Northwestern University Awarded $26M for Structural Genomics Research by NIH
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $25,965,583 ($26.0M)
Contractor: Northwestern University
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: $14.2K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 4
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF OTHER FUNCTIONS - STRUCTURAL GENOMICS CENTERS FOR INFECTIOUS DISEASES
Place of Performance
Location: EVANSTON, COOK County, ILLINOIS, 60208
State: Illinois Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Health and Human Services obligated $26.0 million to NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF OTHER FUNCTIONS - STRUCTURAL GENOMICS CENTERS FOR INFECTIOUS DISEASES Key points: 1. Significant funding awarded to a single institution for specialized research. 2. Competition method indicates broad market interest, but specific contract type needs review. 3. Potential risk associated with long-term research contracts and cost-plus pricing. 4. Biotechnology R&D sector sees substantial investment.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $25.97M over 5 years suggests a substantial investment in research. Benchmarking against similar NIH grants for structural genomics would provide a clearer picture of value.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
Full and open competition was utilized, suggesting a robust process for selecting the awardee. The 'Cost No Fee' pricing structure aims to control costs by reimbursing expenses without additional profit.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are directed towards critical infectious disease research, potentially leading to long-term public health benefits.
Public Impact
Advancing understanding of infectious diseases through advanced genetic research. Potential for new diagnostic tools and therapeutic targets. Supports scientific innovation and infrastructure within the US.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Long contract duration may outpace technological advancements.
- Cost-plus contracts can incentivize spending over efficiency.
- Reliance on a single institution for critical research.
Positive Signals
- Addresses a critical public health need.
- Utilizes a competitive procurement process.
- Significant investment in R&D.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development in Biotechnology sector, specifically focusing on structural genomics for infectious diseases. Spending in this area is crucial for public health preparedness and scientific advancement.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate any specific involvement or benefit to small businesses in this contract. The focus appears to be on large-scale institutional research.
Oversight & Accountability
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is responsible for overseeing this grant. Standard NIH grant oversight mechanisms would apply, focusing on research progress and financial accountability.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in Biotechnology
- Department of Health and Human Services Contracting
- National Institutes of Health Programs
Risk Flags
- Long contract duration.
- Cost-plus pricing structure.
- Reliance on a single awardee.
- Potential for scope creep in R&D.
Tags
research-and-development-in-biotechnolog, department-of-health-and-human-services, il, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Health and Human Services awarded $26.0 million to NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY. IGF::OT::IGF OTHER FUNCTIONS - STRUCTURAL GENOMICS CENTERS FOR INFECTIOUS DISEASES
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is NORTHWESTERN 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 $26.0 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2012-08-31. End: 2017-08-31.
How does the total award amount compare to similar structural genomics research grants awarded by NIH in the past five years?
Benchmarking this $25.97M award against similar NIH grants for structural genomics research requires access to historical funding data. However, the duration of nearly five years suggests a significant, multi-year commitment typical for large-scale scientific endeavors. A detailed comparison would involve analyzing award sizes, research scope, and institutional recipients to determine if this represents a typical or outlier investment.
What are the primary risks associated with a 'Cost No Fee' contract for long-term R&D projects?
The primary risk with 'Cost No Fee' contracts in long-term R&D is the potential for cost overruns without a direct profit incentive for the contractor to control expenses. While it ensures the contractor is reimbursed for necessary costs, it places a greater burden on the government to meticulously monitor expenditures and ensure efficiency. Unforeseen research challenges can lead to significantly higher costs than initially projected.
What is the expected long-term impact of this research on infectious disease treatment or prevention strategies?
The expected long-term impact hinges on the success of the structural genomics research in elucidating the three-dimensional structures of key proteins in infectious agents. This fundamental knowledge can pave the way for designing more effective drugs, vaccines, and diagnostic tools. By understanding the molecular mechanisms of pathogens, researchers can identify novel targets for intervention, potentially leading to breakthroughs in combating existing and emerging infectious diseases.
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 NO FEE (S)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 633 CLARK ST, EVANSTON, IL, 60208
Business Categories: Category Business, Educational Institution, Higher Education, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Higher Education (Private)
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $25,965,583
Exercised Options: $25,965,583
Current Obligation: $25,965,583
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 45
Total Subaward Amount: $66,580,584
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: 2018-02-26
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