HHS/CDC Spends $1.32B on Childhood Vaccines in 2009 from Merck

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $1,319,368,887 ($1.3B)

Contractor: Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp.

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2009-04-01

End Date: 2010-04-30

Contract Duration: 394 days

Daily Burn Rate: $3.3M/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: VACCINE FOR CHILDREN 2009

Place of Performance

Location: ATLANTA, DEKALB County, GEORGIA, 30329, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

State: Georgia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $1.32 billion to MERCK SHARP & DOHME CORP. for work described as: VACCINE FOR CHILDREN 2009 Key points: 1. Significant investment in childhood vaccines highlights public health priorities. 2. Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp. secured the contract, indicating a key supplier. 3. Full and open competition was utilized, suggesting a robust procurement process. 4. The contract value is substantial, requiring careful monitoring for cost-effectiveness.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $1.32 billion for vaccine preparation manufacturing is substantial. Benchmarking against similar large-scale pharmaceutical procurements is difficult without specific unit cost data, but the firm fixed-price structure suggests a degree of cost certainty.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, which typically drives competitive pricing. The firm fixed-price contract type further aids price discovery by setting a definitive cost for the goods.

Taxpayer Impact: The significant expenditure on vaccines aims to improve public health outcomes, representing a long-term investment in child welfare and disease prevention.

Public Impact

Ensures availability of critical vaccines for children, supporting public health initiatives. Large contract value may influence market dynamics for vaccine manufacturing. Potential for long-term supply agreements based on this initial award.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

  • High contract value requires diligent oversight to ensure value for money.
  • Dependence on a single supplier (Merck) could pose supply chain risks.
  • Potential for price increases in future contract renewals.

Positive Signals

  • Procurement utilized full and open competition, promoting market fairness.
  • Firm fixed-price contract provides cost predictability.
  • Addresses a critical public health need for childhood immunizations.

Sector Analysis

The pharmaceutical preparation manufacturing sector is characterized by high R&D costs, stringent regulatory requirements, and significant market concentration. This contract represents a major federal investment in a critical public health area within this sector.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate specific participation or subcontracting by small businesses in this large pharmaceutical contract. Typically, large prime contracts in this sector may involve complex supply chains where small businesses could play a role in specialized components or services.

Oversight & Accountability

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is responsible for overseeing this contract. Robust oversight is crucial given the value and public health implications, ensuring adherence to quality standards and delivery schedules.

Related Government Programs

  • Pharmaceutical Preparation Manufacturing
  • Department of Health and Human Services Contracting
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Programs

Risk Flags

  • High contract value
  • Sole-source potential in future renewals
  • Supply chain disruption risk
  • Price volatility in pharmaceutical markets

Tags

pharmaceutical-preparation-manufacturing, department-of-health-and-human-services, ga, dca, billion-dollar

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $1.32 billion to MERCK SHARP & DOHME CORP.. VACCINE FOR CHILDREN 2009

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is MERCK SHARP & DOHME CORP..

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 $1.32 billion.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2009-04-01. End: 2010-04-30.

What was the average cost per vaccine dose under this contract?

The provided data does not specify the number of vaccine doses or the breakdown of costs per unit. The total award amount of $1.32 billion is for 'Pharmaceutical Preparation Manufacturing,' which could encompass various vaccine types and quantities. A detailed cost analysis would require further information on the specific products and volumes procured.

What were the key performance indicators and quality assurance measures for this vaccine contract?

Specific performance indicators and quality assurance measures are not detailed in the provided data. However, for pharmaceutical preparations, especially vaccines, stringent quality control, adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and timely delivery are standard requirements. The CDC would typically have robust protocols in place to monitor these aspects.

Were there any post-award modifications or contract adjustments made during the performance period?

The provided data does not include information on post-award modifications or contract adjustments. The contract duration was approximately 13 months (April 2009 to April 2010). Any significant changes would typically be documented through contract modification records, which are not available here.

Industry Classification

NAICS: ManufacturingPharmaceutical and Medicine ManufacturingPharmaceutical Preparation Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: MEDICAL/DENTAL/VETERINARY EQPT/SUPP

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Merck & CO., Inc. (UEI: 054554290)

Address: 770 SUMNEYTOWN PIKE, WEST POINT, PA, 19486

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $1,504,849,470

Exercised Options: $1,504,849,470

Current Obligation: $1,319,368,887

Contract Characteristics

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline

Start Date: 2009-04-01

Current End Date: 2010-04-30

Potential End Date: 2010-04-30 00:00:00

Last Modified: 2015-11-24

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