HHS Awards $161M R&D Task Order to Advanced Technology International for Biotechnology Research

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $161,082,263 ($161.1M)

Contractor: Advanced Technology International

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2023-09-29

End Date: 2027-12-31

Contract Duration: 1,554 days

Daily Burn Rate: $103.7K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: OT TASK ORDER 5

Place of Performance

Location: SUMMERVILLE, BERKELEY County, SOUTH CAROLINA, 29486

State: South Carolina Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $161.1 million to ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY INTERNATIONAL for work described as: OT TASK ORDER 5 Key points: 1. Significant investment in biotechnology R&D, focusing on areas like Research and Development in Biotechnology (except Nanobiotechnology). 2. Full and open competition suggests a potentially competitive pricing environment. 3. Long performance period (2023-2027) indicates a substantial, ongoing project. 4. The contract is a delivery order under a larger contract, implying potential for follow-on work.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $161,082,263 for a period of over 3 years suggests a significant investment. Benchmarking against similar R&D contracts in biotechnology would be necessary for a precise assessment, but the value appears substantial for the scope.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, which typically fosters competitive pricing and allows a wide range of qualified vendors to bid. This method is expected to yield fair market prices.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being utilized for critical research and development in biotechnology, aiming for advancements that could have significant public health benefits.

Public Impact

Investment in biotechnology R&D could lead to breakthroughs in public health and medical treatments. The long-term nature of the contract suggests a sustained effort towards specific research goals. Transparency through full and open competition ensures responsible use of taxpayer funds. Potential for job creation and economic activity within the biotechnology sector.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of specific details on the research objectives and expected outcomes.
Potential for cost overruns in long-term R&D projects.
Dependence on the performance of a single contractor for a significant duration.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a robust selection process.
Focus on a critical R&D area within the Department of Health and Human Services.
Long contract duration allows for sustained progress and development.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development in Biotechnology sector, a high-growth area with significant government investment. Benchmarks for R&D contracts of this magnitude can vary widely based on specific research areas and technological complexity.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate any specific provisions or set-asides for small businesses in this contract. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses were involved as subcontractors or if opportunities were missed.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is managed by the Office of Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR) within HHS, suggesting oversight focused on public health emergencies and preparedness. The use of a delivery order under a larger contract implies existing oversight mechanisms are in place.

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

Lack of detailed research scope.
Potential for R&D project delays.
Limited information on small business participation.
Long-term reliance on a single contractor.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $161.1 million to ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY INTERNATIONAL. OT TASK ORDER 5

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY INTERNATIONAL.

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 $161.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-09-29. End: 2027-12-31.

What are the specific research objectives and expected deliverables for this biotechnology R&D task order?

The specific research objectives and expected deliverables are not detailed in the provided data. Further investigation into the contract's statement of work would be required to understand the precise scientific goals, milestones, and anticipated outcomes. This information is crucial for assessing the value and potential impact of the awarded funds.

How does the awarded amount compare to the typical cost of similar biotechnology R&D projects of comparable scope and duration?

Without specific details on the research scope and technological complexity, a direct cost comparison is challenging. However, $161 million over approximately 4 years for a specialized R&D area suggests a substantial investment. Benchmarking against other government or private sector R&D contracts in biotechnology would be necessary to determine if this represents a fair market price.

What mechanisms are in place to ensure the effectiveness and accountability of Advanced Technology International's research efforts over the contract's duration?

As a delivery order under a larger contract managed by ASPR, there are likely established oversight protocols. These would typically include regular progress reports, performance reviews, and potentially independent scientific evaluations to ensure research effectiveness and accountability. The fixed-price nature of the contract also provides some cost control.

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

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 315 SIGMA DR, SUMMERVILLE, SC, 29486

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: $161,082,263

Exercised Options: $161,082,263

Current Obligation: $161,082,263

Actual Outlays: $240,182

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 75A50123D00005

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline