NIH awards $10.3M for Primary Immunodeficiency Research, spanning 10 years

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $10,345,302 ($10.3M)

Contractor: Primary Immunodeficiency Research Consortium Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2004-06-30

End Date: 2014-09-26

Contract Duration: 3,740 days

Daily Burn Rate: $2.8K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: BIOMEDICAL (BASIC)

Place of Performance

Location: TOWSON, BALTIMORE County, MARYLAND, 21204

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $10.3 million to PRIMARY IMMUNODEFICIENCY RESEARCH CONSORTIUM INC for work described as: BIOMEDICAL (BASIC) Key points: 1. Significant investment in a specialized research area. 2. Long contract duration suggests a stable, ongoing need. 3. No small business participation noted. 4. Focus on R&D aligns with agency mission.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract's cost-no-fee structure makes direct pricing comparison difficult. The award amount of $10.3M over 10 years averages to approximately $1M annually, which is a moderate figure for long-term research grants.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

Full and open competition was utilized, suggesting a broad search for qualified entities. This method generally promotes competitive pricing, though the cost-no-fee structure limits direct price discovery.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are directed towards critical biomedical research, potentially leading to advancements in understanding and treating diseases.

Public Impact

Supports vital research into rare immune system disorders. Potential for breakthroughs in medical treatments and understanding. Long-term funding provides stability for research continuity.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of small business involvement.
Cost-no-fee structure limits price transparency.

Positive Signals

Supports critical R&D.
Long-term commitment to research area.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under the Research and Development sector, specifically in the physical, engineering, and life sciences. Annual spending in this broad category can vary significantly, but $1M per year for a specific research consortium is a focused allocation.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates no small business participation in this contract. Efforts to engage small businesses in R&D contracts, particularly those with long durations, could be explored.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract was awarded by the National Institutes of Health, a reputable agency with established oversight mechanisms for research grants. The long duration implies ongoing monitoring of progress and milestones.

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

Lack of small business participation.
Cost-no-fee structure limits direct price benchmarking.
Long duration may pose risks of scientific obsolescence.
Potential for scope creep without strict oversight.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $10.3 million to PRIMARY IMMUNODEFICIENCY RESEARCH CONSORTIUM INC. BIOMEDICAL (BASIC)

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is PRIMARY IMMUNODEFICIENCY RESEARCH CONSORTIUM INC.

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 $10.3 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2004-06-30. End: 2014-09-26.

What is the expected scientific output or impact from this $10.3M investment over the 10-year period?

The primary goal is to advance the understanding and potential treatment of primary immunodeficiencies. Expected impacts include new research findings, potential diagnostic improvements, and contributions to the broader field of immunology. Specific milestones and deliverables would be outlined in the contract's statement of work, guiding the consortium's research activities and reporting.

Given the cost-no-fee structure, how is the value for taxpayer money being ensured?

Value is ensured through the competitive bidding process and the scientific merit review inherent in NIH grant awards. While direct cost comparison is limited, the agency likely assesses progress against research objectives and milestones. The 'no fee' aspect suggests the award covers direct research costs and potentially indirect costs, but not profit, focusing funds on the research itself.

What are the risks associated with a 10-year contract for biomedical research, and how are they mitigated?

Risks include scientific obsolescence, changes in research priorities, or failure to achieve objectives. Mitigation strategies typically involve periodic reviews, performance metrics, and flexibility clauses within the contract to adapt to new findings or challenges. The agency's oversight plays a crucial role in monitoring progress and making necessary adjustments.

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: 1

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Immune Deficiency Foundation Inc (UEI: 607938610)

Address: 40 W CHESAPEAKE AVE,, BALTIMORE, MD, 90

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $26,480,605

Exercised Options: $16,408,286

Current Obligation: $10,345,302

Timeline