NIH awards $15M for R&D in Other Sciences, highlighting long-term research investment
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $14,976,444 ($15.0M)
Contractor: THE General Hospital Corporation
Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services
Start Date: 2003-07-28
End Date: 2009-07-31
Contract Duration: 2,195 days
Daily Burn Rate: $6.8K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: R&D-OTHER SCIENCES-B RES
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Health and Human Services obligated $15.0 million to THE GENERAL HOSPITAL CORPORATION for work described as: R&D-OTHER SCIENCES-B RES Key points: 1. Significant investment in fundamental research across physical, engineering, and life sciences. 2. Long contract duration (2195 days) suggests complex, multi-year research objectives. 3. Full and open competition indicates a broad search for qualified research entities. 4. Cost-plus-fixed-fee contract type allows for flexibility in research scope and cost management.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract's cost-plus-fixed-fee structure is common for R&D where scope can evolve. Benchmarking is difficult without specific deliverables, but the award amount for a 6-year project is within a reasonable range for complex scientific research.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
Full and open competition was utilized, suggesting a robust process to identify the best value. The fixed fee component provides some cost control, but the cost-plus nature inherently carries some risk of cost overruns.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are supporting critical scientific advancement, with the potential for long-term societal benefits. The competitive process aims to ensure efficient use of these funds.
Public Impact
Supports advancements in fundamental scientific knowledge with potential for future breakthroughs. Invests in the research infrastructure and expertise within the scientific community. The long-term nature of the award allows for sustained progress on complex research questions.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for cost overruns inherent in cost-plus contracts.
- Difficulty in precisely defining R&D outcomes upfront.
- Long duration may lead to scope creep or outdated research objectives if not managed.
Positive Signals
- Investment in critical scientific research areas.
- Utilized full and open competition to maximize value.
- Long-term commitment fosters sustained research efforts.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under R&D in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. Spending in this sector is crucial for innovation and national competitiveness, with NIH being a primary funder of biomedical and health-related research.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate if small businesses were involved in this contract. Large research institutions or universities are typically awarded these types of extensive R&D contracts.
Oversight & Accountability
The long duration and cost-plus nature of this contract warrant diligent oversight from NIH to ensure research objectives are met efficiently and costs remain controlled.
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 overruns
- Scope creep
- Difficulty in measuring R&D ROI
- Long contract duration risks obsolescence
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-health-and-human-services, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Health and Human Services awarded $15.0 million to THE GENERAL HOSPITAL CORPORATION. R&D-OTHER SCIENCES-B RES
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is THE GENERAL HOSPITAL CORPORATION.
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 $15.0 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2003-07-28. End: 2009-07-31.
What specific scientific advancements or discoveries were achieved under this contract?
Without access to detailed research reports and outcomes, it's impossible to quantify the specific scientific advancements. The value is in the pursuit of knowledge and potential future applications, which are often realized years after the initial funding.
How effectively did the full and open competition process identify the most capable research entity?
The use of full and open competition suggests a thorough evaluation process aimed at selecting the best research proposal and institution. The long-term success and quality of research conducted would be the ultimate measure of this effectiveness.
What is the long-term impact of this investment on the specific scientific fields funded?
This investment likely contributed to the body of knowledge in physical, engineering, and life sciences. Such foundational research can lead to significant breakthroughs in medicine, technology, and environmental science, impacting public health and economic growth over time.
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
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Partners Healthcare System, Inc
Address: 55 FRUIT ST, BOSTON, MA, 02114
Business Categories: Category Business, Hospital, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $76,095,212
Exercised Options: $33,831,950
Current Obligation: $14,976,444
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Timeline
Start Date: 2003-07-28
Current End Date: 2009-07-31
Potential End Date: 2009-07-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2024-05-31
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