NIAID Awards $79.8M for Influenza Research and Surveillance Centers of Excellence
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $79,763,886 ($79.8M)
Contractor: Icahn School of Medicine AT Mount Sinai
Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services
Start Date: 2014-01-09
End Date: 2022-08-01
Contract Duration: 3,126 days
Daily Burn Rate: $25.5K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 10
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF NIAID CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE FOR INFLUENZA RESEARCH AND SURVEILLANCE (CEIRS)
Place of Performance
Location: NEW YORK, NEW YORK County, NEW YORK, 10029
State: New York Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Health and Human Services obligated $79.8 million to ICAHN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AT MOUNT SINAI for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF NIAID CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE FOR INFLUENZA RESEARCH AND SURVEILLANCE (CEIRS) Key points: 1. Significant investment in critical public health research. 2. Competition method indicates broad market interest. 3. Long-term contract duration suggests ongoing need. 4. Focus on biotechnology R&D aligns with sector trends.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The total award of $79.8M over approximately 8.6 years for research and development is substantial. Benchmarking against similar large-scale R&D contracts is difficult without more specific cost breakdowns, but the 'Cost No Fee' contract type suggests the government is primarily focused on achieving research objectives rather than strict cost control.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting multiple qualified bidders participated. This method generally leads to better price discovery and ensures the government receives competitive proposals.
Taxpayer Impact: The investment supports critical research that could lead to significant public health benefits, potentially saving taxpayer money in the long run through disease prevention and management.
Public Impact
Enhances national capacity to monitor and combat influenza. Supports advanced scientific research and innovation. Contributes to global health security by tracking viral threats. Fosters collaboration between research institutions and government agencies.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for scope creep in long-term research projects.
- Reliance on specific research institutions may limit broader engagement.
- Effectiveness hinges on successful research outcomes and translation.
Positive Signals
- Addresses a critical public health need.
- Utilizes a competitive procurement process.
- Supports scientific advancement in a key area.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development in Biotechnology sector, a high-growth area focused on biological sciences and technologies. Spending in this sector is often characterized by long-term investments and significant innovation potential, with benchmarks varying widely based on project scope and novelty.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate specific subcontracting opportunities for small businesses. Given the nature of large-scale research centers of excellence, prime contract awards are typically made to established institutions, but opportunities may exist further down the subcontracting chain.
Oversight & Accountability
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is responsible for overseeing this contract. Oversight would likely involve monitoring research progress, adherence to grant terms, and financial accountability to ensure taxpayer funds are used effectively for the stated research goals.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in Biotechnology
- Department of Health and Human Services Contracting
- National Institutes of Health Programs
Risk Flags
- Significant investment in a critical public health area.
- Full and open competition suggests robust market engagement.
- Long-term contract supports sustained research efforts.
- Potential for high-impact scientific breakthroughs.
- Addresses a persistent and evolving global health threat.
Tags
research-and-development-in-biotechnolog, department-of-health-and-human-services, ny, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Health and Human Services awarded $79.8 million to ICAHN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AT MOUNT SINAI. IGF::OT::IGF NIAID CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE FOR INFLUENZA RESEARCH AND SURVEILLANCE (CEIRS)
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is ICAHN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AT MOUNT SINAI.
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 $79.8 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2014-01-09. End: 2022-08-01.
What is the expected return on investment for this influenza research funding in terms of disease prevention or economic impact?
Quantifying the precise ROI for R&D is challenging due to the inherent uncertainty of scientific discovery. However, successful influenza research can lead to more effective vaccines and treatments, reducing healthcare costs, lost productivity, and mortality. The economic impact of preventing even a single major influenza pandemic would far outweigh the $79.8M investment.
What are the primary risks associated with the long duration and 'Cost No Fee' nature of this contract?
The primary risks include potential cost overruns if research proves more complex than anticipated, and the 'Cost No Fee' structure might disincentivize extreme cost-efficiency. Additionally, the long duration (over 8 years) increases the risk of research becoming outdated or shifting priorities, requiring adaptive management and clear milestone tracking.
How will the effectiveness of the Centers of Excellence be measured and ensured?
Effectiveness will likely be measured through scientific output (publications, patents), the development of new diagnostic tools or therapies, contributions to public health surveillance data, and the successful training of researchers. Regular scientific reviews, progress reports, and adherence to NIH research standards will be key to ensuring accountability and effectiveness.
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: BASIC RESEARCH
Offers Received: 10
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: ONE GUSTAVE L LEVY PL, NEW YORK, NY, 10029
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: $182,025,770
Exercised Options: $79,763,886
Current Obligation: $79,763,886
Actual Outlays: $11,877,985
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 18
Total Subaward Amount: $47,872,805
Contract Characteristics
Multi-Year Contract: Yes
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Timeline
Start Date: 2014-01-09
Current End Date: 2022-08-01
Potential End Date: 2023-05-24 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-09-22
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