NIH Awards $2.27M for Skin Cancer Prevention Research to University of Illinois

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $2,273,213 ($2.3M)

Contractor: University of Illinois

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2018-09-17

End Date: 2026-05-30

Contract Duration: 2,812 days

Daily Burn Rate: $808/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: AWARD OF TASK ORDER 3 ENTITLED "A DUAL AKT/PDPK1 INHIBITOR FOR ACTINIC KERATOSIS AND SKIN CANCER PREVENTION IN IMMUNOCOMPROMISED INDIVIDUALS"

Place of Performance

Location: URBANA, CHAMPAIGN County, ILLINOIS, 61801

State: Illinois Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $2.3 million to UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS for work described as: AWARD OF TASK ORDER 3 ENTITLED "A DUAL AKT/PDPK1 INHIBITOR FOR ACTINIC KERATOSIS AND SKIN CANCER PREVENTION IN IMMUNOCOMPROMISED INDIVIDUALS" Key points: 1. Research focuses on a novel dual inhibitor for actinic keratosis and skin cancer prevention. 2. Competition was full and open, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. The contract duration is substantial, spanning over 7 years. 4. This award falls under the Research and Development in Biotechnology sector.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The award amount of $2.27 million over approximately 7 years appears reasonable for a research and development project of this scope. Benchmarking against similar NIH grants for early-stage drug development would provide further context.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. This method generally promotes competitive pricing and ensures the government receives the best value.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being invested in potentially groundbreaking research for cancer prevention, which could lead to long-term health benefits and reduced healthcare costs.

Public Impact

Potential for new treatments to prevent skin cancer in vulnerable populations. Advancement of scientific understanding in biotechnology and dermatology. Investment in academic research institutions fosters innovation and scientific progress.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 80 / 10

Positive Signals

Full and open competition
Focus on critical health issue
Award to reputable research institution

Sector Analysis

This award is within the Research and Development in Biotechnology sector, specifically focusing on pharmaceutical research. Spending in this area is crucial for medical advancements and public health.

Small Business Impact

The award was made to the University of Illinois, a large research institution, and there is no indication of small business involvement in this specific task order. Future opportunities may exist for small businesses in subcontracting roles.

Oversight & Accountability

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is responsible for overseeing this research grant. Standard NIH grant management and reporting protocols would apply to ensure accountability and progress tracking.

Related Government Programs

Research and Development in Biotechnology
Department of Health and Human Services Contracting
National Institutes of Health Programs

Risk Flags

Long contract duration may increase cost uncertainty.
Research and development inherently carries a high risk of failure.
Potential for scope creep over the extended performance period.
Dependence on specific scientific breakthroughs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $2.3 million to UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS. AWARD OF TASK ORDER 3 ENTITLED "A DUAL AKT/PDPK1 INHIBITOR FOR ACTINIC KERATOSIS AND SKIN CANCER PREVENTION IN IMMUNOCOMPROMISED INDIVIDUALS"

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS.

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 $2.3 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2018-09-17. End: 2026-05-30.

What is the projected timeline for key research milestones and potential drug development phases?

The task order spans from September 2018 to May 2026, indicating a long-term research commitment. Key milestones would typically include preclinical studies, Phase I, II, and potentially III clinical trials if the drug proves effective and safe. Specific interim deliverables and reporting requirements are likely detailed within the full contract documentation.

What are the primary risks associated with the development of this dual inhibitor?

Key risks include the scientific efficacy of the dual inhibitor, potential unforeseen side effects or toxicity during testing, challenges in scaling up production, and regulatory hurdles from agencies like the FDA. Market adoption and competition from existing or alternative treatments also pose commercial risks.

How will the effectiveness of this research be measured and validated?

Effectiveness will be measured through rigorous scientific evaluation, including preclinical testing (in vitro and in vivo studies) and subsequent human clinical trials (Phase I, II, III). Success metrics will likely involve statistically significant reductions in actinic keratosis development and skin cancer incidence, alongside a favorable safety profile.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in 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: N01CN4500045

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 809 S MARSHFIELD AVE M/C 551, CHICAGO, IL, 60612

Business Categories: Category Business, Educational Institution, Government, Higher Education, U.S. National Government, Not Designated a Small Business, Higher Education (Public), U.S. Regional/State Government

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $2,273,213

Exercised Options: $2,273,213

Current Obligation: $2,273,213

Actual Outlays: $286,225

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: HHSN261201500026I

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline