NIH Awards UNC $13.7M for Hispanic Community Health Study, Research & Development
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $13,675,337 ($13.7M)
Contractor: University of North Carolina AT Chapel Hill
Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services
Start Date: 2018-11-30
End Date: 2024-11-29
Contract Duration: 2,191 days
Daily Burn Rate: $6.2K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: HISPANIC COMMUNITY HEALTH STUDY - STUDY OF LATINOS (HCHS-SOL) - COORDINATING CENTER
Place of Performance
Location: CHAPEL HILL, ORANGE County, NORTH CAROLINA, 27599
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Health and Human Services obligated $13.7 million to UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT CHAPEL HILL for work described as: HISPANIC COMMUNITY HEALTH STUDY - STUDY OF LATINOS (HCHS-SOL) - COORDINATING CENTER Key points: 1. The contract focuses on research and development in life sciences, a critical area for public health. 2. Competition was full and open, suggesting a robust price discovery process. 3. The award is a delivery order under a larger contract, indicating ongoing program support. 4. The project duration is nearly six years, reflecting a substantial, long-term research effort.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract type is 'COST NO FEE', which is common for research and development where costs are reimbursed but no profit is allowed. This suggests a focus on covering expenses rather than profit generation.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating multiple bids were likely considered. This method generally promotes competitive pricing and ensures the government receives fair value.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for critical health research, potentially leading to long-term public health benefits and cost savings in healthcare.
Public Impact
Supports vital research into the health of the Hispanic community. Contributes to the advancement of medical knowledge and public health strategies. The long-term nature of the study allows for tracking health trends and interventions. The research may identify specific health disparities and inform targeted outreach programs.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for scope creep in long-term research projects.
- Ensuring continued relevance and impact of research findings over time.
Positive Signals
- Addresses a significant public health research gap.
- Utilizes a competitive procurement process.
- Long-term commitment to a critical health study.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. Spending in this sector is crucial for innovation and addressing societal challenges, with significant government investment typically seen in areas like health and medicine.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates the prime contractor is the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, a large research institution. There is no specific information provided regarding small business participation in this particular award.
Oversight & Accountability
As a delivery order under a larger contract, oversight likely involves the contracting officer and program managers within NIH. The 'COST NO FEE' structure necessitates careful monitoring of expenditures to ensure adherence to the research scope.
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 contract duration may lead to evolving research needs.
- Participant retention is critical for longitudinal study validity.
- Potential for scientific advancements to outpace study focus.
- Ensuring continued relevance of findings over time.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-health-and-human-services, nc, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Health and Human Services awarded $13.7 million to UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT CHAPEL HILL. HISPANIC COMMUNITY HEALTH STUDY - STUDY OF LATINOS (HCHS-SOL) - COORDINATING CENTER
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT CHAPEL HILL.
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 $13.7 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2018-11-30. End: 2024-11-29.
What is the specific research methodology and expected outcomes of the HCHS-SOL study?
The HCHS-SOL study aims to understand the health of Hispanic/Latino populations in the US through a longitudinal cohort study. It collects data on various health conditions, risk factors, and social determinants. Expected outcomes include identifying health disparities, understanding disease patterns, and informing culturally appropriate interventions to improve health within this demographic.
What are the primary risks associated with the long duration of this research contract?
The primary risks include potential changes in research priorities or funding landscapes over the six-year period, the challenge of maintaining participant engagement and retention, and the possibility of scientific obsolescence if research methods or focus areas become outdated. Ensuring data quality and consistency across the study's duration also presents a significant risk.
How will the effectiveness of the research be measured and disseminated to impact public health?
Effectiveness will likely be measured by the quality and impact of published research findings, the identification of actionable health insights, and the adoption of study recommendations by public health organizations and policymakers. Dissemination will occur through peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, community outreach, and direct engagement with health agencies to translate findings into practice.
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: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Solicitation ID: HHSN2681900001R
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 104 AIRPORT DR STE 2200, CHAPEL HILL, NC, 27599
Business Categories: Category Business, Educational Institution, Higher Education, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Higher Education (Public)
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $13,675,337
Exercised Options: $13,675,337
Current Obligation: $13,675,337
Actual Outlays: $8,050,668
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 75N92019D00010
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2018-11-30
Current End Date: 2024-11-29
Potential End Date: 2024-11-29 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-12-16
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