NIH awards $150M+ to Battelle Memorial Institute for toxicological research over 10 years
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $150,072,517 ($150.1M)
Contractor: Battelle Memorial Institute
Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services
Start Date: 2014-04-15
End Date: 2024-09-15
Contract Duration: 3,806 days
Daily Burn Rate: $39.4K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: IGF::OT::IGFSUPPORT OF THE RESEARCH EFFORT TO EVALUATE THE TOXIC AND CARCINOGENIC POTENTIAL OF TEST AGENTS IN LABORATORY ANIMALS FOR THE NTP
Place of Performance
Location: COLUMBUS, FRANKLIN County, OHIO, 43201
State: Ohio Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Health and Human Services obligated $150.1 million to BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTE for work described as: IGF::OT::IGFSUPPORT OF THE RESEARCH EFFORT TO EVALUATE THE TOXIC AND CARCINOGENIC POTENTIAL OF TEST AGENTS IN LABORATORY ANIMALS FOR THE NTP Key points: 1. Significant long-term investment in critical health research. 2. Battelle Memorial Institute is a major player in R&D services. 3. Potential for long-term health insights, but high cost requires scrutiny. 4. Spending falls within the broad R&D sector.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The $150M+ award over 10 years suggests a substantial, ongoing research program. Benchmarking against similar long-term, complex R&D contracts is difficult without more granular data, but the scale indicates a significant investment.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. This method generally promotes price discovery and ensures the government receives competitive pricing for complex research services.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are supporting critical research into toxic and carcinogenic potentials of test agents, which could lead to significant public health benefits and regulatory improvements.
Public Impact
Advances understanding of potential health risks from various substances. Supports the National Toxicology Program's mission to provide scientific data for health protection. Findings can inform public health policy and regulatory decisions. Long-term nature of the contract allows for sustained research efforts.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Long contract duration may limit flexibility for evolving research needs.
- Cost-plus contracts can incentivize spending, requiring robust oversight.
Positive Signals
- Supports critical public health research.
- Awarded via full and open competition.
- Long-term commitment ensures sustained scientific inquiry.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under the Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences sector. Spending in this area is crucial for scientific advancement and innovation, with significant government investment aimed at addressing national priorities.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was not awarded to a small business. While large, established research institutions often handle complex, long-term projects, opportunities for small businesses in subcontracting roles should be explored.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract's long duration and cost-plus nature necessitate strong oversight from the Department of Health and Human Services to ensure efficient use of funds and adherence to research objectives. Regular reviews and performance monitoring are essential.
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-term contract duration
- Cost-plus contract type
- Potential for scope creep
- Reliance on a single large contractor
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-health-and-human-services, oh, definitive-contract, 100m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Health and Human Services awarded $150.1 million to BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTE. IGF::OT::IGFSUPPORT OF THE RESEARCH EFFORT TO EVALUATE THE TOXIC AND CARCINOGENIC POTENTIAL OF TEST AGENTS IN LABORATORY ANIMALS FOR THE NTP
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is BATTELLE MEMORIAL 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 $150.1 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2014-04-15. End: 2024-09-15.
What specific metrics are used to evaluate the success and value of the research conducted under this contract?
Success metrics likely include the timely delivery of high-quality scientific reports, the identification of toxic or carcinogenic properties of test agents, and the contribution of findings to regulatory bodies and public health assessments. The value is ultimately measured by the impact of this research on public health policy and the reduction of health risks.
How is the risk of cost overruns managed in this Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract, given the long duration?
CPFF contracts have inherent risks of cost overruns. Management involves rigorous budget tracking, regular audits, and clear definition of scope. The 'fixed fee' component provides some incentive for the contractor to control costs, as their profit is fixed. The government's oversight team plays a crucial role in monitoring expenditures and ensuring efficiency.
What is the anticipated long-term effectiveness of this research in influencing public health policy and safety regulations?
The effectiveness hinges on the quality and relevance of the scientific data generated. If the research robustly identifies significant health risks, it can directly inform regulatory agencies like the EPA and FDA, leading to updated safety standards, product recalls, or new public health guidelines. The 10-year duration allows for comprehensive studies that can build a strong evidence base.
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 › OTHER RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: STATE RT 142, WEST JEFFERSON, OH, 43162
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $213,962,457
Exercised Options: $150,072,517
Current Obligation: $150,072,517
Actual Outlays: $53,178,222
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 90
Total Subaward Amount: $30,305,212
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Timeline
Start Date: 2014-04-15
Current End Date: 2024-09-15
Potential End Date: 2025-04-14 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-08-13
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