DoD's $11.2M contract with Northern Arizona University for vaccine target research shows strong R&D investment

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $11,209,622 ($11.2M)

Contractor: Northern Arizona University

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2022-06-23

End Date: 2026-06-22

Contract Duration: 1,460 days

Daily Burn Rate: $7.7K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: ASSAY DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION TO IDENTIFY VACCINE TARGETS AND EVALUATE COMPLEX VACCINES FOR BACTERIAL INFECTIONS

Place of Performance

Location: FLAGSTAFF, COCONINO County, ARIZONA, 86011

State: Arizona Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $11.2 million to NORTHERN ARIZONA UNIVERSITY for work described as: ASSAY DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION TO IDENTIFY VACCINE TARGETS AND EVALUATE COMPLEX VACCINES FOR BACTERIAL INFECTIONS Key points: 1. Contract supports critical research into bacterial infection vaccines, aligning with national security priorities. 2. Northern Arizona University, a non-traditional defense contractor, brings academic expertise to a complex scientific challenge. 3. The definitive contract structure suggests a long-term commitment to research and development. 4. Focus on assay development and implementation indicates a methodical approach to identifying vaccine targets. 5. The contract's duration of 1460 days (4 years) allows for comprehensive research and evaluation. 6. Performance is tied to the successful identification and evaluation of vaccine targets.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $11.2 million for a four-year research project appears reasonable given the specialized nature of assay development and vaccine target identification. Benchmarking against similar R&D contracts in the life sciences sector, particularly those focused on infectious disease and vaccine development, would provide further context. However, the absence of specific performance metrics or milestones in the provided data makes a precise value-for-money assessment challenging. The 'COST NO FEE' contract type suggests that the government reimburses allowable costs, which can be efficient for research where final costs are uncertain, but requires robust oversight.

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 bidders had the opportunity to submit proposals. This competitive process is generally expected to yield fair pricing and innovative solutions. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but the 'full and open' designation suggests a robust competition was sought, which is a positive indicator for price discovery and contractor selection.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition maximizes the chances of obtaining the best value for taxpayer dollars by encouraging a wide range of proposals and driving down costs through market forces.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the U.S. military and public health, through the development of advanced vaccines against bacterial infections. Services delivered include critical research and development in assay development, vaccine target identification, and complex vaccine evaluation. The geographic impact is primarily within Arizona, where Northern Arizona University is located, but the research has national security implications. Workforce implications include support for scientific researchers, technicians, and administrative staff at the university.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns in research projects where outcomes are uncertain.
Ensuring the scientific rigor and applicability of the developed assays and identified targets.
Monitoring the 'COST NO FEE' structure to ensure adherence to allowable costs and prevent unnecessary expenditures.

Positive Signals

Award to a university suggests a focus on cutting-edge scientific research.
Full and open competition indicates a commitment to finding the best possible solution.
The long-term nature of the contract allows for sustained research efforts.
Focus on bacterial infections addresses a significant public health and military readiness concern.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development (R&D) sector, specifically under NAICS code 541715 (Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences). This is a critical area for defense and public health, with significant government investment aimed at advancing scientific knowledge and developing new technologies. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve looking at other federal contracts awarded for vaccine development, infectious disease research, and advanced assay technologies, often involving academic institutions and specialized research firms.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). As a research and development contract awarded to a university, the primary focus is on scientific expertise rather than small business subcontracting opportunities. While Northern Arizona University may engage small businesses for support services, there is no explicit indication of a small business set-aside or a significant subcontracting plan impacting the small business ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) within the Department of Defense. Accountability measures would be tied to the research milestones and deliverables outlined in the contract. Transparency is facilitated through federal contract databases, although detailed scientific progress reports may be considered sensitive. The Inspector General of the Department of Defense would have jurisdiction over any potential fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Vaccine Research and Development Programs
Infectious Disease Countermeasures
Biodefense Research Initiatives
National Institutes of Health (NIH) Research Grants
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Contracts

Risk Flags

Scientific Uncertainty Risk
Cost Control Risk
Performance Monitoring Complexity
Reliance on Academic Expertise

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $11.2 million to NORTHERN ARIZONA UNIVERSITY. ASSAY DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION TO IDENTIFY VACCINE TARGETS AND EVALUATE COMPLEX VACCINES FOR BACTERIAL INFECTIONS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is NORTHERN ARIZONA UNIVERSITY.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Defense Threat Reduction Agency).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $11.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2022-06-23. End: 2026-06-22.

What is Northern Arizona University's track record with federal defense contracts, particularly in R&D?

Northern Arizona University (NAU) is primarily an academic institution, and its track record with federal defense contracts may be less extensive than traditional defense contractors. However, universities are increasingly sought after for their specialized research capabilities. NAU has likely participated in various federally funded research projects, though specific defense contract awards of this magnitude might be less common. A review of federal procurement data would be necessary to ascertain the full extent of their defense contracting history. Their strength in this area would likely stem from specific research centers or faculty expertise relevant to the contract's objectives, rather than a broad history of defense procurement.

How does the $11.2 million contract value compare to similar R&D efforts in vaccine development?

The $11.2 million contract value for a four-year research project focused on assay development and vaccine target identification is within a reasonable range for specialized R&D in the life sciences. Large-scale vaccine development programs, especially those involving clinical trials, can cost hundreds of millions or even billions of dollars. However, this contract appears to be in an earlier, foundational research phase. Comparable contracts for early-stage research, particularly those involving academic institutions and focusing on specific scientific challenges like identifying novel vaccine targets for bacterial infections, often fall in the multi-million dollar range over several years. The 'COST NO FEE' structure also influences how the budget is managed compared to fixed-price contracts.

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

The primary risks associated with this R&D contract include scientific uncertainty (research may not yield desired results), potential cost overruns due to the nature of research, and contractor performance issues. Mitigation strategies likely involve rigorous scientific review processes by the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA), clear performance milestones (though not detailed here), and close monitoring of expenditures under the 'COST NO FEE' agreement. The selection of Northern Arizona University suggests a belief in their capability to manage these risks. The long duration allows for adjustments if initial research directions prove unfruitful, but also increases exposure to evolving scientific landscapes.

How effective is the 'COST NO FEE' contract type for this type of research?

The 'COST NO FEE' (CNF) contract type is often used for research and development efforts where the final scope and costs are difficult to predict at the outset. It allows the contractor (Northern Arizona University) to be reimbursed for allowable costs incurred in performing the work, but without any additional fee or profit. This can be effective for encouraging innovation and exploration in early-stage research, as it removes the profit motive and focuses on achieving the research objectives. However, it places a significant burden on the government to meticulously audit and approve all claimed costs to ensure they are reasonable, allocable, and allowable, preventing potential waste and ensuring value for taxpayer money.

What is the historical spending trend for similar vaccine development R&D by the Department of Defense?

The Department of Defense (DoD) has consistently invested in research and development for vaccine and medical countermeasures, particularly in areas related to biodefense and emerging infectious diseases that could impact military readiness or national security. Historical spending trends show significant allocations towards R&D, often through grants, cooperative agreements, and contracts with academic institutions and private companies. While specific figures fluctuate based on global health threats and strategic priorities, the overall trend indicates a sustained and often increasing commitment to advancing vaccine technologies. This $11.2 million contract aligns with this broader pattern of investment in critical R&D areas.

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 › C – National Defense R&D Services

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: BASIC RESEARCH

Solicitation ID: HDTRA117S0002

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 601 S KNOLES DR ROOM 220, FLAGSTAFF, AZ, 86011

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $13,006,778

Exercised Options: $11,209,622

Current Obligation: $11,209,622

Actual Outlays: $1,366,086

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline