Battelle Memorial Institute awarded $32.4M contract for environmental health sciences research by NIH

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $32,401,175 ($32.4M)

Contractor: Battelle Memorial Institute

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2024-09-16

End Date: 2026-09-15

Contract Duration: 729 days

Daily Burn Rate: $44.4K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: TO SUPPORT AND ASSIST THE NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SCIENCES BY CONDUCTING ONGOING AND RECURRING EVALUATIONS OF THE TOXIC AND CARCINOGENIC POTENTIAL OF CHEMICAL, BIOLOGICAL AND PHYSICAL AGENTS THAT MAY POSE A HEALTH HAZARD TO HUMANS.

Place of Performance

Location: COLUMBUS, FRANKLIN County, OHIO, 43201

State: Ohio Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $32.4 million to BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTE for work described as: TO SUPPORT AND ASSIST THE NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SCIENCES BY CONDUCTING ONGOING AND RECURRING EVALUATIONS OF THE TOXIC AND CARCINOGENIC POTENTIAL OF CHEMICAL, BIOLOGICAL AND PHYSICAL AGENTS THAT MAY POSE A HEALTH HAZARD TO HUMANS. Key points: 1. Contract focuses on evaluating toxic and carcinogenic potential of various agents. 2. Performance period spans two years, indicating a need for ongoing research. 3. The contract type, Cost Plus Fixed Fee, allows for flexibility in research scope. 4. The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences is the primary beneficiary. 5. This award falls under the Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences NAICS code. 6. The contractor, Battelle Memorial Institute, has a significant role in scientific research.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $32.4 million over two years for comprehensive toxicological evaluations appears reasonable given the specialized nature of the work. Benchmarking against similar contracts for large-scale environmental health research would provide a more precise value assessment. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure suggests that the government is willing to cover actual costs plus a predetermined fee, which can be advantageous for complex research where costs are not easily predictable, but requires careful oversight to ensure efficiency.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple bidders had the opportunity to submit proposals. This competitive process is expected to yield a fair price and ensure the selection of a highly qualified contractor. The number of bidders is not specified, but the open competition suggests a robust selection process.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by fostering a competitive environment that drives down costs and encourages innovation, leading to better value for public funds.

Public Impact

The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) benefits from ongoing research to inform public health policy. Services delivered include evaluations of chemical, biological, and physical agents for health hazards. The geographic impact is national, as NIEHS research informs federal health standards. Workforce implications include employment for scientists, researchers, and support staff at Battelle Memorial Institute.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns in Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts if not closely monitored.
Complexity of toxicological research may lead to unforeseen challenges and delays.
Reliance on a single contractor for critical research could pose a risk if performance falters.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a strong selection process.
Contractor has a established track record in research and development.
Clear objective to identify and evaluate health hazards from various agents.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically NAICS code 541715 (Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences). This sector is characterized by significant government investment aimed at advancing scientific knowledge and technological capabilities. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve looking at other large-scale R&D contracts awarded by agencies like NIH for similar toxicological or environmental health studies.

Small Business Impact

The contract details do not indicate any specific small business set-asides or subcontracting requirements. As a full and open competition award to a large research institute, the primary focus is likely on technical expertise rather than small business participation. Further review of the contract terms would be needed to ascertain any indirect impact on the small business ecosystem through potential subcontracting opportunities.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight will likely be managed by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) through contract officers and technical monitors. Accountability measures are inherent in the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure, requiring detailed reporting of costs and progress. Transparency is generally maintained through public reporting of research findings, although specific contract performance details may be proprietary.

Related Government Programs

National Toxicology Program
Environmental Protection Agency Research
Food and Drug Administration Research
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry

Risk Flags

Cost Overrun Risk (CPFF)
Research Complexity
Contractor Performance Dependency

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $32.4 million to BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTE. TO SUPPORT AND ASSIST THE NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SCIENCES BY CONDUCTING ONGOING AND RECURRING EVALUATIONS OF THE TOXIC AND CARCINOGENIC POTENTIAL OF CHEMICAL, BIOLOGICAL AND PHYSICAL AGENTS THAT MAY POSE A HEALTH HAZARD TO HUMANS.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTE.

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 $32.4 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-09-16. End: 2026-09-15.

What is Battelle Memorial Institute's track record with the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and similar research contracts?

Battelle Memorial Institute has a long-standing history of conducting research and development for various government agencies, including the NIH. Their extensive experience in scientific research, particularly in areas related to environmental health and toxicology, positions them as a capable contractor. Reviewing their past performance on similar contracts with NIH would reveal their ability to meet deadlines, manage budgets, and deliver high-quality scientific outcomes. While specific details of past NIH contracts are not provided here, Battelle's general reputation suggests a strong capacity for fulfilling complex research requirements. Their involvement in numerous large-scale scientific endeavors indicates a proven ability to manage significant research programs and contribute to advancements in public health.

How does the $32.4 million contract value compare to other NIH research grants for toxicological studies?

The $32.4 million contract value for two years of comprehensive toxicological evaluations by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) is substantial, reflecting the complexity and scope of the research. To benchmark this value effectively, one would need to compare it against similar large-scale, multi-year research initiatives funded by NIEHS or other NIH institutes focused on toxicology, carcinogenicity, and environmental health hazards. Factors such as the number of agents studied, the depth of analysis required, and the specific methodologies employed would influence cost. Without direct comparative data on similar contracts, it's challenging to definitively state if this represents exceptional value, but it aligns with the significant investment typically required for rigorous scientific inquiry into potential health risks.

What are the primary risks associated with this Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract structure for toxicological research?

The primary risks associated with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract for toxicological research revolve around cost control and contractor efficiency. While CPFF allows for flexibility in research scope and accommodates unforeseen scientific challenges, it can incentivize contractors to incur higher costs if not managed diligently, as their fee is fixed regardless of the actual expenses. For toxicological research, which can be inherently complex and prone to unexpected results or methodological adjustments, there's a risk of cost escalation. Effective oversight by the government is crucial to monitor expenditures, ensure that costs are reasonable and allocable, and verify that the contractor is making efficient use of resources to achieve the research objectives within the established fee.

What is the expected impact of this contract on the advancement of environmental health sciences?

This contract is expected to significantly advance environmental health sciences by providing critical data on the toxic and carcinogenic potential of various agents. The research conducted will help identify and characterize health hazards, informing regulatory decisions, public health advisements, and future research directions. By systematically evaluating a range of chemical, biological, and physical agents, the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) will gain a deeper understanding of their impact on human health. This knowledge is vital for developing strategies to prevent disease, protect vulnerable populations, and mitigate environmental risks, ultimately contributing to improved public health outcomes and a safer environment.

How has federal spending in environmental health research R&D evolved over the past five years?

Federal spending in environmental health research and development (R&D) has generally seen consistent or increasing investment over the past five years, driven by growing awareness of the links between environmental exposures and human health outcomes. Agencies like the National Institutes of Health (NIH), including the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are key funders. While specific year-over-year figures fluctuate based on appropriations and program priorities, the overall trend reflects a commitment to understanding and mitigating environmental health risks. Factors such as emerging contaminants, climate change impacts, and the need for advanced toxicological methods contribute to sustained or growing federal support in this critical research area.

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 › General Science and Technology R&D Services

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: 75N96023R00009

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 505 KING AVE, COLUMBUS, OH, 43201

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $260,787,183

Exercised Options: $32,401,175

Current Obligation: $32,401,175

Actual Outlays: $19,365,037

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 18

Total Subaward Amount: $2,765,411

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline