HHS awards Duke University $49M for Biotechnology R&D over 12 years under full and open competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $49,009,173 ($49.0M)
Contractor: Duke University
Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services
Start Date: 2009-12-18
End Date: 2022-11-09
Contract Duration: 4,709 days
Daily Burn Rate: $10.4K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 20
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: TAS::75 0140::TAS
Place of Performance
Location: DURHAM, DURHAM County, NORTH CAROLINA, 27705
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Health and Human Services obligated $49.0 million to DUKE UNIVERSITY for work described as: TAS::75 0140::TAS Key points: 1. Significant long-term investment in biotechnology research. 2. Duke University is a leading research institution, suggesting strong technical capability. 3. The contract duration and value present potential risks if research outcomes are not achieved. 4. Spending falls within the R&D sector, which often involves high uncertainty.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $49M over 12 years averages approximately $4.1M annually. This seems reasonable for a large-scale R&D project at a major university, but a direct per-project comparison is difficult without knowing the specific research scope.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating a competitive bidding process. This method generally promotes price discovery and ensures the government receives competitive pricing for services.
Taxpayer Impact: The competitive award process aims to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently for valuable research outcomes.
Public Impact
Advancement in biotechnology could lead to new medical treatments or public health solutions. Long-term funding provides stability for research teams and complex projects. Potential for groundbreaking discoveries that benefit society.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Long contract duration increases risk of scope creep or changing research priorities.
- R&D projects inherently carry a high risk of not achieving desired outcomes.
- Lack of specific performance metrics makes it hard to assess value for money.
Positive Signals
- Awarded to a reputable institution (Duke University).
- Utilized full and open competition.
- Significant investment in a critical research area.
Sector Analysis
Biotechnology R&D spending is characterized by high upfront investment and uncertain returns. Benchmarks are difficult due to the unique nature of research projects, but this award appears substantial for a single entity over a long period.
Small Business Impact
This contract was awarded directly to Duke University, a large research institution. There is no indication of subcontracting opportunities for small businesses within the provided data.
Oversight & Accountability
The long duration of the contract necessitates ongoing oversight from HHS to ensure milestones are met and funds are utilized effectively. Regular reviews and performance assessments are crucial.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in Biotechnology
- Department of Health and Human Services Contracting
- Office of Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response Programs
Risk Flags
- Long contract duration (12 years).
- High inherent risk in R&D projects.
- Lack of specific performance metrics in summary data.
- Potential for changing research landscape over the contract period.
Tags
research-and-development-in-biotechnolog, 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 $49.0 million to DUKE UNIVERSITY. TAS::75 0140::TAS
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is DUKE UNIVERSITY.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Health and Human Services (Office of Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $49.0 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2009-12-18. End: 2022-11-09.
What specific research objectives does this contract aim to achieve, and how will their successful completion be measured?
The contract data does not specify the research objectives or the metrics for success. Further investigation into the contract details and associated statements of work would be required to understand the precise goals and how progress will be evaluated. This information is critical for assessing the value and effectiveness of the taxpayer investment.
Given the 12-year duration, what mechanisms are in place to adapt to potential shifts in scientific understanding or public health priorities?
The contract's long timeframe suggests a need for built-in flexibility or periodic review cycles. Mechanisms could include phased funding, milestone-based reviews, or formal contract modification processes to adjust research scope based on emerging scientific knowledge or evolving public health needs. Without explicit details, the adaptability remains a potential concern.
How does the annual average spending of $4.1M compare to similar large-scale biotechnology R&D grants or contracts awarded to academic institutions?
Comparing this annual average requires access to a database of similar R&D contracts. However, $4.1M annually for a long-term project at a major university is plausible for significant research endeavors. A comprehensive benchmark analysis would involve looking at funding levels for comparable research areas and institutional capacities.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in Biotechnology
Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › N – Health R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Offers Received: 20
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 334 N BUILDING RESEARCH DR, DUKE UNIVERSITY, DURHAM, NC, 27708
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Tax Exempt, Educational Institution, Higher Education, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Higher Education (Private), Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $49,009,173
Exercised Options: $49,009,173
Current Obligation: $49,009,173
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Timeline
Start Date: 2009-12-18
Current End Date: 2022-11-09
Potential End Date: 2022-11-09 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2022-11-09
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