NIH Spends $10.6M on Viral Epidemiology Support Services via Full and Open Competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $10,563,629 ($10.6M)

Contractor: Research Triangle Institute

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2005-06-01

End Date: 2011-12-31

Contract Duration: 2,404 days

Daily Burn Rate: $4.4K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: SUPPORT SERVICES FOR VIRAL EPIDEMIOLOGY

Place of Performance

Location: DURHAM, DURHAM County, NORTH CAROLINA, 27709

State: North Carolina Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $10.6 million to RESEARCH TRIANGLE INSTITUTE for work described as: SUPPORT SERVICES FOR VIRAL EPIDEMIOLOGY Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Research Triangle Institute for R&D in physical, engineering, and life sciences. 2. Significant duration of 2404 days (approx. 6.5 years) suggests a long-term need for these services. 3. The contract type (Cost Plus Fixed Fee) can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. 4. No small business participation noted, potentially missing opportunities for smaller entities.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $10.6M over approximately 6.5 years averages around $1.6M annually. This seems reasonable for specialized R&D support services, but a direct comparison requires more data on similar NIH contracts.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating a robust price discovery process. This method generally ensures competitive pricing by allowing all eligible vendors to bid.

Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition suggests that taxpayers likely received a fair price for the services rendered, maximizing value for the government.

Public Impact

Supports critical research in viral epidemiology, potentially leading to advancements in public health. Long-term contract provides stability for research continuity and knowledge development. Funding allocated to a private research institution for specialized scientific support.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can incentivize contractor to increase costs.
Lack of small business participation.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition.
Supports critical public health research.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under the Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences sector. Spending in this area is crucial for scientific advancement and national security, with significant government investment annually.

Small Business Impact

The contract data indicates no small business participation (sb: false). This suggests that the prime contractor, Research Triangle Institute, did not subcontract with small businesses for this award, potentially limiting opportunities for smaller entities in this R&D effort.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract was awarded by the National Institutes of Health, a component of HHS, which has established oversight mechanisms for research grants and contracts. The long duration necessitates ongoing monitoring to ensure performance and cost control.

Related Government Programs

Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences
Department of Health and Human Services Contracting
National Institutes of Health Programs

Risk Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type.
Long contract duration.
No small business participation.
Potential for cost overruns.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $10.6 million to RESEARCH TRIANGLE INSTITUTE. SUPPORT SERVICES FOR VIRAL EPIDEMIOLOGY

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is RESEARCH TRIANGLE INSTITUTE.

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 $10.6 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2005-06-01. End: 2011-12-31.

What specific viral epidemiology research areas were prioritized under this contract, and what were the key deliverables or outcomes achieved?

The contract details do not specify the exact viral epidemiology research areas. However, given the duration and the nature of NIH funding, it likely supported ongoing surveillance, analysis, and potentially vaccine or treatment research related to emerging or persistent viral threats. Key deliverables would typically include research reports, data analysis, scientific publications, and potentially contributions to public health policy.

How effectively was the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure managed to control costs and prevent potential overruns, given the contract's length?

Effective management of a Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract over 2404 days requires rigorous oversight. This includes regular audits of contractor expenses, clear definition and tracking of fixed fee milestones, and proactive identification of scope creep. Without detailed performance reports, it's difficult to assess the effectiveness, but the agency's continued funding implies satisfactory management or a willingness to accept associated risks.

What was the rationale for not including small business participation goals, and were there specific reasons why small businesses were not considered suitable partners?

The rationale for not including small business participation is not explicitly stated in the provided data. It could be due to the highly specialized nature of the research requiring specific expertise or facilities possessed by larger, established institutions like Research Triangle Institute. Alternatively, it might reflect a lack of available small businesses capable of meeting the contract's stringent requirements or a strategic decision by the agency or prime contractor.

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: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: N02CP4101550

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 3040 CORNWALLIS ROAD, RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC, 27709

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $96,543,389

Exercised Options: $94,275,989

Current Obligation: $10,563,629

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Timeline