NIH awards $19.7M contract for brain and tissue repository services, supporting critical neuroscience research

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $19,665,450 ($19.7M)

Contractor: THE Mclean Hospital Corporation

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2019-09-01

End Date: 2025-10-31

Contract Duration: 2,252 days

Daily Burn Rate: $8.7K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 7

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: NIH NEUROBIOBANK BRAIN AND TISSUE REPOSITORYCONTRACT TYPE: COST, OPTIONPERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: 09/01/2019 TO 08/31/2020

Place of Performance

Location: BELMONT, MIDDLESEX County, MASSACHUSETTS, 02478

State: Massachusetts Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $19.7 million to THE MCLEAN HOSPITAL CORPORATION for work described as: NIH NEUROBIOBANK BRAIN AND TISSUE REPOSITORYCONTRACT TYPE: COST, OPTIONPERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: 09/01/2019 TO 08/31/2020 Key points: 1. Contract provides essential infrastructure for neuroscience research by managing a brain and tissue repository. 2. The contract's cost-plus-fixed-fee structure allows for flexibility in research needs. 3. Performance period extends over multiple years, indicating a sustained need for these services. 4. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is the primary agency overseeing this critical research support. 5. This contract falls under the Research and Development in Biotechnology sector, a key area for medical advancement.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of approximately $19.7 million for a 2252-day period (roughly 6 years) suggests a reasonable annual expenditure for specialized biobanking services. Benchmarking against similar contracts for large-scale tissue and biological sample management is challenging without more specific data on the scope of services (e.g., sample volume, processing complexity, storage conditions). However, the cost-plus-fixed-fee (CPFF) award type indicates that costs are reimbursed, with a fixed fee for profit, which is common in R&D where precise cost estimation can be difficult.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple qualified vendors had the opportunity to bid. This competitive process is expected to drive better pricing and service quality. The presence of 7 bidders suggests a healthy level of interest and capability within the market for such specialized services.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by fostering a competitive environment that can lead to more cost-effective solutions and prevent price gouging.

Public Impact

Researchers nationwide benefit from access to high-quality, well-characterized brain tissue and biological samples for their studies. The contract supports the advancement of neuroscience research, potentially leading to breakthroughs in understanding and treating neurological disorders. The services provided include collection, processing, storage, and distribution of biological specimens. The geographic impact is national, as researchers from various institutions can access the repository's resources. This contract supports a specialized workforce in biotechnology, research support, and laboratory management.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns inherent in cost-reimbursement contracts if not closely monitored.
Dependence on a single contractor for a critical research resource could pose a risk if performance falters.
Ensuring the long-term viability and accessibility of the repository beyond the current contract period.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a robust selection process.
The contract duration suggests a stable and ongoing need for these vital research services.
The McLean Hospital Corporation's role as a major teaching hospital of Harvard Medical School implies a strong institutional capacity and expertise.

Sector Analysis

This contract operates within the biotechnology research and development sector, specifically focusing on biobanking and repository services. This sector is crucial for advancing medical research by providing essential biological materials for study. The market for specialized biobanking services is growing, driven by increased investment in genomics, personalized medicine, and disease research. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically involve other large-scale biorepositories managed by government agencies or major research institutions, often involving multi-million dollar awards over several years.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not specifically set aside for small businesses, and the prime contractor, The McLean Hospital Corporation, is a large institution. There is no explicit information on subcontracting plans for small businesses within this award. The focus on specialized R&D services may limit opportunities for broad small business subcontracting unless specific niche capabilities are required.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight is likely managed by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), specifically the relevant institute or center responsible for neuroscience research. Accountability measures would be tied to the contract's performance work statement, including milestones, quality control, and reporting requirements. Transparency is generally facilitated through federal contract databases like FPDS-NG. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

NIH Research Grants
National Neurosciences Research Programs
Biotechnology Research Services
Human Tissue Repositories
Medical Research Infrastructure Support

Risk Flags

Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee contract type requires careful cost monitoring.
Long-term reliance on a single contractor for critical research infrastructure.
Potential for data integrity issues if not managed with stringent protocols.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $19.7 million to THE MCLEAN HOSPITAL CORPORATION. NIH NEUROBIOBANK BRAIN AND TISSUE REPOSITORYCONTRACT TYPE: COST, OPTIONPERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: 09/01/2019 TO 08/31/2020

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is THE MCLEAN HOSPITAL CORPORATION.

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 $19.7 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2019-09-01. End: 2025-10-31.

What is the track record of The McLean Hospital Corporation in managing large-scale biological repositories?

The McLean Hospital Corporation, as a major teaching hospital of Harvard Medical School, possesses significant experience in healthcare, research, and associated logistical operations. While specific details on their prior management of large-scale, government-funded biological repositories are not explicitly detailed in the provided data, their affiliation with Harvard Medical School and their role as a leading psychiatric hospital suggest a strong foundation in research support and complex operational management. Their established infrastructure and research partnerships likely enable them to effectively manage the collection, processing, storage, and distribution of sensitive biological materials required for the NIH Neurobiobank. Further investigation into their specific biobanking contracts and operational history would provide a more definitive assessment.

How does the annual cost of this contract compare to similar NIH biobanking initiatives?

The provided data indicates a total award of approximately $19.7 million over a period of 2252 days (approximately 6.17 years), resulting in an average annual cost of roughly $3.2 million. Benchmarking this against other NIH biobanking initiatives requires access to comparable contract data, which is not readily available in the provided snippet. However, for large-scale repositories handling significant volumes of valuable biological samples, this annual figure appears within a reasonable range. Factors influencing cost include the type and quantity of samples, the complexity of processing and storage, data management requirements, and the duration of the contract. Without specific details on the scope of services for other NIH biobanks, a precise comparison is difficult, but the figure suggests a substantial investment in critical research infrastructure.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and how are they being mitigated?

Primary risks associated with this contract include potential disruptions to critical research if the contractor fails to perform adequately, the possibility of cost overruns given the cost-plus-fixed-fee (CPFF) structure, and the long-term sustainability of the repository. Mitigation strategies likely involve rigorous performance monitoring by the NIH, adherence to strict quality control protocols for sample handling and data management, and clear contractual terms regarding deliverables and reporting. The CPFF structure, while allowing flexibility, necessitates close financial oversight to manage costs effectively. The multi-year duration and the competitive award process suggest a commitment to ensuring the repository's continuity, though future funding and contract renewals remain a consideration for long-term sustainability.

What is the expected impact of this contract on the advancement of neuroscience research?

This contract is expected to have a significant positive impact on neuroscience research by providing a centralized, well-managed repository of brain tissue and associated data. Access to high-quality, well-characterized biological samples is fundamental for researchers investigating the complexities of the brain, neurological disorders, and potential therapeutic interventions. The availability of such resources facilitates studies that might otherwise be impossible due to the difficulty and cost of obtaining and preparing human brain tissue. By supporting the infrastructure for sample collection, processing, storage, and distribution, this contract directly enables a wide range of research activities, from basic science investigations to translational studies aimed at developing new treatments and diagnostic tools for conditions like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and schizophrenia.

How has NIH spending on biotechnology R&D, specifically biobanking, trended historically?

Historical NIH spending on biotechnology R&D, including biobanking, has generally shown an upward trend, reflecting the increasing importance of biological resources in advancing medical science. While specific figures for biobanking contracts are not detailed here, overall NIH funding for research infrastructure and specific disease areas that rely on such resources has grown over the years. Factors driving this include advancements in genomics, proteomics, and personalized medicine, which necessitate robust sample collections. The establishment and maintenance of large-scale repositories like the Neurobiobank are long-term investments that align with NIH's strategic goals to foster cutting-edge research. Analyzing historical NIH budget allocations and contract awards in related categories would provide a clearer picture of the trend in biobanking investments.

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: 75N95019R00006

Offers Received: 7

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Mass General Brigham Incorporated

Address: 115 MILL ST, BELMONT, MA, 02478

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Tax Exempt, Hospital, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $27,844,030

Exercised Options: $19,665,450

Current Obligation: $19,665,450

Actual Outlays: $12,268,167

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Timeline