HHS awards $24.9M for Structural Genomics Centers for Infectious Diseases to Seattle Biomedical Research Institute
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $24,932,522 ($24.9M)
Contractor: Seattle Biomedical Research Institute
Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services
Start Date: 2012-08-31
End Date: 2017-08-31
Contract Duration: 1,826 days
Daily Burn Rate: $13.7K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 4
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF OTHER FUNCTIONS - STRUCTURAL GENOMICS CENTERS FOR INFECTIOUS DISEASES
Place of Performance
Location: SEATTLE, KING County, WASHINGTON, 98109
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Health and Human Services obligated $24.9 million to SEATTLE BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF OTHER FUNCTIONS - STRUCTURAL GENOMICS CENTERS FOR INFECTIOUS DISEASES Key points: 1. The contract awarded to Seattle Biomedical Research Institute is for research and development in biotechnology. 2. The contract was awarded under full and open competition. 3. The contract duration is 5 years, with a total value of $24.9 million. 4. The primary sector for this spending is Research and Development.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which allows for cost reimbursement plus a fixed fee. This is common for R&D contracts where costs can be uncertain. The total award of $24.9M over 5 years suggests a moderate annual spend.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. This method generally promotes competitive pricing and ensures the government receives the best value.
Taxpayer Impact: The competitive nature of the award suggests that taxpayer funds are being used efficiently to secure specialized research services.
Public Impact
Funding supports critical research into infectious diseases, potentially leading to new treatments or preventative measures. The award to a specific research institute contributes to the advancement of biotechnology and public health. Long-term contracts like this provide stability for research institutions to pursue complex scientific goals.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for cost overruns in Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts.
- Long contract duration may not adapt quickly to evolving research needs.
Positive Signals
- Supports critical public health research.
- Awarded through full and open competition.
- Long-term funding provides research stability.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Biotechnology Research and Development sector, a critical area for public health. Spending benchmarks for similar R&D contracts can vary widely based on scope and duration, but this award appears to be of moderate size for a multi-year research initiative.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate whether small businesses were involved as subcontractors. The primary awardee, Seattle Biomedical Research Institute, is a research institution, not typically classified as a small business.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract is managed by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), a part of HHS, which has established oversight mechanisms for research grants and contracts to ensure accountability and proper use of funds.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in Biotechnology
- Department of Health and Human Services Contracting
- National Institutes of Health Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for cost overruns in CPFF contracts.
- Long contract duration may limit adaptability.
- Lack of specific small business participation data.
- Reliance on fixed fee may not fully incentivize cost control.
Tags
research-and-development-in-biotechnolog, department-of-health-and-human-services, wa, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Health and Human Services awarded $24.9 million to SEATTLE BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE. IGF::OT::IGF OTHER FUNCTIONS - STRUCTURAL GENOMICS CENTERS FOR INFECTIOUS DISEASES
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is SEATTLE BIOMEDICAL 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 $24.9 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2012-08-31. End: 2017-08-31.
What is the specific scientific output expected from these Structural Genomics Centers for Infectious Diseases?
The expected scientific output would likely involve the detailed structural analysis of proteins and other biomolecules relevant to infectious diseases. This could include identifying potential drug targets, understanding disease mechanisms at a molecular level, and providing foundational data for the development of new diagnostics, vaccines, and therapeutics. The centers aim to accelerate the pace of discovery in infectious disease research.
What are the primary risks associated with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract for R&D?
The primary risks with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract in R&D include potential cost overruns if the contractor's actual costs exceed initial estimates, even though the fee is fixed. There's also a risk that the contractor might not be sufficiently incentivized to control costs, as they are reimbursed for expenses. Effective oversight and clear performance metrics are crucial to mitigate these risks.
How does this funding contribute to the overall effectiveness of infectious disease research in the US?
This funding contributes to the overall effectiveness by providing dedicated resources for fundamental structural biology research directly applicable to infectious diseases. By supporting specialized centers, it fosters collaboration and expertise, potentially accelerating breakthroughs that might not occur with fragmented or short-term funding. This investment strengthens the nation's capacity to combat existing and emerging infectious disease threats.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in 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 PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 307 WESTLAKE AVE N STE 500, SEATTLE, WA, 98109
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: $24,932,522
Exercised Options: $24,932,522
Current Obligation: $24,932,522
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 23
Total Subaward Amount: $15,597,232
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2012-08-31
Current End Date: 2017-08-31
Potential End Date: 2017-08-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2018-06-12
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