NIH awards $18.9M to University of Chicago for R&D in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $18,903,696 ($18.9M)
Contractor: University of Chicago, the
Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services
Start Date: 2004-07-28
End Date: 2009-12-31
Contract Duration: 1,982 days
Daily Burn Rate: $9.5K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 27
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
Place of Performance
Location: CHICAGO, COOK County, ILLINOIS, 60637
State: Illinois Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Health and Human Services obligated $18.9 million to UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO, THE for work described as: RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT Key points: 1. Significant investment in fundamental research across multiple scientific disciplines. 2. Competition was full and open, suggesting a robust price discovery process. 3. Potential for groundbreaking discoveries with long-term societal benefits. 4. Focus on physical, engineering, and life sciences aligns with critical national priorities.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract type is 'COST NO FEE', which is common for research and development where outcomes are uncertain. The award amount of $18.9M over approximately 5 years is substantial but within the expected range for large-scale R&D projects.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating multiple entities had the opportunity to bid. This method generally leads to competitive pricing and ensures the government receives the best value.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are supporting critical scientific advancement, with the potential for significant long-term economic and societal returns.
Public Impact
Advances scientific knowledge in key areas like physics, engineering, and biology. Potential for new technologies, treatments, or solutions to national challenges. Supports academic research infrastructure and highly skilled scientific workforce.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Research outcomes are inherently uncertain and may not yield immediate practical applications.
- Long duration of the contract requires sustained oversight to ensure progress.
Positive Signals
- Supports cutting-edge research with high potential impact.
- Full and open competition promotes efficiency and value.
- Investment in a leading research institution.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under the Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences sector (NAICS 541710). Spending in this area is crucial for innovation and national competitiveness, with significant government investment annually.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded to a university, not a small business. While universities are key research partners, this award does not directly benefit the small business sector.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract's long duration and R&D nature necessitate robust oversight from the National Institutes of Health to monitor progress, manage funds effectively, and ensure accountability for research objectives.
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
- Research Uncertainty
- Long-term Project Duration
- Potential for Scope Creep
- Difficulty in Measuring Immediate ROI
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-health-and-human-services, il, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Health and Human Services awarded $18.9 million to UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO, THE. RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO, THE.
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 $18.9 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2004-07-28. End: 2009-12-31.
What is the expected return on investment for this significant R&D funding?
The return on investment for fundamental R&D is often long-term and indirect, manifesting as scientific breakthroughs, new technologies, improved public health, and economic growth. While specific ROI is difficult to quantify upfront, the investment supports the advancement of knowledge and innovation critical for national progress and competitiveness.
What are the primary risks associated with this research contract?
The primary risks include the inherent uncertainty of research outcomes, where discoveries may not materialize or lead to practical applications. There's also a risk of cost overruns if research proves more complex than anticipated, and potential delays in project timelines. Ensuring the research remains aligned with scientific and programmatic goals requires diligent oversight.
How effective is this type of contract in achieving research goals?
Cost-no-fee contracts are generally effective for R&D where the scope and outcomes are not precisely defined at the outset. They allow flexibility for researchers to explore and adapt their methods. Effectiveness hinges on the quality of the research institution, the clarity of the research objectives, and robust programmatic oversight by the funding agency.
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: BASIC RESEARCH
Offers Received: 27
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: University of Chicago
Address: 1225 E 60TH ST, CHICAGO, IL, 60637
Business Categories: Category Business, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $61,272,508
Exercised Options: $37,989,662
Current Obligation: $18,903,696
Contract Characteristics
Multi-Year Contract: Yes
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Timeline
Start Date: 2004-07-28
Current End Date: 2009-12-31
Potential End Date: 2009-12-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2024-11-23
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