HHS/NIH awards $19.8M contract to WYETH for R&D in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $19,866,352 ($19.9M)
Contractor: Wyeth
Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services
Start Date: 2002-05-15
End Date: 2010-10-01
Contract Duration: 3,061 days
Daily Burn Rate: $6.5K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 6
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Place of Performance
Location: PEARL RIVER, ROCKLAND County, NEW YORK, 10965
State: New York Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Health and Human Services obligated $19.9 million to WYETH for work described as: Key points: 1. Contract awarded to WYETH for $19.8M over 8 years. 2. Full and open competition was utilized. 3. The contract falls under R&D in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. 4. The contract duration is 3061 days.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract is a Cost Plus Fixed Fee type, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. The total award value of $19.8M over 8 years suggests a moderate annual spend.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The use of full and open competition is a positive indicator for price discovery. However, the specific details of the bidding process and the number of bids received are not provided, making a definitive assessment of price competitiveness difficult.
Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition aims to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently. The fixed fee structure, while providing incentives, needs careful monitoring to prevent unnecessary costs.
Public Impact
Supports research and development in critical scientific fields. Long-term contract may indicate ongoing need for specialized services. Award to a single entity (WYETH) suggests specialized capabilities.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can be prone to cost escalation.
- Long contract duration (8 years) may not adapt well to rapidly changing R&D needs.
- Limited information on specific deliverables and performance metrics.
Positive Signals
- Full and open competition utilized.
- Contract supports vital R&D activities.
- Awarded by a reputable agency (HHS/NIH).
Sector Analysis
The Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences sector (NAICS 541710) is a broad category encompassing significant government investment. Benchmarks for this sector vary widely based on the specific research area and scope.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate any specific set-aside for small businesses. This contract appears to be awarded to a larger entity, potentially limiting small business participation unless they are subcontractors.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight would typically be managed by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) program officials. The effectiveness of oversight depends on clear performance metrics, regular reviews, and adherence to contract terms.
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
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure
- Long contract duration
- Lack of specific performance metrics in provided data
- Potential for cost overruns
- Limited visibility into specific R&D focus areas
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-health-and-human-services, ny, dca, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Health and Human Services awarded $19.9 million to WYETH. See the official description on USAspending.
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is WYETH.
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 $19.9 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2002-05-15. End: 2010-10-01.
What specific research areas does this contract cover within 'Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences'?
The provided data lacks specificity regarding the precise research areas. NAICS code 541710 is broad, encompassing diverse fields. Further investigation into the contract's statement of work or associated documentation would be necessary to identify the specific scientific disciplines and objectives funded by this $19.8M award.
What were the key performance indicators (KPIs) established for this contract, and how was WYETH's performance measured?
The available data does not detail the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) or performance measurement criteria for this contract. For a Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract, especially in R&D, effective oversight relies heavily on clearly defined milestones, deliverables, and objective metrics to ensure progress and value for taxpayer money.
How does the fixed fee component of this contract align with the inherent uncertainties of research and development projects?
A fixed fee in an R&D context can be challenging due to the unpredictable nature of research outcomes. While it provides a target profit for the contractor, it might not adequately account for unforeseen scientific hurdles or shifts in research direction. The agency's ability to manage scope and adapt the contract, if necessary, is crucial for its effectiveness.
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: ARCHITECT/ENGINEER SERVICES › ARCH-ENG SVCS - CONSTRUCTION
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Offers Received: 6
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Pfizer Inc (UEI: 001326495)
Address: 800 5TH ST NW, FORT DODGE, IA, 04
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $19,866,306
Exercised Options: $7,279,520
Current Obligation: $19,866,352
Timeline
Start Date: 2002-05-15
Current End Date: 2010-10-01
Potential End Date: 2010-10-01 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2011-08-03
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