NIH awards $1.2B for R&D in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences to Brigham and Women's Hospital

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $12,030,163 ($12.0M)

Contractor: THE Brigham and Women's Hospit

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2002-09-15

End Date: 2009-07-31

Contract Duration: 2,511 days

Daily Burn Rate: $4.8K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE

Sector: R&D

Place of Performance

Location: BOSTON, SUFFOLK County, MASSACHUSETTS, 02115

State: Massachusetts Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $12.0 million to THE BRIGHAM AND WOMEN'S HOSPIT for work described as: Key points: 1. Significant investment in research and development, potentially driving innovation. 2. Full and open competition suggests a robust market for these services. 3. Long contract duration (2511 days) may pose risks if project scope changes. 4. Focus on physical, engineering, and life sciences indicates a specialized sector.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract type is 'COST NO FEE', which is unusual for a large award. This suggests the government is primarily covering costs, with no additional fee for the contractor. This pricing model needs further scrutiny to ensure value for money.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating multiple bidders likely participated. This method generally promotes competitive pricing and ensures the government receives the best value.

Taxpayer Impact: The substantial award of over $1.2 billion represents a significant taxpayer investment in scientific research, with the expectation of future societal benefits.

Public Impact

Advancement of scientific knowledge and potential breakthroughs in health and technology. Support for a major healthcare institution, contributing to its research capabilities. Long-term commitment to a specific research area, fostering expertise.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Contract duration
Cost-plus-no-fee structure

Positive Signals

Full and open competition
Significant investment in R&D

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. Spending in this area is crucial for technological advancement and public health, with benchmarks varying widely based on the specific research domain.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate any specific provisions or set-asides for small businesses in this contract. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses had an opportunity to participate as subcontractors.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract was awarded by the National Institutes of Health, a reputable agency within HHS. Oversight would typically involve regular reporting and milestone reviews to ensure progress and responsible use of funds.

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

Long contract duration
Cost-plus-no-fee pricing structure
Lack of specific outcome metrics in provided data
Potential for research to become outdated over the contract term

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $12.0 million to THE BRIGHAM AND WOMEN'S HOSPIT. See the official description on USAspending.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is THE BRIGHAM AND WOMEN'S HOSPIT.

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 $12.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2002-09-15. End: 2009-07-31.

What specific research outcomes are expected from this $1.2 billion investment, and how will their achievement be measured?

The expected outcomes are not detailed in the provided data. Typically, such large R&D contracts would have defined research objectives, deliverables, and key performance indicators. The National Institutes of Health would have a framework for measuring scientific progress, publication of findings, and potential translation of research into practical applications or treatments.

Given the 'COST NO FEE' structure, what mechanisms are in place to prevent cost overruns and ensure efficient resource utilization?

The 'COST NO FEE' structure places the financial risk primarily on the government. To mitigate overruns, robust oversight, detailed budget tracking, and regular performance reviews are essential. The contracting agency must ensure strict adherence to the approved budget and investigate any deviations promptly to maintain cost control and accountability.

How does the long contract duration of over 2500 days impact the adaptability of the research to evolving scientific landscapes?

A long contract duration can be beneficial for complex, long-term research projects requiring sustained effort. However, it also poses a risk of the research becoming outdated if the scientific field advances rapidly. Flexibility within the contract to adapt research directions based on new discoveries or technological shifts would be crucial for maximizing its effectiveness and relevance.

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: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › General Science and Technology R&D Services

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)

Contractor Details

Address: 75 FRANCIS ST, BOSTON, MA, 90

Business Categories: Category Business, Hospital, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Timeline