HHS awards $21.1M contract to University Lab Partners for biotechnology R&D, with 8 bidders

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $21,119,850 ($21.1M)

Contractor: University LAB Partners

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2024-04-10

End Date: 2028-09-29

Contract Duration: 1,633 days

Daily Burn Rate: $12.9K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 8

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: OTHER TRANSACTION: UNIVERSITY LAB PARTNERS (75A50124C00007)

Place of Performance

Location: IRVINE, ORANGE County, CALIFORNIA, 92617

State: California Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $21.1 million to UNIVERSITY LAB PARTNERS for work described as: OTHER TRANSACTION: UNIVERSITY LAB PARTNERS (75A50124C00007) Key points: 1. Contract value of $21.1M for R&D in Biotechnology. 2. Full and open competition with 8 bidders indicates a healthy market. 3. Contract duration of 1633 days suggests a long-term research objective. 4. Firm Fixed Price contract type shifts risk to the contractor. 5. Research and Development in Biotechnology (except Nanobiotechnology) is a critical sector for public health. 6. The award to a university lab partner suggests a focus on academic research collaboration.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $21.1M for a 1633-day period appears reasonable for specialized biotechnology research and development. Benchmarking against similar contracts in this niche R&D area is challenging without more specific project details. However, the firm fixed-price structure suggests that the government has a clear understanding of the scope and cost, aiming for predictable expenditures.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, with 8 bidders participating. This level of competition is a positive sign, suggesting that multiple entities were capable of performing the required research and that the solicitation was widely disseminated. A robust bidding process generally leads to better price discovery and potentially more innovative solutions.

Taxpayer Impact: The strong competition for this contract is beneficial for taxpayers as it likely drove down costs and ensured the government received competitive proposals for the biotechnology research services.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are likely the researchers at University Lab Partners, who will receive funding to advance biotechnology research. The services delivered will contribute to advancements in biotechnology, potentially leading to new health solutions or understanding. The geographic impact is centered in California, where University Lab Partners is located. Workforce implications include employment for researchers, technicians, and support staff at the university.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep in long-term R&D projects if not managed tightly.
Dependence on specific university expertise may limit alternative solutions if challenges arise.

Positive Signals

Firm Fixed Price contract mitigates cost overrun risk for the government.
Full and open competition with 8 bidders suggests a competitive market and good value.
Award to a university lab partner can foster innovation and academic-industry collaboration.

Sector Analysis

The contract falls within the Research and Development in Biotechnology sector, a rapidly evolving field critical for advancements in medicine, agriculture, and environmental science. The market for specialized biotechnology R&D services is often characterized by a mix of academic institutions, dedicated research firms, and larger corporations. This contract's value of $21.1M is moderate for a multi-year R&D effort, suggesting a focused research objective rather than a broad platform development.

Small Business Impact

The contract does not indicate any specific small business set-aside. Given the nature of specialized biotechnology research, it is possible that larger institutions or established research entities are the primary competitors. Subcontracting opportunities for small businesses would depend on the specific research needs and the prime contractor's procurement strategy.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the Office of Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR) within HHS. The firm fixed-price nature provides a degree of financial oversight. Transparency will be maintained through standard contract reporting mechanisms. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Biotechnology Research Grants
National Institutes of Health (NIH) Research Contracts
Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) Funding

Risk Flags

Long-term R&D projects carry inherent uncertainty in outcomes.
Dependence on specific academic expertise may pose a risk if personnel changes occur.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $21.1 million to UNIVERSITY LAB PARTNERS. OTHER TRANSACTION: UNIVERSITY LAB PARTNERS (75A50124C00007)

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is UNIVERSITY LAB PARTNERS.

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 $21.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-04-10. End: 2028-09-29.

What is the specific research focus of University Lab Partners under this contract?

The contract specifies 'Research and Development in Biotechnology (except Nanobiotechnology)' (NAICS 541714). While the general area is defined, the precise research focus, objectives, and expected outcomes are not detailed in the provided data. This level of specificity is typical for contract award announcements but would be elaborated in the statement of work. Understanding the specific research questions University Lab Partners aims to address is crucial for assessing the scientific merit and potential impact of the award. Further details would likely be available through agency research portfolios or public research databases if the work is published.

How does the $21.1M contract value compare to similar biotechnology R&D contracts awarded by HHS or other agencies?

Benchmarking the $21.1M contract value requires comparing it to similar 'Research and Development in Biotechnology' contracts (NAICS 541714) with comparable durations (1633 days, approx. 4.5 years) and scope. HHS, NIH, and other agencies like NSF and DoD frequently fund biotechnology R&D. Contracts can range from a few million for specific projects to tens or hundreds of millions for large-scale initiatives or platform development. Given the 'full and open competition' with 8 bidders, this suggests a moderately sized, well-defined research effort rather than a massive, sole-source program. Without more granular data on the specific research aims, a precise comparison is difficult, but the value appears within a reasonable range for a significant, multi-year academic research collaboration.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) or milestones expected under this contract?

The provided data does not specify the key performance indicators (KPIs) or milestones for this contract. For a research and development contract, especially one with a university lab partner, KPIs often relate to achieving specific research objectives, publishing findings, developing prototypes, or meeting interim research goals within defined timelines. The firm fixed-price nature implies that the contractor is responsible for delivering the agreed-upon research outcomes within the budget. The contracting officer and technical monitors from ASPR would be responsible for tracking progress against the statement of work and any defined milestones to ensure successful performance and taxpayer value.

What is the track record of University Lab Partners in securing and managing federal R&D contracts?

Information on University Lab Partners' specific track record with federal R&D contracts is not provided in the data snippet. However, the fact that they were awarded this $21.1M contract through full and open competition suggests they possess the necessary qualifications, expertise, and capacity to undertake significant government research projects. To fully assess their track record, one would typically examine their past performance on similar contracts, including their ability to meet deadlines, stay within budget, and deliver quality research outcomes. Agencies often maintain past performance databases that inform future award decisions.

What is the potential impact of this contract on the broader biotechnology research landscape?

This contract has the potential to significantly impact the biotechnology research landscape by funding specific advancements within the field. Depending on the research focus, it could lead to breakthroughs in disease treatment, diagnostic tools, or novel biotechnological processes. By awarding this contract to a university lab partner, the government fosters collaboration between academia and federal research priorities, potentially accelerating the translation of basic research into practical applications. The $21.1M investment signals a commitment to this area of biotechnology, potentially spurring further innovation and attracting talent to the field.

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: 23-BARDA-SOL-BAN_2

Offers Received: 8

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 5270 CALIFORNIA AVE STE 300, IRVINE, CA, 92617

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $21,119,850

Exercised Options: $21,119,850

Current Obligation: $21,119,850

Actual Outlays: $1,905,621

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline