NIH Awards $41.3M for Viral Respiratory Pathogens Research Centers to University of Rochester

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $41,310,840 ($41.3M)

Contractor: University of Rochester

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2011-12-13

End Date: 2019-12-31

Contract Duration: 2,940 days

Daily Burn Rate: $14.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: VIRAL RESPIRATORY PATHOGENS RESEARCH CENTERS (VRPRC)

Place of Performance

Location: ROCHESTER, MONROE County, NEW YORK, 14642

State: New York Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $41.3 million to UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER for work described as: VIRAL RESPIRATORY PATHOGENS RESEARCH CENTERS (VRPRC) Key points: 1. Significant investment in critical public health research. 2. University of Rochester is a key player in this specialized research area. 3. Long contract duration (2940 days) suggests complex, multi-year research objectives. 4. Focus on R&D in life sciences, a vital sector for national health security.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract type is 'COST NO FEE', which is common for research and development where costs are reimbursed but no profit is made. The award amount of $41.3M over nearly 8 years needs further context to assess value against similar R&D centers.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating a competitive bidding process. This method is generally expected to yield fair pricing, though the 'COST NO FEE' structure prioritizes research enablement over strict price negotiation.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are directed towards critical research that could lead to advancements in public health, potentially saving costs in future pandemic responses.

Public Impact

Supports vital research into respiratory diseases, crucial for public health preparedness. University of Rochester's expertise is leveraged for national health initiatives. Long-term funding allows for sustained scientific inquiry and potential breakthroughs. Investment in the R&D sector, fostering scientific advancement.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of profit margin in 'COST NO FEE' contracts can sometimes disincentivize contractor efficiency.
Long duration may obscure current market price benchmarks.
Specific research outcomes and their impact are not detailed in the provided data.

Positive Signals

Full and open competition suggests a robust selection process.
Focus on critical public health research aligns with national priorities.
Award to a known research institution indicates established capability.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences sector. Spending in this area is crucial for innovation and addressing complex challenges like public health threats. Benchmarks for similar R&D contracts would require detailed comparison of scope and duration.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates the primary awardee is the University of Rochester, a large institution. There is no explicit information on small business participation or subcontracting within this award, which is common for large R&D grants to universities.

Oversight & Accountability

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is responsible for overseeing this research. The 'COST NO FEE' contract type implies rigorous financial reporting and justification of expenses by the awardee to ensure accountability for federal funds.

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

Contract duration is very long (2940 days).
Contract type is 'COST NO FEE', which may limit incentives for cost efficiency.
No explicit mention of small business subcontracting.
Specific research focus and deliverables are not detailed.
Benchmarking against similar contracts is difficult without more granular data.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $41.3 million to UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER. VIRAL RESPIRATORY PATHOGENS RESEARCH CENTERS (VRPRC)

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER.

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 $41.3 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2011-12-13. End: 2019-12-31.

What specific viral respiratory pathogens are being researched, and what are the expected breakthroughs?

The provided data does not specify the exact viral respiratory pathogens targeted by the VRPRC program. Expected breakthroughs would typically be detailed in the research proposals and subsequent progress reports submitted to NIH. These could range from vaccine development and antiviral therapies to improved diagnostic tools and a deeper understanding of pathogen transmission dynamics.

How does the $41.3M award compare to other similar R&D centers for viral pathogens?

Without specific details on the scope, duration, and objectives of other VRPRC centers or comparable research initiatives, a direct cost comparison is difficult. The $41.3M award over nearly 8 years suggests a substantial, long-term commitment to a specific research area, likely reflecting the complexity and resource intensity of studying viral respiratory pathogens.

What is the long-term public health impact anticipated from this research funding?

The long-term public health impact is expected to be significant, potentially leading to enhanced preparedness for future pandemics, development of novel treatments and preventative measures for respiratory illnesses, and a better understanding of disease spread. This investment aims to bolster national health security by advancing scientific knowledge and capabilities in a critical area.

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: 4

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 910 GENESEE ST STE 200, ROCHESTER, NY, 14611

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $78,403,521

Exercised Options: $41,310,840

Current Obligation: $41,310,840

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 156

Total Subaward Amount: $23,304,631

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Timeline