HHS awards $15.8M for R&D to Icahn School of Medicine, citing no competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $15,861,734 ($15.9M)
Contractor: Icahn School of Medicine AT Mount Sinai
Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services
Start Date: 2002-04-08
End Date: 2005-10-01
Contract Duration: 1,272 days
Daily Burn Rate: $12.5K/day
Competition Type: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: 02-00384 MSSOM
Place of Performance
Location: PITTSBURGH, ALLEGHENY County, PENNSYLVANIA, 15236, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Health and Human Services obligated $15.9 million to ICAHN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AT MOUNT SINAI for work described as: 02-00384 MSSOM Key points: 1. Significant award to a single academic institution for R&D. 2. Lack of competition raises questions about price discovery and value. 3. Potential for limited market research and alternative solutions. 4. Focus on research and development within the life sciences sector.
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
The contract's 'COST NO FEE' designation suggests a focus on research objectives rather than a fixed price for specific deliverables. Without competitive bidding, it's difficult to assess if the $15.8M represents fair market value for the R&D performed.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
The contract was not available for competition, indicating a sole-source or limited-source award. This limits the opportunity for price discovery and potentially leads to higher costs than a competitive process might yield.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are allocated without competitive pressure, potentially reducing the overall value for money achieved.
Public Impact
Research funding directed to a specific institution, potentially limiting broader scientific advancement. Lack of transparency in the procurement process may reduce public trust. Potential for funds to be used less efficiently due to absence of competitive market forces.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of competition
- Potential for cost overruns
- Limited transparency
Positive Signals
- Supports critical R&D in life sciences
- Funds a reputable research institution
Sector Analysis
This award falls under the Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (NAICS 541710) sector. Spending in this area is crucial for scientific advancement but can be challenging to benchmark due to the unique nature of research projects.
Small Business Impact
The awardee is an academic institution, and there is no indication of subcontracting opportunities for small businesses. This award does not appear to directly benefit small businesses.
Oversight & Accountability
The 'PA' award type suggests a 'Procurement Award,' but the lack of competition warrants scrutiny. Further oversight is needed to ensure the funds are used effectively and for their intended research purposes.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences
- Department of Health and Human Services Contracting
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Programs
Risk Flags
- Lack of competitive bidding
- Potential for inflated costs
- Limited transparency in award process
- Difficulty in measuring ROI for R&D
- No small business participation noted
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-health-and-human-services, pa, dca, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Health and Human Services awarded $15.9 million to ICAHN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AT MOUNT SINAI. 02-00384 MSSOM
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is ICAHN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AT MOUNT SINAI.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Health and Human Services (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $15.9 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2002-04-08. End: 2005-10-01.
What specific research outcomes were expected from this $15.8M award, and how was the value of these outcomes assessed in the absence of competition?
The contract details do not specify the exact research outcomes. The 'COST NO FEE' designation implies that the focus was on supporting the research process itself rather than achieving predefined, quantifiable deliverables. Value assessment in such cases is inherently difficult without competitive benchmarks or clear performance metrics tied to the funding.
What were the justifications for not competing this award, and what risks does this pose to the government's ability to secure the best possible research solutions and pricing?
The justification for not competing is not provided in the data. Risks include potentially paying a premium for services that could have been obtained at a lower cost through competition. It also limits the government's exposure to innovative approaches or alternative research methodologies that other entities might offer.
How will the effectiveness of the research funded by this contract be measured, particularly given the 'COST NO FEE' structure and lack of competitive pressure?
Effectiveness measurement would typically rely on milestones, progress reports, and the scientific merit of the research conducted. The 'COST NO FEE' structure suggests the government is funding the effort, and oversight would focus on adherence to the research plan and scientific progress rather than strict cost control against a fixed price.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Solicitation ID: 2002N00377
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Mount Sinai Hospital (UEI: 058302266)
Address: 1 GUSTAVE L LEVY PRICE, NEW YORK, NY, 10029
Business Categories: Category Business, Educational Institution, Higher Education, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $56,045,882
Exercised Options: $56,045,882
Current Obligation: $15,861,734
Timeline
Start Date: 2002-04-08
Current End Date: 2005-10-01
Potential End Date: 2005-10-01 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2015-08-05
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