NIH awards $5.8M for quality assurance support, with research and development focus

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $5,807,523 ($5.8M)

Contractor: Technical Resources International, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2025-04-17

End Date: 2027-04-16

Contract Duration: 729 days

Daily Burn Rate: $8.0K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: DAIDS QUALITY ASSURANCE, QUALITY CONTROL AND INSPECTION READINESS SUPPORT SERVICES

Place of Performance

Location: BETHESDA, MONTGOMERY County, MARYLAND, 20817

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $5.8 million to TECHNICAL RESOURCES INTERNATIONAL, INC. for work described as: DAIDS QUALITY ASSURANCE, QUALITY CONTROL AND INSPECTION READINESS SUPPORT SERVICES Key points: 1. Contract focuses on critical quality assurance and inspection readiness. 2. Competition was full and open, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. The contract duration is two years, aligning with project needs. 4. The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, common for R&D services. 5. The awardee has experience in research and development support. 6. The contract is for delivery order under a larger IDIQ vehicle.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $5.8 million over two years for specialized quality assurance and inspection readiness support appears reasonable given the R&D focus. Benchmarking against similar contracts for scientific support services indicates that pricing structures for Cost Plus Fixed Fee arrangements can vary, but this award seems within a typical range for expert services. The fixed fee component provides some cost control for the government, while allowing flexibility for research-related expenses.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit a bid. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but the full and open nature suggests a robust competitive environment. This approach generally leads to better price discovery and a wider pool of potential contractors, ensuring the government receives competitive offers.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from a competitive process that aims to secure the best value for the government's investment in quality assurance and R&D support services.

Public Impact

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) benefits from enhanced quality assurance and inspection readiness. Services support the critical research and development activities within NIH. The contract is geographically located in Maryland, supporting the local economy. The contract likely supports a specialized workforce in quality assurance and R&D.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts can sometimes lead to cost overruns if not closely monitored.
The specific performance metrics and deliverables are not detailed, making direct performance assessment challenging without further information.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, indicating a competitive process.
The contractor, Technical Resources International, Inc., has a track record in supporting government R&D efforts.
The contract duration of two years allows for sustained support and relationship building.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development in Biotechnology sector, specifically focusing on quality assurance and inspection readiness. The biotechnology R&D market is characterized by significant investment and a need for stringent quality control. Comparable spending in this area often involves specialized scientific support, regulatory compliance, and advanced analytical services. This contract aligns with the government's ongoing investment in scientific advancement and public health research.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). As a delivery order under a larger IDIQ, the subcontracting opportunities for small businesses would depend on the terms of the prime contract and the prime contractor's subcontracting plan. Without specific details on the prime contract's small business goals, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem is unclear, though larger contracts often include subcontracting requirements.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the contracting officer and the program office at the National Institutes of Health. Performance monitoring, invoice review, and adherence to contract terms are standard oversight mechanisms. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases like FPDS. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of suspected fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Biotechnology Research Support
Quality Control Services
Federal R&D Contracts
NIH Procurement
Scientific Support Services

Risk Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type requires diligent oversight to manage costs.
Specific performance metrics and deliverables are not detailed in the provided data.
Potential for contractor performance issues impacting critical research timelines.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $5.8 million to TECHNICAL RESOURCES INTERNATIONAL, INC.. DAIDS QUALITY ASSURANCE, QUALITY CONTROL AND INSPECTION READINESS SUPPORT SERVICES

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is TECHNICAL RESOURCES INTERNATIONAL, INC..

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 $5.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-04-17. End: 2027-04-16.

What is the specific nature of the 'quality assurance, quality control, and inspection readiness support services' being provided?

The contract specifies support for 'DAIDS QUALITY ASSURANCE, QUALITY CONTROL AND INSPECTION READINESS'. DAIDS likely refers to the Division of AIDS within the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) at NIH. Therefore, these services are crucial for ensuring the integrity, reliability, and compliance of research activities, clinical trials, and manufacturing processes related to HIV/AIDS research. This could encompass developing and implementing quality management systems, conducting audits, validating processes, ensuring adherence to regulatory standards (e.g., Good Clinical Practice - GCP, Good Laboratory Practice - GLP), and preparing research sites or facilities for inspections by regulatory bodies or internal review boards. The goal is to maintain high standards in research that can lead to effective treatments and prevention strategies for HIV/AIDS.

How does the Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type influence the government's cost control for this R&D support?

The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type allows the government to reimburse the contractor for all allowable costs incurred, plus a predetermined fixed fee representing profit. For R&D services like those described, where the scope of work can be somewhat uncertain and evolve, CPFF offers flexibility. Cost control is managed through the 'allowable costs' clause, which defines what expenses are reimbursable, and through rigorous monitoring and auditing of the contractor's expenditures. The fixed fee provides a predictable profit margin for the contractor, incentivizing efficiency to stay within projected costs. However, it requires diligent oversight from the government to ensure costs are reasonable and directly related to the contract's objectives, preventing scope creep or unnecessary expenses.

What is the typical cost range for similar quality assurance and R&D support services at NIH or other federal agencies?

Benchmarking the exact cost for specialized quality assurance and R&D support services is complex due to variations in scope, duration, required expertise, and contract type. However, for R&D support contracts at agencies like NIH, annual values can range from hundreds of thousands to several million dollars, depending on the complexity and scale. Contracts focusing on niche areas like biotechnology quality assurance, especially those requiring deep scientific and regulatory knowledge, tend to command higher rates. The $5.8 million award over two years ($2.9 million annually) for this specific service appears to be within a reasonable range for specialized scientific support, particularly given the critical nature of ensuring quality in biomedical research. Comparisons would ideally be made with contracts for similar scientific disciplines and support functions.

What is the track record of Technical Resources International, Inc. in supporting federal research and development contracts, particularly within the Department of Health and Human Services?

Technical Resources International, Inc. (TRI) has a history of providing support services to federal agencies, including those within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Their contract history often includes work related to scientific research, laboratory support, IT services, and program management. For instance, they have previously held contracts with agencies like the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and other HHS components. Their experience typically involves supporting complex scientific endeavors, which aligns with the requirements of this quality assurance and inspection readiness contract. A review of their past performance on similar contracts would provide further insight into their capabilities, reliability, and success in meeting government requirements in the R&D and public health sectors.

What are the potential risks associated with this contract, and what mitigation strategies are likely in place?

Potential risks include scope creep, cost overruns (inherent in CPFF contracts), contractor performance issues, and delays in service delivery impacting research timelines. Mitigation strategies likely involve robust contract management by the NIH, including detailed performance work statements, regular progress reviews, clear communication channels, and potentially performance-based incentives or penalties. The fixed fee component of the CPFF contract also provides some cost predictability. The full and open competition aims to select a contractor with a proven track record, reducing performance risk. Furthermore, the two-year duration allows for early identification and correction of any emerging issues before they significantly impact the program.

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: 75N93024R00017

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 6500 ROCK SPRING DR STE 650, BETHESDA, MD, 20817

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Hispanic American Owned Business, Minority Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $32,180,191

Exercised Options: $5,807,523

Current Obligation: $5,807,523

Actual Outlays: $633,225

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 75N93021D00038

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline