NIH awards $9.9M for biomedical research to University of Vermont over 18 years

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $9,886,852 ($9.9M)

Contractor: University of Vermont & State Agricultural College

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 1999-01-15

End Date: 2017-09-27

Contract Duration: 6,830 days

Daily Burn Rate: $1.4K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: BIOMEDICAL (BASIC)

Place of Performance

Location: BURLINGTON, CHITTENDEN County, VERMONT, 05405

State: Vermont Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $9.9 million to UNIVERSITY OF VERMONT & STATE AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE for work described as: BIOMEDICAL (BASIC) Key points: 1. Contract awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 2. Long contract duration of over 18 years may indicate a stable, ongoing research need. 3. Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences is a critical area for federal investment. 4. The contract type 'COST NO FEE' suggests the government reimburses allowable costs without an additional fee to the contractor. 5. The award to a university highlights federal support for academic research institutions. 6. The small business indicators are false, suggesting no specific set-aside for small businesses.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

Benchmarking the value of this contract is challenging due to its long duration and specific research focus. The 'COST NO FEE' contract type means the government reimburses the university for its direct and indirect costs associated with the research. Without knowing the specific research outcomes and the actual costs incurred, a direct value-for-money assessment is difficult. However, the sustained funding over nearly two decades suggests a perceived value by NIH in the ongoing research conducted by the University of Vermont.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION,' indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit a bid. The presence of two bids (no: 2) suggests a moderate level of competition for this specific research award. While two bidders participated, it's unclear if this represents robust competition for the specialized nature of the research or if other potential bidders were deterred by the long-term commitment or specific requirements.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by encouraging multiple bidders to offer competitive pricing and innovative solutions, potentially leading to better value for the government.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are researchers at the University of Vermont, who receive sustained funding for their work. The services delivered are fundamental biomedical research, contributing to scientific knowledge and potential future health advancements. The geographic impact is primarily within Vermont, supporting a key research institution in the state. Workforce implications include support for academic researchers, technicians, and potentially students involved in the research projects.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Long contract duration (over 18 years) could lead to potential cost overruns if not managed effectively.
The 'COST NO FEE' structure might disincentivize extreme cost efficiency if not paired with strong performance metrics.
Limited competition (2 bidders) raises questions about whether the best possible value was secured for taxpayer funds.

Positive Signals

Sustained funding over a long period indicates a consistent need and perceived value for the research being conducted.
Award to a university suggests alignment with federal goals of supporting academic and scientific advancement.
Full and open competition, even with a limited number of bidders, provides a baseline for accountability.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on biomedical research. The NAICS code 541710, 'Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences,' is a broad category encompassing significant federal investment. Biomedical R&D is crucial for advancing public health, understanding diseases, and developing new treatments. Federal agencies like NIH are major funders of this sector, supporting both academic institutions and private companies to drive innovation.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). This means the competition was open to all eligible entities, including large research institutions and potentially large corporations. Consequently, there are no direct subcontracting implications specifically tied to small business set-asides for this award. The focus was likely on the research capabilities and track record of the bidding institutions.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the National Institutes of Health (NIH), a component of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). NIH would be responsible for monitoring the research progress, ensuring compliance with grant terms, and managing the financial aspects of the 'COST NO FEE' award. Transparency is generally maintained through public databases like FPDS-NG, where contract awards are reported. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply to any allegations of fraud, waste, or abuse related to the contract.

Related Government Programs

National Institutes of Health Research Grants
Biomedical Research and Development
University Research Funding
Life Sciences Research Contracts

Risk Flags

Long contract duration
Limited competition (2 bidders)
Cost-reimbursement contract type without fee

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $9.9 million to UNIVERSITY OF VERMONT & STATE AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE. BIOMEDICAL (BASIC)

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is UNIVERSITY OF VERMONT & STATE AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE.

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 $9.9 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 1999-01-15. End: 2017-09-27.

What specific biomedical research area does this contract support?

The contract falls under the NAICS code 541710, 'Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences.' While the specific sub-field of biomedical research is not detailed in the provided data, this broad classification suggests the research could encompass a wide range of areas, from basic biological sciences to clinical applications, disease mechanisms, or the development of new diagnostic or therapeutic technologies. The awarding agency, the National Institutes of Health (NIH), typically funds research aimed at improving human health and understanding the complexities of life sciences.

How does the total award amount compare to similar long-term biomedical research contracts?

Directly comparing the total award amount of approximately $9.9 million over 18 years ($550,000 annually on average) to similar long-term biomedical research contracts is difficult without more specific data on the research scope and duration of comparable awards. NIH funds a vast array of research projects, with varying budgets and timelines. However, for a sustained, multi-year research effort at a university, this annual average suggests a moderate-sized project. Larger, more complex, or multi-institutional research initiatives funded by NIH can often exceed this amount significantly, while smaller, more focused projects might be funded at lower levels.

What are the potential risks associated with a 'COST NO FEE' contract over such a long duration?

A 'COST NO FEE' contract, where the government reimburses allowable costs without an additional fee, carries specific risks, especially over an 18-year period. The primary risk is that the contractor may have less incentive to control costs rigorously, as their incurred expenses will be reimbursed. This could lead to inefficiencies or inflated costs if not managed with strong oversight. For the government, there's a risk of paying more than necessary if cost-saving measures are not actively pursued by the contractor. Additionally, over such a long timeframe, research priorities can shift, and the initial objectives might become less relevant, posing a risk of funding research that no longer aligns with current scientific or public health needs.

What is the significance of the contract ending date being in 2017, given the start date in 1999?

The provided data indicates a start date of January 15, 1999, and an end date of September 27, 2017. This means the contract has already concluded. The duration of approximately 18 years and 7 months is substantial for a research contract. The fact that it has ended suggests that the research objectives, as defined at the time of award, were either met, or the funding period concluded. It's important to note that research projects, especially those with long-term objectives, may undergo modifications, extensions, or be followed by new awards based on their outcomes and continued scientific interest.

How does the University of Vermont's track record in securing NIH funding influence this award?

While the specific track record of the University of Vermont in securing NIH funding is not detailed in the provided data, it is a critical factor in such awards. Universities with a strong history of successful research, publications, grant management, and achieving project milestones are generally more competitive for federal research funding. NIH often prioritizes institutions that have demonstrated their ability to conduct high-quality research and manage federal funds responsibly. A robust track record builds confidence in the institution's capacity to successfully execute the proposed research, making them a more attractive candidate during the full and open competition process.

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 › N – Health 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

Address: 85 S PROSPECT ST, BURLINGTON, VT, 05405

Business Categories: Category Business, Educational Institution, Higher Education, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $11,835,025

Exercised Options: $9,886,852

Current Obligation: $9,886,852

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Timeline