DHHS awards $14.7M to University of Utah for research, highlighting long-term contract value

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $14,701,882 ($14.7M)

Contractor: University of Utah, the

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2000-08-15

End Date: 2011-09-29

Contract Duration: 4,062 days

Daily Burn Rate: $3.6K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE

Sector: Healthcare

Place of Performance

Location: SALT LAKE CITY, SALT LAKE County, UTAH, 84112

State: Utah Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $14.7 million to UNIVERSITY OF UTAH, THE for work described as: Key points: 1. Contract value of $14.7M over 11 years indicates significant investment in research. 2. Competition method is 'FULL AND OPEN', suggesting a robust market for these services. 3. The contract duration and value present potential risks if research objectives are not met. 4. Spending is within the healthcare and research sector, a key area for federal investment.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $14.7M spread over 11 years averages approximately $1.34M annually. Without specific benchmarks for similar research contracts, it's difficult to definitively assess pricing, but the duration suggests a stable, long-term relationship.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, which typically fosters competitive pricing and ensures the government receives the best value. This method suggests multiple qualified bidders likely participated.

Taxpayer Impact: The $14.7M awarded over 11 years represents a substantial but potentially valuable investment in research, with the long-term nature allowing for sustained progress and impact.

Public Impact

Supports critical research initiatives funded by the National Institutes of Health. The University of Utah benefits from sustained federal funding for its research programs. Long-term contracts can foster innovation and allow for deeper scientific exploration. Potential for groundbreaking discoveries that could impact public health.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Long contract duration could lead to cost overruns if not managed effectively.
Research outcomes are inherently uncertain and may not yield expected results.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, indicating market responsiveness.
Significant investment in a critical research area for public health.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the healthcare and research sector, specifically funded by the National Institutes of Health. Federal spending in this area is substantial, focusing on advancing medical knowledge and improving public health outcomes.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate any specific involvement or benefit to small businesses in this contract. The awardee is a large research institution.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight would typically be managed by the National Institutes of Health program officers to ensure research milestones are met and funds are used appropriately. The long duration necessitates consistent monitoring.

Related Government Programs

Department of Health and Human Services Contracting
National Institutes of Health Programs

Risk Flags

Long contract duration (11 years) increases risk of scope creep or changing research priorities.
Research outcomes are inherently uncertain and may not meet initial expectations.
Potential for cost overruns if research proves more complex or time-consuming than anticipated.
Lack of small business participation may limit broader economic impact.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $14.7 million to UNIVERSITY OF UTAH, THE. See the official description on USAspending.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is UNIVERSITY OF UTAH, THE.

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 $14.7 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2000-08-15. End: 2011-09-29.

What specific research areas does this contract support, and what are the expected outcomes?

The provided data does not specify the research areas. However, as a contract from the National Institutes of Health, it likely supports biomedical or health-related research. Expected outcomes would be defined in the contract's statement of work, focusing on scientific advancements, data generation, or development of new methodologies relevant to public health.

How does the $14.7M award compare to typical NIH research grants of similar scope and duration?

Without specific details on the research scope, a direct comparison is challenging. However, $14.7M over 11 years ($1.34M/year) is a substantial sum, suggesting a large-scale, long-term project. NIH grants vary widely, but this figure is within the range for major research centers or multi-disciplinary initiatives.

What mechanisms are in place to ensure accountability and measure the effectiveness of the research funded by this contract?

Accountability is typically ensured through regular progress reports, data submissions, and adherence to the research plan outlined in the contract. The NIH program officers monitor these aspects. Effectiveness is measured against predefined research objectives and milestones, with potential for follow-on funding or publication of results indicating success.

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)

Contractor Details

Parent Company: University of Utah (UEI: 009095365)

Business Categories: Category Business, Educational Institution, Higher Education, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $386,406,287

Exercised Options: $385,205,539

Current Obligation: $14,701,882

Timeline