DHHS awards $15.1M for National Children's Study Clinical Site to University of Utah

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $15,146,323 ($15.1M)

Contractor: University of Utah

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2005-09-30

End Date: 2016-07-28

Contract Duration: 3,954 days

Daily Burn Rate: $3.8K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 11

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: NATIONAL CHILDREN'S STUDY CLINICAL SITE

Place of Performance

Location: SALT LAKE CITY, SALT LAKE County, UTAH, 84102

State: Utah Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $15.1 million to UNIVERSITY OF UTAH for work described as: NATIONAL CHILDREN'S STUDY CLINICAL SITE Key points: 1. The contract value of $15.1M over its duration is a significant investment in a specialized research area. 2. Competition details are not fully specified, but the award type suggests a broad solicitation. 3. Potential risks include the long duration and the complexity of managing a large-scale clinical study. 4. The sector is primarily professional, scientific, and technical services, with a focus on healthcare research.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $15.1M for a definitive contract over nearly 11 years suggests a moderate annual spend. Benchmarking this against similar large-scale, long-term clinical research projects is difficult without more specific service details.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. This method generally promotes competitive pricing and allows the government to select the best value.

Taxpayer Impact: The $15.1M expenditure represents taxpayer funds allocated to a significant public health research initiative. The long-term nature of the study aims for substantial societal benefit, justifying the investment.

Public Impact

This funding supports critical research into children's health, potentially leading to improved public health outcomes. The study's findings could inform policy decisions and healthcare practices for generations. Long-term research projects like this require sustained commitment and can yield profound insights into health determinants.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Long contract duration (3954 days) increases risk of cost overruns or scope creep.
Lack of specific performance metrics makes it hard to assess value for money.
Potential for vendor lock-in given the specialized nature of the research.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process.
Focus on a critical area of public health research (children's health).
University of Utah is a reputable research institution.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under professional, scientific, and technical services, specifically related to clinical research. Spending in this sector can vary widely based on project scope and duration, but large-scale studies like this represent significant investments.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded to the University of Utah, a large research institution, and there is no indication of small business participation. This suggests the primary contractor is not a small business, and subcontracting opportunities are not explicitly detailed.

Oversight & Accountability

The long duration of the contract necessitates robust oversight from the Department of Health and Human Services to ensure milestones are met and funds are used effectively. Regular performance reviews and audits would be crucial.

Related Government Programs

All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
Department of Health and Human Services Contracting
National Institutes of Health Programs

Risk Flags

Long contract duration increases risk.
Potential for scope creep in a complex research study.
Lack of detailed performance metrics.
Cost-reimbursement nature requires strong financial oversight.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $15.1 million to UNIVERSITY OF UTAH. NATIONAL CHILDREN'S STUDY CLINICAL SITE

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is UNIVERSITY OF UTAH.

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 $15.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2005-09-30. End: 2016-07-28.

What specific clinical services were rendered by the University of Utah under this contract, and how do they align with the National Children's Study objectives?

The contract was for clinical site services for the National Children's Study. This likely involved patient recruitment, data collection, sample processing, and managing participant follow-up according to study protocols. The University of Utah's role was to provide the infrastructure and personnel necessary to execute these complex clinical research activities, directly contributing to the study's goal of understanding environmental influences on children's health.

Given the $15.1M award over nearly 11 years, what were the key risk mitigation strategies employed to manage potential cost escalations or research deviations?

While specific risk mitigation strategies are not detailed, typical approaches for such long-term contracts include phased funding, regular performance reviews against predefined milestones, and contract clauses allowing for adjustments based on scientific advancements or unforeseen challenges. The 'COST NO FEE' contract type suggests that the government bears the cost risk, but effective management would involve close monitoring of expenditures and adherence to the research plan.

How will the data and findings from this clinical site contribute to the overall effectiveness and public health impact of the National Children's Study?

The clinical site's data is foundational to the National Children's Study's effectiveness. By meticulously collecting information on a diverse cohort, the site contributes crucial real-world evidence on the interplay of genetics, environment, and health outcomes in children. The aggregated findings from all sites will enable researchers to identify health trends, risk factors, and protective measures, ultimately informing public health policies and interventions.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

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: RFPNICHD200407

Offers Received: 11

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 201 PRESIDENTS CIR RM 408, SALT LAKE CITY, UT, 84112

Business Categories: Category Business, Educational Institution, Government, Higher Education, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, U.S. Regional/State Government

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $45,918,934

Exercised Options: $15,146,323

Current Obligation: $15,146,323

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Timeline