NIH's $209M Population Genetics Program Awarded to RTI for Vaccine/Infection Immunity Research

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $20,887,102 ($20.9M)

Contractor: Research Triangle Institute

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2004-09-30

End Date: 2011-09-30

Contract Duration: 2,556 days

Daily Burn Rate: $8.2K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 13

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: POPULATION GENETICS ANALYSIS PROGRAM: IMMUNITY TO VACCINES/INFECTIONS

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 $20.9 million to RESEARCH TRIANGLE INSTITUTE for work described as: POPULATION GENETICS ANALYSIS PROGRAM: IMMUNITY TO VACCINES/INFECTIONS Key points: 1. Significant investment in understanding disease immunity. 2. Long-term contract suggests sustained research needs. 3. Focus on life sciences R&D, a critical sector. 4. Potential for broad public health impact through improved vaccine strategies.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $208,871,020 over 2556 days (approx. 7 years) indicates a substantial, long-term research effort. Benchmarking against similar large-scale R&D contracts would be necessary for a precise per-unit cost assessment, but the overall value aligns with complex scientific programs.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a robust price discovery process. The use of a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type allows for flexibility in research scope while providing incentives for cost control.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are directed towards critical public health research, aiming to improve vaccine efficacy and understanding of immunity, which could lead to long-term healthcare savings and improved population health.

Public Impact

Enhances understanding of human immune responses to diseases and vaccines. Supports development of more effective public health strategies and interventions. Contributes to the scientific knowledge base for infectious disease control. Potential for breakthroughs in personalized medicine based on genetic predispositions. Long-term research investment in a vital area of national security and public well-being.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 81 / 10

Warning Flags

Long contract duration may lead to scope creep or evolving research needs.
CPFF contracts can sometimes incentivize higher spending if not closely monitored.

Positive Signals

Addresses a critical public health need.
Awarded through full and open competition.
Long-term commitment to vital scientific research.
Potential for significant positive health outcomes.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences sector (NAICS 541710). Spending in this area is crucial for scientific advancement and national competitiveness, with significant government investment typically seen in areas like public health and biotechnology.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this was a large contract awarded to Research Triangle Institute. There is no specific information provided regarding small business participation or subcontracting opportunities within this award.

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. Regular reporting and milestone reviews are standard for such long-term, high-value agreements.

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 (7 years) increases risk of cost overruns or changing requirements.
CPFF contract type can incentivize higher spending if not rigorously managed.
Lack of specific small business involvement noted.
Potential for research to yield inconclusive or incremental results.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $20.9 million to RESEARCH TRIANGLE INSTITUTE. POPULATION GENETICS ANALYSIS PROGRAM: IMMUNITY TO VACCINES/INFECTIONS

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 $20.9 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2004-09-30. End: 2011-09-30.

What specific metrics are used to evaluate the success and value of the Population Genetics Analysis Program over its duration?

Success metrics likely include peer-reviewed publications, advancements in understanding genetic factors influencing immunity, development of new analytical tools or methodologies, and contributions to vaccine or treatment development pipelines. The NIH would establish specific deliverables and milestones tied to the CPFF contract, with progress assessed through regular reporting and scientific review panels.

How does the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure balance research flexibility with taxpayer risk in this long-term program?

The CPFF structure allows the contractor (RTI) flexibility to adapt research approaches as scientific understanding evolves, which is crucial for complex R&D. The 'fixed fee' component provides the government with a defined profit margin, incentivizing the contractor to manage costs efficiently to maximize their fee. However, the 'cost plus' aspect means the government bears the risk of actual project expenses.

What is the anticipated long-term impact of this program on public health preparedness and response to future pandemics?

This program aims to build a foundational understanding of population-level immune responses, which is critical for predicting disease spread, identifying vulnerable populations, and designing effective vaccines and treatments. By elucidating genetic influences on immunity, it can inform faster and more targeted public health responses during future outbreaks or pandemics, potentially saving lives and reducing economic disruption.

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 › Community and Regional Development R&D Services

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Offers Received: 13

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Contractor Details

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

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $26,022,709

Exercised Options: $20,887,102

Current Obligation: $20,887,102

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Timeline