HHS Awards $5.76M for Radiation Dose Response Research to Lovelace Biomedical Research Institute

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $5,756,570 ($5.8M)

Contractor: Lovelace Biomedical Research Institute

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2023-09-29

End Date: 2026-09-18

Contract Duration: 1,085 days

Daily Burn Rate: $5.3K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: RADNUC 2201: PERFORMANCE VERIFICATION OF INSTITUTIONAL RADIATION DOSE RESPONSE FOR ACUTE RADIATION SYNDROME (ARS) ANIMAL MODELS (RODENT, RABBIT, MINIPIG, OR NON-HUMAN PRIMATE [NHP])

Place of Performance

Location: ALBUQUERQUE, BERNALILLO County, NEW MEXICO, 87108

State: New Mexico Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $5.8 million to LOVELACE BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE for work described as: RADNUC 2201: PERFORMANCE VERIFICATION OF INSTITUTIONAL RADIATION DOSE RESPONSE FOR ACUTE RADIATION SYNDROME (ARS) ANIMAL MODELS (RODENT, RABBIT, MINIPIG, OR NON-HUMAN PRIMATE [NHP]) Key points: 1. This contract focuses on critical research for understanding radiation dose response in animal models, vital for public health preparedness. 2. The award is a delivery order under a larger contract, indicating potential for follow-on work and established relationship. 3. Research and Development in Biotechnology is a specialized sector with high barriers to entry, suggesting limited direct competition. 4. The fixed-fee structure on a cost-plus contract requires careful monitoring to ensure cost efficiency and prevent overruns.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $5.76M for a 3-year research project appears reasonable given the specialized nature of the work. Benchmarking against similar R&D contracts in biotechnology would provide a more precise assessment, but the scope suggests a fair price point.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, which is a positive sign for price discovery and achieving a competitive price. The specific details of the bidding process would further illuminate the effectiveness of the competition.

Taxpayer Impact: The investment supports critical research for national security and public health, aiming to improve responses to radiological events, ultimately benefiting taxpayers through enhanced preparedness.

Public Impact

Enhances preparedness for radiological emergencies by advancing understanding of radiation effects. Supports the development of medical countermeasures for acute radiation syndrome. Contributes to scientific knowledge in a critical area of biomedical research. Potential for spin-off technologies or treatments benefiting broader healthcare.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost-plus fixed-fee contracts can incentivize cost overruns if not closely managed.
Reliance on specific animal models may limit direct applicability to human responses.
Long-term research funding stability is always a consideration.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition.
Addresses a critical national security and public health need.
Supports established research institution with relevant expertise.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development in Biotechnology sector, specifically focusing on biomedical research related to radiation effects. Spending in this area is often driven by national security, health preparedness, and scientific advancement, with significant government investment.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses and the awardee, Lovelace Biomedical Research Institute, is likely a larger research organization. There is no direct indication of small business participation in this specific award.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of Health and Human Services, through its Office of Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response, is responsible for overseeing this contract. Standard government oversight mechanisms for cost-plus fixed-fee contracts should be in place to ensure accountability and efficient use of funds.

Related Government Programs

Research and Development in Biotechnology (except Nanobiotechnology)
Department of Health and Human Services Contracting
Office of Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response Programs

Risk Flags

Cost-plus contracts require diligent oversight.
Research outcomes are inherently uncertain.
Dependence on specific animal models.
Potential for scope creep in R&D projects.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $5.8 million to LOVELACE BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE. RADNUC 2201: PERFORMANCE VERIFICATION OF INSTITUTIONAL RADIATION DOSE RESPONSE FOR ACUTE RADIATION SYNDROME (ARS) ANIMAL MODELS (RODENT, RABBIT, MINIPIG, OR NON-HUMAN PRIMATE [NHP])

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is LOVELACE BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Health and Human Services (Office of Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $5.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-09-29. End: 2026-09-18.

What is the specific scientific output expected from this research and how will it be measured?

The expected scientific output includes detailed dose-response data across various animal models for acute radiation syndrome (ARS). Success will be measured by the generation of validated datasets, publication of findings in peer-reviewed journals, and the development of predictive models for human radiation injury. This research aims to refine existing protocols and potentially identify new therapeutic targets.

How does the cost-plus fixed-fee structure mitigate risks associated with novel research compared to other contract types?

The cost-plus fixed-fee structure allows for flexibility in research that may encounter unforeseen challenges or require adjustments in methodology, common in novel R&D. It provides the contractor with a guaranteed profit margin (fixed fee) while reimbursing allowable costs. This can encourage participation in high-risk research, though it necessitates robust oversight to prevent uncontrolled cost escalation and ensure value for taxpayer money.

What are the long-term implications of this research for the nation's biodefense capabilities?

This research is foundational for enhancing the nation's biodefense capabilities by improving our understanding of radiation effects and informing the development of effective medical countermeasures. Accurate dose-response data is crucial for effective triage, treatment strategies, and resource allocation during a radiological or nuclear incident, thereby strengthening national resilience against such threats.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in Biotechnology (except Nanobiotechnology)

Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › N – Health R&D Services

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: RTOR RADNUC-2201

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 2425 RIDGECREST DR SE, ALBUQUERQUE, NM, 87108

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Tax Exempt, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $8,680,647

Exercised Options: $5,756,570

Current Obligation: $5,756,570

Actual Outlays: $3,725,777

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 75A50122D00013

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline