NIH Awards $22.4M for SEER Infrastructure Support to University of Kentucky Research Foundation

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $22,395,987 ($22.4M)

Contractor: University of Kentucky Research Foundation, the

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2018-05-01

End Date: 2026-04-30

Contract Duration: 2,921 days

Daily Burn Rate: $7.7K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 20

Pricing Type: COST SHARING

Sector: R&D

Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF CORE INFRASTRUCTURE SUPPORT FOR SURVEILLANCE, EPIDEMIOLOGY, AND END RESULTS (SEER)

Place of Performance

Location: LEXINGTON, FAYETTE County, KENTUCKY, 40526

State: Kentucky Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $22.4 million to UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY RESEARCH FOUNDATION, THE for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF CORE INFRASTRUCTURE SUPPORT FOR SURVEILLANCE, EPIDEMIOLOGY, AND END RESULTS (SEER) Key points: 1. Significant investment in critical public health infrastructure. 2. Competition was full and open, suggesting potential for competitive pricing. 3. Contract duration is long (8 years), requiring ongoing monitoring. 4. Focus on R&D in life sciences, a key area for health advancements.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $22.4M over 8 years appears reasonable for supporting core infrastructure for a significant public health program like SEER. Benchmarking against similar long-term research infrastructure support contracts would provide a more precise assessment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, which generally promotes competitive pricing and allows for a wide range of qualified vendors to participate. This method is expected to yield fair market value.

Taxpayer Impact: This contract supports vital public health research infrastructure, ultimately benefiting taxpayers through improved disease surveillance and research capabilities.

Public Impact

Enhances national capabilities in cancer surveillance and epidemiological research. Supports the collection and analysis of critical health data. Facilitates advancements in understanding and combating diseases.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Long contract duration may require adjustments for evolving needs.
Reliance on a single entity for core infrastructure could pose a risk if performance falters.

Positive Signals

Supports a critical public health initiative.
Awarded through full and open competition.
Long-term commitment ensures stability for research.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on life sciences infrastructure. Spending in this area is crucial for scientific advancement and public health outcomes. The value is moderate for an 8-year research support contract.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was awarded to the University of Kentucky Research Foundation, and there is no specific indication of small business participation or subcontracting in the provided details. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses were involved.

Oversight & Accountability

The long-term nature of this contract necessitates robust oversight from the National Institutes of Health to ensure performance standards are met and funds are used effectively. Regular reviews and performance evaluations are critical.

Related Government Programs

Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
Department of Health and Human Services Contracting
National Institutes of Health Programs

Risk Flags

Long-term contract duration
Potential for vendor lock-in
Dependency on a single entity for critical infrastructure

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $22.4 million to UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY RESEARCH FOUNDATION, THE. IGF::OT::IGF CORE INFRASTRUCTURE SUPPORT FOR SURVEILLANCE, EPIDEMIOLOGY, AND END RESULTS (SEER)

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY RESEARCH FOUNDATION, THE.

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 $22.4 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2018-05-01. End: 2026-04-30.

What specific infrastructure components are covered under this contract, and how do they directly contribute to the SEER program's objectives?

This contract likely covers IT infrastructure, data management systems, analytical tools, and potentially physical space or equipment necessary for the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program. These components are crucial for collecting, storing, analyzing, and disseminating cancer statistics, enabling researchers and policymakers to track trends, identify risk factors, and evaluate interventions, ultimately contributing to cancer control efforts.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) used to measure the success of this contract, and how is performance being monitored?

Key performance indicators would likely include system uptime, data accuracy and integrity, response times for data requests, successful implementation of new analytical features, and adherence to security protocols. Performance is typically monitored through regular progress reports, site visits, and formal reviews conducted by the contracting officer's representative (COR) to ensure the University of Kentucky Research Foundation meets its contractual obligations.

How does the cost-sharing aspect of this contract (indicated as 'COST SHARING') impact the overall value and effectiveness of the federal investment?

Cost-sharing implies that the University of Kentucky Research Foundation contributes a portion of the project costs, which can enhance the value of the federal investment by leveraging additional resources and demonstrating institutional commitment. This arrangement can foster greater efficiency and innovation, as the performing organization has a vested interest in the project's success and may seek cost-effective solutions to meet shared objectives.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: N01PC6500374

Offers Received: 20

Pricing Type: COST SHARING (T)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 500 S LIMESTONE 109 KINKEAD HALL, LEXINGTON, KY, 40526

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Tax Exempt, Educational Institution, Higher Education, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Higher Education (Public)

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $30,164,571

Exercised Options: $22,395,987

Current Obligation: $22,395,987

Actual Outlays: $12,498,651

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 75N91018D00013

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline