NIH Spends $10.8M on Cancer Genetics Research, Awarded to Westat, Inc. via Full and Open Competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $10,841,005 ($10.8M)
Contractor: Westat, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services
Start Date: 2005-08-31
End Date: 2011-08-30
Contract Duration: 2,190 days
Daily Burn Rate: $5.0K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES OF GENETIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL CAUSES OF CANCER
Place of Performance
Location: ROCKVILLE, MONTGOMERY County, MARYLAND, 20850, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Health and Human Services obligated $10.8 million to WESTAT, INC. for work described as: INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES OF GENETIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL CAUSES OF CANCER Key points: 1. Spending focuses on R&D in life sciences, a critical area for public health. 2. Westat, Inc. secured the contract, indicating established capabilities in this research domain. 3. The contract was awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a robust price discovery process. 4. Potential risks include the long-term effectiveness of the research and the ultimate impact on cancer prevention.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $10.8M over 6 years for interdisciplinary cancer research appears reasonable given the scope. Benchmarking against similar large-scale NIH research grants would provide a clearer picture of cost-effectiveness.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded using full and open competition, which generally promotes competitive pricing and allows for a wide range of potential contractors to bid. This method is expected to yield a fair price for the services rendered.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are directed towards critical cancer research, with the potential for significant long-term public health benefits. The competitive award process aims to ensure efficient use of these funds.
Public Impact
Advancing understanding of cancer's genetic and environmental origins. Potential for new diagnostic or preventative strategies. Supports scientific innovation and the research ecosystem. Findings could inform public health policies and interventions. Long-term impact on cancer burden and healthcare costs.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Long duration of contract (6 years) may pose risks if research direction needs to pivot.
- Complexity of interdisciplinary research can lead to unforeseen challenges.
- Measuring the direct impact of research findings can be difficult.
Positive Signals
- Focus on a high-priority public health issue (cancer).
- Awarded via full and open competition, suggesting competitive pricing.
- Contract supports scientific advancement and knowledge creation.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under the Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences sector, specifically focusing on biomedical research. NIH typically awards significant funding in this area, with benchmarks varying widely based on research scope and duration.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate whether small businesses were involved in this contract. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business participation.
Oversight & Accountability
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is responsible for overseeing this contract. Standard NIH oversight mechanisms for research grants and contracts would apply, including progress reports and financial reviews.
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
- Long contract duration may reduce flexibility.
- Complexity of interdisciplinary research.
- Difficulty in measuring direct research impact.
- Potential for scientific obsolescence over time.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-health-and-human-services, md, dca, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Health and Human Services awarded $10.8 million to WESTAT, INC.. INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES OF GENETIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL CAUSES OF CANCER
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is WESTAT, INC..
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 $10.8 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2005-08-31. End: 2011-08-30.
What is the expected return on investment for this cancer research funding?
The return on investment for basic and applied research is often measured in decades and can manifest as breakthroughs in treatment, prevention, or understanding disease mechanisms. While direct financial ROI is difficult to quantify, the societal benefit of reducing cancer incidence and mortality represents a significant, albeit intangible, return.
What are the primary risks associated with the long-term nature of this research contract?
The primary risks include potential shifts in scientific understanding or technological capabilities that could render the original research objectives obsolete. There's also a risk of research fatigue or loss of institutional knowledge if key personnel depart over the six-year period. Ensuring adaptability and continuous review of research priorities are crucial mitigation strategies.
How effectively will the research findings be translated into actionable public health initiatives?
The effectiveness of translation depends on several factors, including the clarity and applicability of the research findings, the collaboration between researchers and public health agencies, and the availability of funding for implementation. NIH's established pathways for knowledge dissemination and potential for follow-on funding aim to facilitate this translation, but success is not guaranteed.
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: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Solicitation ID: N02CP4101650
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 1650 RESEARCH BLVD, ROCKVILLE, MD, 20850
Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $10,998,904
Exercised Options: $10,998,904
Current Obligation: $10,841,005
Timeline
Start Date: 2005-08-31
Current End Date: 2011-08-30
Potential End Date: 2011-08-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2015-09-02
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