NIH awards $45.8M for inhalation toxicology research to Alion Science and Technology Corp
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $45,787,752 ($45.8M)
Contractor: Alion Science and Technology Corporation
Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services
Start Date: 2007-01-05
End Date: 2016-02-12
Contract Duration: 3,325 days
Daily Burn Rate: $13.8K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: RESEARCH FOR INHALATION TOXICOLOGY FOR ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICALS
Place of Performance
Location: DURHAM, DURHAM County, NORTH CAROLINA, 27713
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Health and Human Services obligated $45.8 million to ALION SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION for work described as: RESEARCH FOR INHALATION TOXICOLOGY FOR ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICALS Key points: 1. Contract awarded via full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 2. The contract spans nearly 9 years, indicating a long-term research need. 3. Alion Science and Technology Corporation is the sole awardee. 4. The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type allows for cost reimbursement plus a fixed fee, which can incentivize contractors to control costs. However, it also carries a risk of cost escalation if the fixed fee is not adequately tied to performance or if the base cost estimates are inaccurate.
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 price discovery and competitive pricing.
Taxpayer Impact: The competitive nature of the award suggests that taxpayers likely received a fair price for the research services, though the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure warrants monitoring for cost efficiency.
Public Impact
Research into environmental chemical inhalation toxicology can inform public health policies and safety regulations. Findings may lead to improved understanding of health risks associated with air pollution and chemical exposure. This investment supports scientific advancement in environmental health and safety.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can lead to cost overruns.
- Long contract duration (9 years) may not be optimal for rapidly evolving research fields.
- No small business participation noted.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition.
- Addresses a critical public health research area.
- Significant investment in scientific advancement.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences sector. Spending in this area is crucial for innovation and addressing complex societal challenges, with benchmarks varying widely based on the specific research domain and agency.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates that this contract did not involve small business participation. While not always feasible or required, exploring opportunities for small businesses in R&D contracts can foster innovation and economic growth.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract's long duration and Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure necessitate robust oversight from the Department of Health and Human Services to ensure efficient use of funds and achievement of research objectives.
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
- Potential for cost overruns due to CPFF structure.
- Lack of small business participation.
- Long contract duration may not be agile enough for evolving research.
- Contract type may not be the most cost-effective for well-defined research tasks.
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 $45.8 million to ALION SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION. RESEARCH FOR INHALATION TOXICOLOGY FOR ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICALS
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is ALION SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION.
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 $45.8 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2007-01-05. End: 2016-02-12.
What was the rationale for choosing a Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type for this long-term research project?
The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract is often used when the scope of work is not precisely defined, common in research and development. It allows the government to reimburse the contractor for allowable costs plus a fixed fee representing profit. For long-term research, CPFF can provide flexibility to adapt to evolving scientific needs, but requires stringent oversight to manage potential cost overruns and ensure the fixed fee remains fair.
How does the $45.8 million award compare to typical spending for similar inhalation toxicology research projects?
Benchmarking this specific award requires detailed analysis of similar contracts within the R&D sector, particularly those focused on environmental toxicology. Factors like research scope, duration, and complexity significantly influence costs. Without access to a comprehensive database of comparable contracts, it's difficult to definitively state if $45.8 million is high or low, but it represents a substantial investment in this specialized research area.
What mechanisms are in place to ensure the effectiveness and impact of the research funded by this contract?
Effectiveness is typically ensured through performance metrics, regular progress reports, peer reviews, and milestone achievements outlined in the contract. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) likely has program officers overseeing the research, ensuring it aligns with scientific goals and public health priorities. The ultimate impact is measured by the dissemination of findings through publications, contributions to policy, and advancements in understanding and mitigating health risks.
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 › OTHER RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Solicitation ID: NIHES0605
Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 10 W 35TH ST, CHICAGO, IL, 60616
Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $112,519,528
Exercised Options: $62,101,309
Current Obligation: $45,787,752
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Timeline
Start Date: 2007-01-05
Current End Date: 2016-02-12
Potential End Date: 2016-02-12 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2020-07-27
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