NIH invests $13.6M in pediatric preclinical research at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital over 5 years

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $13,567,208 ($13.6M)

Contractor: ST. Jude Children's Research Hospital

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2004-09-30

End Date: 2009-10-31

Contract Duration: 1,857 days

Daily Burn Rate: $7.3K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: PEDIATRIC PRECLINICAL TESTING PROGRAM

Place of Performance

Location: MEMPHIS, SHELBY County, TENNESSEE, 38105

State: Tennessee Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $13.6 million to ST. JUDE CHILDREN'S RESEARCH HOSPITAL for work described as: PEDIATRIC PRECLINICAL TESTING PROGRAM Key points: 1. Contract awarded via full and open competition, suggesting a robust selection process. 2. Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences sector. 3. Long-term contract duration (over 5 years) indicates a sustained research effort. 4. Cost-No-Fee contract type implies reimbursement of allowable costs without profit. 5. Single award contract, focused on a specific institution's expertise. 6. Geographic concentration in Tennessee for this specific research initiative.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $13.6 million over approximately five years for preclinical pediatric research appears reasonable given the specialized nature of the work. Benchmarking against similar large-scale R&D grants for pediatric disease research would provide further context. The Cost-No-Fee structure suggests a focus on direct cost recovery for research activities rather than profit generation for the institution.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit proposals. The number of bidders is not specified, but the competitive process aims to ensure the government receives the best value. This approach typically leads to more favorable pricing and innovative solutions.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from a competitive process that seeks to maximize the impact of federal research dollars by selecting the most qualified and cost-effective research proposals.

Public Impact

Benefits pediatric patients by advancing research into diseases affecting children. Delivers critical preclinical data to inform future therapeutic development. Geographic impact is concentrated in Tennessee, supporting a leading research institution. Workforce implications include support for scientists, researchers, and technical staff at St. Jude.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for research scope creep if not tightly managed.
Reliance on a single institution may limit broader collaborative opportunities.

Positive Signals

Focus on a critical area of unmet medical need (pediatric diseases).
Leverages the established expertise of a renowned research hospital.
Long-term funding provides stability for sustained research efforts.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on life sciences. The market for pediatric preclinical research is specialized, with a limited number of institutions possessing the necessary infrastructure and expertise. Federal spending in this area is crucial for advancing medical knowledge and developing new treatments for diseases affecting children, often involving significant investment over extended periods.

Small Business Impact

This contract does not appear to involve small business set-asides, as it is a direct award to a large research institution. Subcontracting opportunities for small businesses are not explicitly detailed but could arise if St. Jude Children's Research Hospital procures specialized equipment or services.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight is likely managed by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) program officials who monitor research progress and financial expenditures. Accountability is ensured through regular reporting requirements and adherence to research protocols. Transparency is facilitated by public databases of federal awards, though specific research findings are subject to scientific publication timelines.

Related Government Programs

National Institutes of Health Research Grants
Pediatric Disease Research Programs
Biomedical Research and Development Contracts

Risk Flags

Long-term contract duration may increase exposure to evolving research needs.
Cost-reimbursement nature requires diligent financial oversight.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $13.6 million to ST. JUDE CHILDREN'S RESEARCH HOSPITAL. PEDIATRIC PRECLINICAL TESTING PROGRAM

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ST. JUDE CHILDREN'S RESEARCH HOSPITAL.

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 $13.6 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2004-09-30. End: 2009-10-31.

What is the specific research focus of the Pediatric Preclinical Testing Program at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital under this contract?

The provided data indicates the contract is for 'Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences' with a focus on 'PEDIATRIC PRECLINICAL TESTING PROGRAM'. While the exact diseases or conditions being studied are not detailed in the summary data, the contract's objective is to conduct preclinical research. This typically involves laboratory studies and animal models to understand disease mechanisms and test potential therapies before they can be evaluated in human clinical trials. The long duration and significant funding suggest a comprehensive research effort aimed at generating foundational data for future pediatric medical advancements.

How does the $13.6 million award compare to typical federal funding for similar pediatric preclinical research initiatives?

The $13.6 million awarded over approximately five years represents a substantial investment, aligning with the significant costs associated with large-scale preclinical research. Federal funding for such programs, particularly through agencies like NIH, often involves multi-year commitments ranging from several million to tens of millions of dollars, depending on the complexity and scope of the research. This specific award appears to be a significant, but not unprecedented, investment for a focused, long-term preclinical research program at a leading institution like St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Direct comparisons would require analyzing funding levels for comparable pediatric disease research grants and contracts across different federal agencies.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) or milestones expected under this contract?

Specific Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and milestones are not detailed in the provided summary data. However, for a research and development contract of this nature, typical milestones would include the successful completion of specific experimental phases, generation of validated preclinical data, development of research reports, and potentially the identification of promising therapeutic targets or candidates. The NIH program officers overseeing the contract would work with St. Jude to establish and monitor these research objectives and deliverables throughout the contract period to ensure progress and accountability.

What is the track record of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in receiving and managing federal research grants and contracts?

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is a globally recognized leader in pediatric care and research, with a long and distinguished history of securing substantial federal funding, primarily from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The institution consistently ranks among the top recipients of NIH funding for pediatric research. Their track record demonstrates a strong capacity for managing complex, large-scale research projects, adhering to rigorous scientific standards, and achieving significant research breakthroughs. This extensive experience suggests a high level of competence in managing federal awards effectively and responsibly.

What are the potential risks associated with a Cost-No-Fee contract type for this type of research?

A Cost-No-Fee (CNF) contract type means the contractor is reimbursed for allowable costs incurred but does not receive any profit. For a research institution like St. Jude, the primary risk is ensuring that all research-related costs are accurately documented and deemed allowable under the contract terms. If costs are disallowed, the institution bears that financial burden. While it removes the profit motive, potentially aligning incentives with research goals, it requires meticulous financial management and justification of expenses. The risk is generally considered lower for non-profit research institutions compared to for-profit entities, as their primary goal is research advancement rather than profit.

How does this contract contribute to the broader NIH mission and national health priorities?

This contract directly supports the NIH's mission to seek fundamental knowledge about the nature and behavior of living systems and the application of that knowledge to extend healthy life and prevent, cure, and treat disease. By funding preclinical research specifically for pediatric conditions, it addresses critical unmet medical needs affecting children, a key national health priority. The insights gained from this program are intended to lay the groundwork for future therapies, ultimately contributing to improved health outcomes and reduced disease burden across the pediatric population.

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 › General Science and Technology R&D Services

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: N01CM3702723

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: ST Jude Children's Research Hospital Inc

Address: 332 N LAUDERDALE ST, MEMPHIS, TN, 38105

Business Categories: Category Business, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $94,970,456

Exercised Options: $81,019,873

Current Obligation: $13,567,208

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline