HHS awards $4.28M for genomic sequencing of SARS-COV2 variants to BioInfoExperts LLC
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $4,283,031 ($4.3M)
Contractor: Bioinfoexperts LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services
Start Date: 2023-09-27
End Date: 2026-09-26
Contract Duration: 1,095 days
Daily Burn Rate: $3.9K/day
Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP
Number of Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: GENOMIC SEQUENCING OF SARS-COV2 VARIANTS
Place of Performance
Location: THIBODAUX, LAFOURCHE County, LOUISIANA, 70301
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Health and Human Services obligated $4.3 million to BIOINFOEXPERTS LLC for work described as: GENOMIC SEQUENCING OF SARS-COV2 VARIANTS Key points: 1. Contract awarded for critical public health surveillance. 2. Focus on identifying and tracking viral mutations. 3. Supports preparedness for future public health emergencies. 4. Research and Development in Biotechnology sector. 5. Firm Fixed Price contract type indicates defined scope and cost. 6. Contract duration of 3 years allows for sustained effort.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $4.28 million for a 3-year period for genomic sequencing services appears reasonable given the specialized nature of the work. Benchmarking against similar R&D contracts in biotechnology requires detailed analysis of scope and deliverables, but the fixed-price nature suggests a degree of cost control. The specific technical requirements for SARS-COV2 variant sequencing are highly specialized, potentially justifying the investment.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was competed under the Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), indicating a full and open competition for acquisitions below a certain threshold. While the exact number of bidders is not specified, SAP is designed to encourage broad participation and fair competition. This method aims to ensure that the government receives competitive pricing and the best value.
Taxpayer Impact: Competing under SAP generally leads to better price discovery and value for taxpayers by allowing multiple qualified vendors to submit proposals.
Public Impact
Benefits public health agencies by providing crucial data on viral evolution. Services delivered include genomic sequencing and data analysis. Geographic impact is national, supporting US public health efforts. Workforce implications include specialized scientific and technical roles.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for scope creep if new variants emerge requiring expanded sequencing protocols.
- Reliance on a single contractor for critical surveillance data could pose a risk if performance issues arise.
Positive Signals
- Clear contract duration and fixed-price terms provide cost predictability.
- Focus on a specific, high-priority public health issue (SARS-COV2 variants).
- Award to a firm with a specific NAICS code (541714) suggests relevant expertise.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Biotechnology Research and Development sector, a critical area for public health and national security. The market for genomic sequencing services is growing, driven by advancements in technology and the increasing need for infectious disease surveillance. Comparable spending in this sector can vary widely based on the scale and complexity of research, but this award represents a significant investment in a specific public health challenge.
Small Business Impact
The contract was competed under SAP, which can include provisions for small business participation. However, the award was made to BioInfoExperts LLC, and it is not explicitly stated if this is a small business or if subcontracting opportunities for small businesses are mandated. Further analysis would be needed to determine the specific impact on the small business ecosystem for this contract.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight is likely managed by the Office of Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR) within HHS. Accountability measures would be tied to the performance standards outlined in the purchase order and the firm-fixed-price agreement. Transparency is generally maintained through contract databases, though specific performance metrics may not be publicly disclosed.
Related Government Programs
- National Institutes of Health (NIH) research grants
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) surveillance programs
- Department of Defense (DoD) biodefense research
Risk Flags
- Performance Risk
- Scope Creep Risk
- Vendor Lock-in Risk
Tags
hhs, department-of-health-and-human-services, aspr, office-of-assistant-secretary-for-preparedness-and-response, biotechnology, research-and-development, genomic-sequencing, sars-cov2, viral-variants, public-health, competed-under-sap, purchase-order
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Health and Human Services awarded $4.3 million to BIOINFOEXPERTS LLC. GENOMIC SEQUENCING OF SARS-COV2 VARIANTS
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is BIOINFOEXPERTS LLC.
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 $4.3 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2023-09-27. End: 2026-09-26.
What is the track record of BioInfoExperts LLC in performing similar genomic sequencing contracts for federal agencies?
Information regarding BioInfoExperts LLC's specific track record with federal genomic sequencing contracts is not detailed in the provided data. A comprehensive review would involve searching federal procurement databases (like SAM.gov or FPDS) for past performance evaluations, contract history, and any reported issues or successes on similar awards. Understanding their experience with SARS-COV2 variant sequencing specifically would be crucial for assessing their capability to meet the current contract's objectives. Without this historical data, it is difficult to definitively assess their past performance and reliability for this critical public health function.
How does the awarded amount compare to the typical cost of genomic sequencing services for viral variants?
The awarded amount of $4.28 million over three years for genomic sequencing of SARS-COV2 variants is a significant investment. To benchmark this value, one would need to compare it against industry standards for similar services. Factors influencing cost include the number of samples sequenced, the depth of sequencing required, the complexity of bioinformatics analysis, and the specific technologies employed. Market research reports and analyses of other government or large-scale private sector contracts for viral genomics would provide a more accurate comparison. Given the specialized nature and the critical public health application, the cost appears to be within a reasonable range for a sustained, multi-year effort, but a detailed cost-per-sample or cost-per-variant analysis against market rates would be necessary for a definitive assessment.
What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and how are they being mitigated?
Primary risks associated with this contract include potential performance failures by the contractor, such as delays in sequencing or inaccurate data analysis, which could impede public health response efforts. Another risk is the emergence of new SARS-COV2 variants that require rapid adaptation of sequencing protocols, potentially leading to scope creep or increased costs if not managed effectively. Furthermore, reliance on a single vendor for such critical data presents a concentration risk. Mitigation strategies likely include robust performance monitoring by the contracting agency (ASPR), clear deliverables and milestones in the purchase order, and potentially contingency planning for alternative sequencing capabilities. The firm-fixed-price structure also incentivizes the contractor to manage costs and performance efficiently.
How effective is the current approach to genomic sequencing of SARS-COV2 variants in informing public health policy and response?
The effectiveness of genomic sequencing of SARS-COV2 variants in informing public health policy and response is generally considered high. This contract directly supports the ability of agencies like ASPR and CDC to track the spread of different variants, understand their transmissibility, virulence, and potential to evade immunity. This data is crucial for decisions regarding vaccination strategies, public health interventions (e.g., masking recommendations), and the development of new therapeutics and diagnostics. The sustained funding provided by this contract allows for continuous monitoring, which is essential for adapting public health strategies in response to the evolving virus. The value lies in early detection and characterization of concerning variants.
What is the historical spending pattern for genomic sequencing services related to infectious diseases by HHS?
Historical spending by HHS on genomic sequencing services for infectious diseases has likely fluctuated significantly, particularly in response to major public health events like the COVID-19 pandemic. During the pandemic, there was a substantial increase in funding allocated to genomic surveillance and sequencing efforts across various agencies within HHS, including CDC and ASPR. Prior to the pandemic, spending may have been more focused on specific research initiatives or smaller-scale surveillance programs. Analyzing historical data would reveal trends in investment in this area, highlighting periods of increased urgency and funding allocation. This contract represents a continuation of that investment, albeit potentially at a more targeted level post-pandemic peak.
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: COMPETED UNDER SAP
Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION
Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 718 BAYOU LN, THIBODAUX, LA, 70301
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Limited Liability Corporation, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $4,283,031
Exercised Options: $4,283,031
Current Obligation: $4,283,031
Actual Outlays: $810,943
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Timeline
Start Date: 2023-09-27
Current End Date: 2026-09-26
Potential End Date: 2026-09-26 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-03-24
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