NIH Spends $10.5M on Proteomics Research for Therapeutic Targets

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $10,567,216 ($10.6M)

Contractor: Yeshiva University

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2004-06-30

End Date: 2013-11-22

Contract Duration: 3,432 days

Daily Burn Rate: $3.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 31

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: IDENTIFYING TARGETS FOR THERAPEUTIC INTERVENTIONS USING PROTEOMICS TECHNOLOGY

Place of Performance

Location: NEW YORK, NEW YORK County, NEW YORK, 10033

State: New York Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $10.6 million to YESHIVA UNIVERSITY for work described as: IDENTIFYING TARGETS FOR THERAPEUTIC INTERVENTIONS USING PROTEOMICS TECHNOLOGY Key points: 1. Significant investment in advanced biological research. 2. Competition was full and open, suggesting market exploration. 3. Contract duration is long (over 9 years), indicating a complex, multi-phase project. 4. Focus on R&D in life sciences, a critical sector for public health.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract type is 'Cost No Fee', which can lead to cost overruns as there's no direct incentive for the contractor to control costs. The total award amount is substantial for R&D.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

Full and open competition was utilized, which is generally positive for price discovery. However, the 'Cost No Fee' structure may limit the effectiveness of competitive pricing.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are supporting cutting-edge research with potential long-term health benefits, but the cost-plus nature warrants scrutiny.

Public Impact

Advancing understanding of diseases and potential treatments. Supports scientific innovation and the research ecosystem. Potential for breakthroughs in public health interventions.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost No Fee contract type
Long contract duration

Positive Signals

Full and open competition
Focus on critical R&D area

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (NAICS 541710). Spending in this sector is crucial for innovation but can be high-risk due to the inherent uncertainties of research.

Small Business Impact

No specific indication of small business participation is provided in the data. The nature of advanced R&D may favor larger, established research institutions.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract was awarded by the Department of Health and Human Services (NIH), a major federal agency with established oversight mechanisms for research grants and contracts.

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 No Fee contract type may lead to higher costs.
Long contract duration increases exposure to changing research landscapes.
Potential for research to not yield actionable therapeutic targets.
Lack of specific small business participation data.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $10.6 million to YESHIVA UNIVERSITY. IDENTIFYING TARGETS FOR THERAPEUTIC INTERVENTIONS USING PROTEOMICS TECHNOLOGY

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is YESHIVA UNIVERSITY.

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: 2004-06-30. End: 2013-11-22.

What was the primary scientific objective of this proteomic research, and how did it align with NIH's broader research priorities?

The primary objective was to identify targets for therapeutic interventions using proteomics technology. This aligns with NIH's mission to seek fundamental knowledge about the nature and behavior of living systems and the application of that knowledge to enhance health, lengthen life, and reduce illness and disability.

Given the 'Cost No Fee' structure and long duration, what mechanisms were in place to ensure efficient use of funds and prevent cost overruns?

While the 'Cost No Fee' structure offers less direct cost control, NIH likely employed milestones, regular reporting, and scientific reviews to monitor progress and ensure funds were used appropriately. The long duration suggests phased funding tied to achieving specific research outcomes.

How was the success or effectiveness of the research measured, particularly in the context of identifying viable therapeutic targets?

Effectiveness would typically be measured by the successful identification and validation of novel therapeutic targets, the publication of research findings in peer-reviewed journals, and potentially the progression of identified targets into further preclinical or clinical development stages.

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 ID: NIHNIAIDDMIDBAA0338

Offers Received: 31

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)

Contractor Details

Address: 500 W 185TH ST, NEW YORK, NY, 10033

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $10,921,277

Exercised Options: $10,567,216

Current Obligation: $10,567,216

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Timeline