Duke University Awarded $37.3M for External Quality Assurance Program Oversight Laboratory by NIH
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $37,292,324 ($37.3M)
Contractor: Duke University
Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services
Start Date: 2017-08-29
End Date: 2024-09-29
Contract Duration: 2,588 days
Daily Burn Rate: $14.4K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF EXTERNAL QUALITY ASSURANCE PROGRAM OVERSIGHT LABORATORY (EQAPOL)
Place of Performance
Location: DURHAM, DURHAM County, NORTH CAROLINA, 27701
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Health and Human Services obligated $37.3 million to DUKE UNIVERSITY for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF EXTERNAL QUALITY ASSURANCE PROGRAM OVERSIGHT LABORATORY (EQAPOL) Key points: 1. The contract supports research and development in physical, engineering, and life sciences. 2. Duke University is the sole awardee, indicating a specific expertise or capability. 3. The contract duration is over 6 years, suggesting a long-term need. 4. The award type is a definitive contract, typically used for specific requirements.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract is Cost No Fee, which means the contractor is reimbursed for allowable costs but does not receive a fee. This structure is common for research and development contracts where the final outcome may be uncertain. Benchmarking per-unit cost is difficult without more specific deliverables.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. The specific pricing mechanisms and discovery process are not detailed, but competition generally aids in price discovery.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for critical research and development oversight, aiming to ensure the quality and effectiveness of related programs.
Public Impact
Ensures quality and standards in vital research and development programs. Supports scientific advancement and public health initiatives through rigorous oversight. Funds specialized laboratory services crucial for regulatory and scientific integrity.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of detailed performance metrics in the provided data.
- Potential for cost overruns in Cost No Fee contracts if not managed closely.
- Dependence on a single institution for critical oversight functions.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition.
- Supports important scientific and public health research.
- Long contract duration indicates sustained need and potential for stable operations.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under the Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences sector. Spending in this area is critical for innovation and scientific progress, with significant government investment aimed at advancing knowledge and developing new technologies.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses and Duke University is a large research institution. There is no direct indication of small business participation in this specific award.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract is managed by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), a major agency within HHS. Oversight would involve monitoring Duke University's adherence to contract terms, quality standards, and budget. The 'EQAPOL' designation suggests an inherent oversight function within the program itself.
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
- Long contract duration.
- Cost No Fee contract type.
- Sole awardee for a critical function.
- Lack of specific performance metrics in summary data.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-health-and-human-services, nc, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Health and Human Services awarded $37.3 million to DUKE UNIVERSITY. IGF::OT::IGF EXTERNAL QUALITY ASSURANCE PROGRAM OVERSIGHT LABORATORY (EQAPOL)
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is DUKE 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 $37.3 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2017-08-29. End: 2024-09-29.
What specific quality assurance metrics are being tracked under this contract to ensure program effectiveness?
The provided data does not specify the exact quality assurance metrics. However, as an External Quality Assurance Program Oversight Laboratory (EQAPOL), its core function is to establish and monitor standards for other laboratories. This likely involves metrics related to proficiency testing, data accuracy, method validation, and adherence to regulatory guidelines relevant to the research areas supported by NIH.
What is the risk associated with relying on a single institution for this critical oversight function?
The primary risk of relying on a single institution is the potential for a single point of failure. If Duke University faces operational issues, staffing shortages, or unforeseen challenges, the entire oversight program could be compromised. This could lead to delays in research, compromised data integrity, or a lapse in quality control for critical health and scientific initiatives.
How does the 'Cost No Fee' structure impact the government's ability to ensure value for money?
The 'Cost No Fee' structure means the government reimburses the contractor's allowable costs without an additional profit margin. While this can incentivize cost control, it places a greater burden on the government to meticulously audit and verify all incurred costs. Effective oversight is crucial to prevent unnecessary expenditures and ensure that the funds are used efficiently towards achieving the contract's objectives.
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
Solicitation ID: NIAIDDAIDSNIHAI2015055
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 2200 W MAIN ST STE 710, DURHAM, NC, 27708
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: $37,292,324
Exercised Options: $37,292,324
Current Obligation: $37,292,324
Actual Outlays: $18,620,632
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 3
Total Subaward Amount: $503,449
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2017-08-29
Current End Date: 2024-09-29
Potential End Date: 2024-09-29 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-07-09
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