stable, ongoing need for quality assurance in specific research areas. While scientific fields evolve rapidly, the fundamental principles of quality assurance and oversight often remain consistent. The NIH likely structured this contract to provide continuity for critical oversight functions, with provisions for adjustments or reviews if significant technological or scientific shifts occur.
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: NIAIDDAIDSNIHAI2009067
Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 2200 W MAIN ST STE 710, DURHAM, NC, 27705
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Tax Exempt, Educational Institution, Higher Education, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Higher Education (Private)
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $107,011,298
Exercised Options: $48,210,472
Current Obligation: $32,832,409
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 1
Total Subaward Amount: $74,612
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2010-09-30
Current End Date: 2017-09-29
Potential End Date: 2017-09-29 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2019-04-10
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