DoD's $18.5M CARB-MRSN Contract Awarded to Cherokee Nation Operational Solutions for Antimicrobial Resistance Research
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $18,462,802 ($18.5M)
Contractor: Cherokee Nation Operational Solutions, L.L.C.
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2020-09-25
End Date: 2025-03-24
Contract Duration: 1,641 days
Daily Burn Rate: $11.3K/day
Competition Type: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: COMBATING ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANT BACTERIA MULTIDRUG-RESISTANT ORGANISM REPOSITORY AND SURVEILLANCE NETWORK (CARB-MRSN) SUPPORT SERVICES, FOR THE ARMY, NAVY, AND AIR FORCE. WORK IS PERFORMED AT WRAIR LOCATED IN SILVER SPRING, MD.
Place of Performance
Location: SILVER SPRING, MONTGOMERY County, MARYLAND, 20910
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $18.5 million to CHEROKEE NATION OPERATIONAL SOLUTIONS, L.L.C. for work described as: COMBATING ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANT BACTERIA MULTIDRUG-RESISTANT ORGANISM REPOSITORY AND SURVEILLANCE NETWORK (CARB-MRSN) SUPPORT SERVICES, FOR THE ARMY, NAVY, AND AIR FORCE. WORK IS PERFORMED AT WRAIR LOCATED IN SILVER SPRING, MD. Key points: 1. Contract focuses on combating antibiotic-resistant bacteria through a repository and surveillance network. 2. Cherokee Nation Operational Solutions, LLC, secured the $18.5M definitive contract. 3. Research and Development in Life Sciences is the primary sector, with potential implications for public health. 4. The contract runs for approximately 5.5 years, indicating a long-term commitment to this research area.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $18.5M for a 5.5-year duration appears reasonable for specialized R&D support services in a critical public health area. Benchmarking against similar complex research and development contracts would provide further context on pricing.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
The contract was not available for competition, suggesting a limited source selection. This approach may impact price discovery and potentially lead to higher costs compared to a fully competitive process.
Taxpayer Impact: While the specific taxpayer impact is not detailed, investments in combating antibiotic resistance are crucial for long-term public health security and can prevent future healthcare costs.
Public Impact
Supports critical research into antibiotic-resistant bacteria, a growing global health threat. Enhances national security by strengthening defense against biological threats. Potential for advancements in medical treatments and public health strategies. The work contributes to the Department of Defense's broader health and readiness initiatives.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Limited competition may impact cost-effectiveness.
- Long contract duration requires ongoing monitoring of performance and value.
Positive Signals
- Addresses a significant public health and national security concern.
- Supports advanced scientific research and development.
- Contract awarded to a company with demonstrated capabilities in operational solutions.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under Research and Development in the Life Sciences sector, specifically focusing on combating antimicrobial resistance. Spending in this area is vital for public health preparedness and national security, with benchmarks often tied to the complexity and novelty of the research.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was not awarded to a small business. Further analysis would be needed to determine if subcontracting opportunities exist for small businesses within this larger contract.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of Defense, through the Defense Health Agency, is the awarding agency. Oversight will be crucial to ensure the effective execution of research objectives and the responsible use of funds over the contract's duration.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Defense Health Agency Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for cost overruns due to limited competition.
- Risk of research delays impacting public health response.
- Dependence on contractor's specialized expertise.
- Ensuring data integrity and security of the repository.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, md, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $18.5 million to CHEROKEE NATION OPERATIONAL SOLUTIONS, L.L.C.. COMBATING ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANT BACTERIA MULTIDRUG-RESISTANT ORGANISM REPOSITORY AND SURVEILLANCE NETWORK (CARB-MRSN) SUPPORT SERVICES, FOR THE ARMY, NAVY, AND AIR FORCE. WORK IS PERFORMED AT WRAIR LOCATED IN SILVER SPRING, MD.
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is CHEROKEE NATION OPERATIONAL SOLUTIONS, L.L.C..
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Defense Health Agency).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $18.5 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2020-09-25. End: 2025-03-24.
What is the specific scientific output expected from the CARB-MRSN support services, and how will its value be measured?
The expected scientific output includes the establishment and maintenance of a multidrug-resistant organism repository and a surveillance network. Value will be measured through the successful collection, cataloging, and accessibility of biological samples, alongside the generation of actionable data on resistance patterns. This data is intended to inform public health policy and guide the development of countermeasures against emerging infectious diseases.
Given the limited competition, what mechanisms are in place to ensure the government receives fair market value for these specialized R&D services?
While limited competition restricts direct price comparison, the government likely relies on pre-negotiated rates, historical cost data for similar services, and potentially independent cost estimates. The contract type (Firm Fixed Price) shifts some risk to the contractor, incentivizing efficiency. Robust contract management and performance monitoring are essential to ensure value is achieved despite the lack of competitive bidding.
How will the effectiveness of the CARB-MRSN program be evaluated in terms of its contribution to combating antibiotic resistance?
Effectiveness will be evaluated through key performance indicators related to the repository's growth, data accuracy, and the timely dissemination of surveillance findings. Success metrics may include the number of pathogens characterized, the identification of novel resistance mechanisms, and the impact of the generated data on guiding research or policy decisions. Regular reviews and scientific advisory boards will likely assess the program's overall contribution to the fight against antimicrobial resistance.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › N – Health R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE
Solicitation ID: W81XWH20R0065
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 10838 E MARSHALL ST STE 220-A, TULSA, OK, 74116
Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, American Indian Owned Business, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Limited Liability Corporation, Manufacturer of Goods, Minority Owned Business, Native American Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Tribally Owned Firm, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $21,001,813
Exercised Options: $18,939,646
Current Obligation: $18,462,802
Actual Outlays: $1,435,883
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 7
Total Subaward Amount: $1,898,842
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2020-09-25
Current End Date: 2025-03-24
Potential End Date: 2025-03-24 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-03-13
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