HHS awarded $48.8M for genomic DNA biodosimeter research to SRI International over 9 years

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $48,839,706 ($48.8M)

Contractor: SRI International

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2009-12-18

End Date: 2018-06-30

Contract Duration: 3,116 days

Daily Burn Rate: $15.7K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 22

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: TAS::75 0140::TAS BIOMEDICAL (ADVANCED) GENOMIC DNA BIODOSIMETER FOR ASSESSMENT OF RADIATION EXPOSURE

Place of Performance

Location: MENLO PARK, SAN MATEO County, CALIFORNIA, 94025

State: California Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $48.8 million to SRI INTERNATIONAL for work described as: TAS::75 0140::TAS BIOMEDICAL (ADVANCED) GENOMIC DNA BIODOSIMETER FOR ASSESSMENT OF RADIATION EXPOSURE Key points: 1. Contract value appears reasonable for a long-term R&D effort in a specialized field. 2. Full and open competition suggests a potentially competitive bidding process. 3. Contract duration of over 8 years indicates a significant, long-term research commitment. 4. The award was made to a single contractor, SRI International, for the entire period. 5. Research and Development in Biotechnology is a critical area for national health security. 6. The contract type 'Cost No Fee' suggests the government bears the cost of performance, with no additional fee for the contractor. 7. This contract represents a substantial investment in advanced radiation exposure assessment technology.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

Benchmarking the value of this contract is challenging due to its specialized nature and long duration. The total award of $48.8 million over nearly nine years averages to approximately $5.4 million per year. Without comparable contracts for similar advanced biodosimeter development, it's difficult to definitively assess if this represents excellent or questionable value. The 'Cost No Fee' contract type means the government is responsible for all allowable costs incurred by the contractor, which can sometimes lead to higher overall spending compared to fixed-price contracts if not managed carefully. However, for complex R&D, it allows flexibility.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit a bid. While the number of bidders is not explicitly stated in the provided data, this procurement method generally fosters price discovery and encourages multiple companies to offer their best terms. The fact that it was competed openly suggests that the government sought the most advantageous offer available in the market for this specialized research.

Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition process is generally favorable for taxpayers as it aims to secure the best possible price and quality through market forces, reducing the risk of overpayment.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are likely the Department of Health and Human Services and potentially other federal agencies involved in emergency preparedness and response, such as FEMA and the Department of Defense. The services delivered involve the research and development of advanced genomic DNA biodosimeters, which are crucial for assessing radiation exposure in individuals. The geographic impact is national, focusing on enhancing the nation's capability to respond to radiological or nuclear incidents. Workforce implications include supporting specialized scientific and research personnel at SRI International and potentially fostering advancements in the biotechnology sector.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Long contract duration (over 8 years) increases the risk of cost overruns or scope creep if not closely managed.
The 'Cost No Fee' contract type shifts cost risk to the government, potentially leading to higher total expenditures.
Specialized nature of the research may limit the pool of qualified contractors, potentially impacting future competition.
Lack of specific performance metrics or milestones in the provided data makes it difficult to assess progress and value realization.
Reliance on a single contractor for the entire duration could create vendor lock-in and limit future innovation.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a robust initial selection process.
Focus on critical R&D for national health security and emergency preparedness.
Contractor (SRI International) is a reputable research organization with a history of government contracts.
Long-term commitment allows for sustained focus and development of complex technology.
The contract aims to develop a crucial tool for assessing radiation exposure, a high-priority national need.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development in Biotechnology sector, specifically focusing on advanced diagnostic tools for radiation exposure. This is a highly specialized niche within the broader life sciences and defense/emergency preparedness markets. The market for such advanced biodosimeters is likely limited to government agencies and specialized research institutions. Comparable spending benchmarks are difficult to establish without more specific market data on similar R&D projects in radiation biodosimetry.

Small Business Impact

The provided data indicates that small business participation was not a specific set-aside (ss: false) nor was there a specific small business subcontracting goal mentioned (sb: false). This suggests the primary contract was not targeted towards small businesses, and the focus was on securing the best technical solution through open competition. SRI International, as a large research organization, may engage small businesses as subcontractors, but this is not explicitly detailed in the award information. The impact on the small business ecosystem is likely minimal for this specific award, as it was not designed as a small business initiative.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily reside within the Office of Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR) at HHS. As a 'Cost No Fee' contract, rigorous financial oversight and review of allowable costs are crucial. Accountability measures would likely be tied to research milestones and deliverables outlined in the contract's statement of work. Transparency would depend on HHS's reporting practices for R&D contracts and any public dissemination of research findings. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply to any potential fraud, waste, or abuse related to the contract funds.

Related Government Programs

Biodefense and Countermeasures
Medical Countermeasures Initiative (MCMi)
Radiation Emergency Medical Management (REMM)
National Biodefense Strategy
Advanced Biomedical Research

Risk Flags

Long contract duration
Cost-reimbursement contract type ('Cost No Fee')
Specialized R&D field
Potential for scope creep
Limited public data for benchmarking

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $48.8 million to SRI INTERNATIONAL. TAS::75 0140::TAS BIOMEDICAL (ADVANCED) GENOMIC DNA BIODOSIMETER FOR ASSESSMENT OF RADIATION EXPOSURE

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is SRI INTERNATIONAL.

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 $48.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2009-12-18. End: 2018-06-30.

What is the specific scientific objective of the genomic DNA biodosimeter?

The genomic DNA biodosimeter aims to provide a rapid, accurate, and reliable method for assessing the dose of ionizing radiation received by individuals following exposure. Traditional methods like blood counts can be slow and less precise, especially for lower doses or delayed assessments. Genomic biomarkers, such as DNA damage signatures, offer the potential for a more direct and sensitive measure of biological effect. This technology is critical for medical management of radiation casualties, public health response during radiological incidents, and potentially for military personnel protection.

How does the 'Cost No Fee' (CNF) contract type impact government spending and risk?

A 'Cost No Fee' contract means the government agrees to reimburse the contractor for all allowable costs incurred in performing the contract, but the contractor receives no additional fee or profit. This contract type is typically used for research and development efforts where the scope is uncertain or difficult to define precisely, allowing flexibility. For the government, the risk is that total costs could exceed initial estimates if performance is inefficient or unforeseen challenges arise. Robust oversight of allowable costs and contractor performance is essential to manage this risk and ensure value. The absence of a fee means the contractor's incentive is primarily to perform the work and be reimbursed for costs, rather than maximizing profit.

What is SRI International's track record with similar government R&D contracts?

SRI International is a well-established non-profit research institute with extensive experience performing research and development for various U.S. government agencies, including HHS, Department of Defense, and others. They have a strong history in areas like biotechnology, materials science, and advanced technologies. While specific details of past biodosimetry contracts are not provided here, their general profile suggests they possess the technical expertise and infrastructure necessary for such complex R&D. Their long-standing relationship with government sponsors indicates a level of trust and proven capability in delivering research outcomes.

Can the value of this $48.8 million contract be benchmarked against other radiation biodosimetry research?

Benchmarking this specific contract's value is challenging due to the specialized nature of genomic DNA biodosimetry and the long duration of the award (nearly 9 years). Publicly available data on comparable R&D contracts in this niche area is scarce. The total value of $48.8 million, spread over approximately 114 months, averages around $428,000 per month. This figure needs to be considered in the context of highly specialized scientific research, which involves significant personnel, equipment, and overhead costs. Without access to proprietary market data or more detailed contract information on similar projects, a precise value-for-money comparison is difficult.

What are the potential risks associated with the long duration of this contract?

The contract's duration of over eight years presents several potential risks. Firstly, scientific and technological landscapes can evolve rapidly; the initial research objectives or methodologies might become outdated before the project concludes. Secondly, long-term 'Cost No Fee' contracts require sustained and diligent oversight from the government to ensure efficiency and prevent cost overruns. There's a risk of scope creep if the project's objectives are not tightly managed. Lastly, maintaining consistent focus and motivation from the contractor over such an extended period can be challenging, potentially impacting the quality or timeliness of deliverables if not actively managed.

How does this contract align with broader federal investments in biodefense and public health preparedness?

This contract aligns directly with the federal government's strategic priorities in biodefense and public health preparedness. Agencies like HHS, through ASPR, are tasked with developing capabilities to respond to a wide range of public health emergencies, including those involving radiological or nuclear threats. Investing in advanced biodosimetry tools like genomic DNA biodosimeters is crucial for effective medical management and situational awareness during such events. It supports the development of critical infrastructure and technologies that enhance national resilience against catastrophic health threats, complementing other investments in medical countermeasures and surveillance systems.

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: 22

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 333 RAVENSWOOD AVE, MENLO PARK, CA, 94025

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Tax Exempt, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $55,992,184

Exercised Options: $48,839,706

Current Obligation: $48,839,706

Actual Outlays: $57,274

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Timeline