NIH Awards $25.2M for Structural Genomics Centers for Infectious Diseases Research
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $25,221,518 ($25.2M)
Contractor: Northwestern University
Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services
Start Date: 2017-07-27
End Date: 2022-08-31
Contract Duration: 1,861 days
Daily Burn Rate: $13.6K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF - BASE. 09/01/2017 - 08/31/2018. STRUCTURAL GENOMICS CENTERS FOR INFECTIOUS DISEASES.
Place of Performance
Location: CHICAGO, COOK County, ILLINOIS, 60611
State: Illinois Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Health and Human Services obligated $25.2 million to NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF - BASE. 09/01/2017 - 08/31/2018. STRUCTURAL GENOMICS CENTERS FOR INFECTIOUS DISEASES. Key points: 1. Significant investment in critical infectious disease research. 2. Competition method indicates broad market interest. 3. Long contract duration may present long-term value or risk. 4. Biotechnology R&D sector is highly innovative and competitive.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The award amount of $25.2M over approximately 5 years suggests a substantial but not excessive investment for a multi-center research program. Benchmarking against similar large-scale R&D grants would be necessary for a precise assessment.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
Full and open competition was utilized, suggesting a robust price discovery process. This method allows for the widest possible pool of qualified bidders, potentially leading to more competitive pricing.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are directed towards critical research with the potential for significant public health benefits, justifying the investment.
Public Impact
Advances understanding of infectious disease mechanisms. Supports development of new diagnostics and therapeutics. Strengthens national capacity for pandemic preparedness. Fosters collaboration among leading research institutions.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for scope creep in long-term research.
- Reliance on specific scientific expertise.
- Uncertainty of research outcomes.
Positive Signals
- Addresses a high-priority public health need.
- Utilizes a competitive procurement process.
- Invests in cutting-edge scientific advancement.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Biotechnology R&D sector, characterized by rapid innovation and significant government investment. Benchmarks for similar large-scale research grants can vary widely based on scope and duration.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate specific participation or set-asides for small businesses in this contract. Large research grants often involve consortia where prime recipients are universities or large research organizations.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight would typically be managed by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) program officers, ensuring adherence to research protocols, milestones, and financial reporting requirements.
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
- Research and Development uncertainty
- Potential for scientific obsolescence
- Reliance on specific institutional expertise
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 $25.2 million to NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY. IGF::OT::IGF - BASE. 09/01/2017 - 08/31/2018. 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 $25.2 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2017-07-27. End: 2022-08-31.
What is the expected return on investment for this research in terms of disease prevention or treatment?
The return on investment for R&D, especially in basic science like structural genomics, is inherently long-term and difficult to quantify precisely. Success could lead to breakthroughs in diagnostics, vaccines, or therapies for infectious diseases, yielding substantial public health and economic benefits, but the timeline and specific outcomes are uncertain.
What are the primary risks associated with the long duration of this contract?
The primary risks of a long contract duration (1861 days) include potential shifts in research priorities, scientific obsolescence of initial approaches, and challenges in maintaining consistent project management and funding stability over an extended period. Unforeseen scientific challenges or changes in the competitive landscape could also impact the project's ultimate success.
How effectively does this contract leverage scientific advancements in structural genomics for infectious diseases?
This contract aims to directly leverage advancements by establishing centers focused on structural genomics for infectious diseases. The success hinges on the chosen institutions' ability to integrate cutting-edge techniques, computational biology, and experimental approaches to elucidate disease mechanisms and identify therapeutic targets, thereby maximizing the impact of scientific progress.
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
Solicitation ID: NIAIDDMIDNIHAI2016061
Offers Received: 2
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: $25,631,560
Exercised Options: $25,221,518
Current Obligation: $25,221,518
Actual Outlays: $8,514,002
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 46
Total Subaward Amount: $16,955,448
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2017-07-27
Current End Date: 2022-08-31
Potential End Date: 2022-08-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2023-07-18
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