NIH awards $14.9M to UTMB for R&D in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences over 8 years

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $14,934,721 ($14.9M)

Contractor: University of Texas Medical Branch AT Galveston

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2002-09-15

End Date: 2010-07-31

Contract Duration: 2,876 days

Daily Burn Rate: $5.2K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 21

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE

Sector: R&D

Place of Performance

Location: GALVESTON, GALVESTON County, TEXAS, 77555

State: Texas Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $14.9 million to UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS MEDICAL BRANCH AT GALVESTON for work described as: Key points: 1. Significant award value of $14.9M for long-term R&D. 2. Full and open competition suggests a competitive bidding process. 3. Potential for groundbreaking research in physical, engineering, and life sciences. 4. Long contract duration (8 years) indicates a sustained research effort.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The award amount of $14.9M over 8 years averages approximately $1.86M annually. Without specific benchmarks for similar R&D contracts in this specialized field, it's difficult to definitively assess pricing, but the duration suggests a substantial, multi-phase project.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple qualified bidders had the opportunity to submit proposals. This method generally promotes competitive pricing and ensures the government receives the best value.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are supporting critical research and development, with the expectation of scientific advancement and potential future benefits.

Public Impact

Supports advanced scientific research with potential for new discoveries. Long-term investment in a key research institution. Contributes to the scientific and technological advancement of the nation.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of specific performance metrics or deliverables in provided data.
Potential for cost overruns in long-term R&D projects.
Limited visibility into the specific research outcomes and their impact.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition.
Significant investment in a critical research area.
Long-term commitment to foster innovation.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (NAICS 541710). Federal spending in this sector is crucial for innovation and national competitiveness, with significant investments typically made by agencies like NIH.

Small Business Impact

The provided data does not indicate any specific set-asides for small businesses. The contract was awarded to a large research institution, suggesting that small business participation may have been through subcontracting, if at all.

Oversight & Accountability

The long duration of the contract necessitates robust oversight from the Department of Health and Human Services and the National Institutes of Health to ensure research progress aligns with objectives and funds are used effectively.

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 may increase risk of scope creep or changing research priorities.
Lack of specific performance metrics in summary data.
Potential for cost overruns in complex, long-term research.
Limited information on small business participation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $14.9 million to UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS MEDICAL BRANCH AT GALVESTON. See the official description on USAspending.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS MEDICAL BRANCH AT GALVESTON.

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 $14.9 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2002-09-15. End: 2010-07-31.

What specific research milestones or deliverables are expected from this $14.9M award, and how will their achievement be measured?

The provided data lacks details on specific research milestones or deliverables. Effective oversight would require the NIH to establish clear, measurable objectives for the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston. Regular progress reports, peer reviews, and adherence to scientific protocols are essential to track the achievement of research goals and ensure the responsible use of taxpayer funds over the contract's eight-year duration.

Given the long-term nature of the R&D, what mechanisms are in place to mitigate the risk of research becoming obsolete or unfocused?

Long-term R&D projects inherently carry the risk of evolving scientific landscapes. Mitigation strategies likely include periodic reviews of research direction by NIH program officers, encouraging adaptability in research plans, and potentially incorporating phased funding tied to demonstrated progress and relevance. The competitive nature of the initial award also suggests a strong foundational proposal, but ongoing evaluation is key.

How does the annual average award value of approximately $1.86M compare to typical funding levels for similar R&D projects within the physical, engineering, and life sciences?

Without specific comparative data for R&D projects of identical scope and duration within the physical, engineering, and life sciences, a precise benchmark is difficult. However, $1.86M annually is a substantial figure, indicative of a significant, multi-faceted research endeavor. It suggests a project requiring considerable resources, personnel, and potentially advanced equipment, aligning with major federal research initiatives.

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

Offers Received: 21

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)

Contractor Details

Parent Company: University of Texas System (UEI: 042000273)

Address: 301 UNIVERSITY BLVD, GALVESTON, TX, 14

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $2,113,389

Exercised Options: $2,113,389

Current Obligation: $14,934,721

Timeline