HHS Awards $10.7M for Tenofovir Study to Bangkok Tenofovir Study Group

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $10,720,960 ($10.7M)

Contractor: Bangkok Tenofovir Study Group (btsg)

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2007-07-01

End Date: 2010-07-31

Contract Duration: 1,126 days

Daily Burn Rate: $9.5K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: HCVJC5X4-2007-42050 - BTS TENOFOVIR STUDY

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $10.7 million to BANGKOK TENOFOVIR STUDY GROUP (BTSG) for work described as: HCVJC5X4-2007-42050 - BTS TENOFOVIR STUDY Key points: 1. The award of $10.7 million is for a research and development study on Tenofovir. 2. The sole source nature of this award limits competitive pricing opportunities. 3. Potential risks include the lack of competition and the specific focus of the research. 4. The sector is Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

The contract is sole-source, making a direct pricing comparison to similar contracts difficult. Without competition, it's hard to ascertain if the $10.7 million represents a fair market price.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was not competed, indicating a sole-source award. This limits price discovery and may result in a higher cost than if multiple vendors had competed.

Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition raises concerns about the efficient use of taxpayer funds for this research.

Public Impact

Public health research on antiviral drugs like Tenofovir can have significant long-term health benefits. The study's findings could impact future treatment protocols for relevant diseases. Transparency in sole-source awards is crucial for public trust and accountability.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Sole-source award
Lack of competition
Limited price discovery

Positive Signals

Potential for significant health research outcomes

Sector Analysis

This award falls within the Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences sector. Spending in this area is critical for scientific advancement but requires careful oversight to ensure value.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication that small businesses were involved in this sole-source award, suggesting a missed opportunity for small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

The sole-source nature of this award warrants close oversight to ensure the funds are used effectively and that the research objectives are met.

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

Sole-source award limits competition.
Potential for inflated costs due to lack of competition.
Limited transparency on justification for sole-source.
No indication of small business participation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $10.7 million to BANGKOK TENOFOVIR STUDY GROUP (BTSG). HCVJC5X4-2007-42050 - BTS TENOFOVIR STUDY

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is BANGKOK TENOFOVIR STUDY GROUP (BTSG).

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 $10.7 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2007-07-01. End: 2010-07-31.

What is the justification for awarding this contract on a sole-source basis?

The justification for a sole-source award typically involves unique capabilities, specialized knowledge, or urgent needs that only a specific entity can fulfill. Without further documentation, it is difficult to assess the validity of this justification and whether it truly precluded competition.

What are the specific research outcomes expected from this $10.7 million investment?

The expected research outcomes are crucial for evaluating the value of this sole-source contract. Understanding the specific goals, methodologies, and potential impact of the Tenofovir study is necessary to determine if the investment is justified and likely to yield significant scientific or public health advancements.

How will the effectiveness of the research be measured and reported?

Measuring and reporting the effectiveness of research funded by taxpayer dollars is paramount. Clear metrics, regular progress reports, and independent evaluations should be in place to ensure accountability and to verify that the study is on track to achieve its objectives and deliver valuable insights.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences

Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › N – Health R&D Services

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: 2007N09240

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: SOMDET CHAOPRAYA ROAD, BANGKOK

Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $29,664,752

Exercised Options: $29,664,752

Current Obligation: $10,720,960

Timeline