NIH Awards $169M to Wayne State University for Social Science R&D Over 10 Years
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $169,113,979 ($169.1M)
Contractor: Wayne State University
Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services
Start Date: 2013-02-01
End Date: 2023-01-31
Contract Duration: 3,651 days
Daily Burn Rate: $46.3K/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
Place of Performance
Location: DETROIT, WAYNE County, MICHIGAN, 48202
State: Michigan Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Health and Human Services obligated $169.1 million to WAYNE STATE UNIVERSITY for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF Key points: 1. Significant long-term investment in social science research. 2. Competition method indicates potential for fair pricing. 3. Risk of cost overruns given the long duration. 4. Focus on R&D aligns with sector trends.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract's cost-no-fee structure suggests a focus on achieving research objectives rather than profit. Benchmarking is difficult without specific deliverables and comparable research grants.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
Full and open competition was utilized, which typically promotes competitive pricing and ensures a broad pool of qualified offerors. The definitive contract type suggests a long-term agreement for services.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are directed towards research, with the expectation of societal benefits from the findings. The long duration and cost-no-fee structure aim to maximize research value.
Public Impact
Advancement of knowledge in social sciences and humanities. Potential for policy implications and societal impact. Supports academic research infrastructure and personnel.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Long contract duration increases risk of scope creep or changing research needs.
- Cost-no-fee structure might disincentivize efficiency if not managed well.
- Lack of specific performance metrics makes outcome assessment challenging.
Positive Signals
- Full and open competition promotes fairness.
- Investment in critical research areas.
- Long-term commitment allows for sustained research efforts.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities. Spending in this sector is often grant-based and focused on long-term societal benefits rather than immediate commercial returns.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this is a definitive contract awarded to a university, suggesting it is not directly targeting small businesses. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses are involved as subcontractors.
Oversight & Accountability
The long duration of the contract necessitates robust oversight from the National Institutes of Health to ensure research progress aligns with objectives and funds are used appropriately.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities
- Department of Health and Human Services Contracting
- National Institutes of Health Programs
Risk Flags
- Long contract duration (10 years)
- Cost-no-fee structure
- Lack of specific performance metrics in summary data
- Potential for research relevance to diminish over time
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-social-s, department-of-health-and-human-services, mi, definitive-contract, 100m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Health and Human Services awarded $169.1 million to WAYNE STATE UNIVERSITY. IGF::OT::IGF
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is WAYNE STATE 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 $169.1 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2013-02-01. End: 2023-01-31.
What are the specific research objectives and expected outcomes of this $169M award to Wayne State University?
The contract details are limited, but the NAICS code 541720 signifies Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities. Specific objectives would be outlined in the contract's statement of work, detailing the research questions, methodologies, and anticipated contributions to knowledge in fields like sociology, psychology, economics, or political science.
What are the primary risks associated with a 10-year 'Cost No Fee' research contract?
A 'Cost No Fee' contract means the contractor is reimbursed for allowable costs but receives no fee. Risks include potential for cost overruns if not managed tightly, lack of incentive for efficiency, and the possibility that research objectives may become outdated or irrelevant over the decade-long period, requiring significant adaptation.
How does the 'Full and Open Competition' process ensure effective use of taxpayer funds for this research?
Full and open competition allows any qualified source to submit an offer, fostering a competitive environment. This process is intended to identify the offeror providing the best value (technical merit and price) for the government, thereby ensuring taxpayer funds are used effectively to achieve the research goals outlined by the NIH.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities
Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 5700 CASS AVE STE 4900, DETROIT, MI, 48202
Business Categories: Category Business, Educational Institution, Government, Higher Education, U.S. National Government, Not Designated a Small Business, Higher Education (Public), U.S. Regional/State Government
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $169,113,979
Exercised Options: $169,113,979
Current Obligation: $169,113,979
Actual Outlays: $28,782,227
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 51
Total Subaward Amount: $7,934,622
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2013-02-01
Current End Date: 2023-01-31
Potential End Date: 2023-01-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-07-24
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