NIH Awards $12.1M for National Children Study Clinical Sites (Vanguard) to Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $12,098,177 ($12.1M)
Contractor: THE Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services
Start Date: 2005-09-30
End Date: 2013-12-04
Contract Duration: 2,987 days
Daily Burn Rate: $4.0K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 11
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: NATIONAL CHILDREN STUDY CLINICAL SITES (VANGUARD)
Place of Performance
Location: PHILADELPHIA, PHILADELPHIA County, PENNSYLVANIA, 19104
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Health and Human Services obligated $12.1 million to THE CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL OF PHILADELPHIA for work described as: NATIONAL CHILDREN STUDY CLINICAL SITES (VANGUARD) Key points: 1. The contract awarded to The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia represents a significant investment in pediatric health research. 2. Competition was full and open, suggesting a robust price discovery process. 3. The primary risk lies in the long duration and complexity of the research, potentially impacting cost and timeline. 4. This spending falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically life sciences.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract's cost-plus-no-fee structure for a long-term research project makes direct pricing comparisons difficult. The total award of $12.1M over nearly 10 years suggests a substantial but potentially reasonable allocation for a large-scale clinical study.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating multiple bidders likely participated. This method generally promotes competitive pricing and ensures the government receives the best value.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are allocated to a critical long-term study on child development and health, aiming for significant public health benefits.
Public Impact
Supports vital research into children's health and environmental influences. Potential for long-term public health improvements and policy development. The study's findings could impact healthcare practices and preventative measures for children nationwide.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Long project duration increases risk of cost overruns and scope creep.
- Complexity of multi-site clinical trials can lead to management challenges.
- Potential for unforeseen scientific or ethical challenges during the study.
Positive Signals
- Addresses a critical area of public health research.
- Full and open competition suggests potential for value.
- Awardee has significant institutional capacity for large research projects.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under the Research and Development sector, specifically NAICS code 541710 (Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences). Spending in this area is crucial for scientific advancement and innovation, with benchmarks varying widely based on research scope and duration.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate any specific subcontracting goals or participation by small businesses in this contract. The primary awardee is a large hospital system, suggesting the focus was on institutional capacity rather than small business engagement.
Oversight & Accountability
The long-term nature of this contract necessitates robust oversight from the National Institutes of Health to ensure adherence to research protocols, ethical standards, and budgetary controls. Regular progress reports and site visits would be critical for accountability.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences
- Department of Health and Human Services Contracting
- National Institutes of Health Programs
Risk Flags
- Long project duration
- Complexity of research design
- Potential for scope creep
- Reliance on sustained funding
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-health-and-human-services, pa, dca, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Health and Human Services awarded $12.1 million to THE CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL OF PHILADELPHIA. NATIONAL CHILDREN STUDY CLINICAL SITES (VANGUARD)
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is THE CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL OF PHILADELPHIA.
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 $12.1 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2005-09-30. End: 2013-12-04.
What is the projected long-term return on investment for the National Children Study, considering its extensive duration and cost?
The long-term return on investment for the National Children Study is primarily measured in public health outcomes rather than direct financial returns. By identifying environmental factors affecting child health, the study aims to inform preventative strategies, reduce healthcare costs associated with chronic childhood diseases, and improve overall population well-being. Quantifying this ROI is challenging but the potential societal benefits are substantial.
What are the key risks associated with managing a multi-year, multi-site clinical research project of this magnitude?
Key risks include maintaining consistent data quality across all sites, managing participant recruitment and retention over many years, ensuring adherence to evolving research protocols, controlling costs against potential inflation or unforeseen expenses, and navigating complex ethical considerations. Effective communication, standardized procedures, and strong project management are crucial to mitigate these risks.
How effectively will the findings from this Vanguard phase translate into actionable public health policies or interventions?
The Vanguard phase is designed to test and refine the study's methodology, ensuring its feasibility and effectiveness before full-scale implementation. Success in translating findings depends on rigorous data analysis, clear communication of results to policymakers and healthcare providers, and the willingness of relevant agencies to adapt policies based on the evidence generated. The study's design aims to produce robust data that can support evidence-based decision-making.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences
Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › Community and Regional Development R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Offers Received: 11
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: THE Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Foundation (UEI: 933296568)
Address: 34TH ST & CIVIC CENTER BLVD, PHILADELPHIA, PA, 90
Business Categories: Category Business, Hospital, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $12,098,177
Exercised Options: $12,098,177
Current Obligation: $12,098,177
Timeline
Start Date: 2005-09-30
Current End Date: 2013-12-04
Potential End Date: 2013-12-04 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2014-09-17
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