NIH awards $23.7M for Submarine Research & Development to Colorado State University over 12 years
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $23,726,110 ($23.7M)
Contractor: Colorado State University
Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services
Start Date: 2004-09-24
End Date: 2016-04-22
Contract Duration: 4,228 days
Daily Burn Rate: $5.6K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: SUBMARINES
Place of Performance
Location: FORT COLLINS, LARIMER County, COLORADO, 80521
State: Colorado Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Health and Human Services obligated $23.7 million to COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY for work described as: SUBMARINES Key points: 1. Significant long-term investment in R&D, indicating a critical need. 2. Competition was full and open, suggesting a robust price discovery process. 3. Potential risk associated with long contract duration and evolving research needs. 4. Focus on physical, engineering, and life sciences R&D.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $23.7M over 12 years averages approximately $1.97M annually. Benchmarking is difficult without specific deliverables, but this appears moderate for specialized R&D.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
Full and open competition was utilized, allowing multiple bidders to propose solutions. This method generally leads to better pricing and innovation.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are supporting advanced research, with the potential for significant long-term benefits if the research is successful.
Public Impact
Supports advanced scientific research with potential for technological breakthroughs. Long-term funding provides stability for research institutions and personnel. Investment in a specialized field may lead to advancements in related industries.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Long contract duration (12 years) may not adapt to rapidly changing research landscapes.
- Lack of specific performance metrics makes value assessment challenging.
- Potential for scope creep over an extended period.
Positive Signals
- Full and open competition ensures market-driven pricing.
- Significant investment signals commitment to critical research area.
- Long-term award fosters stability and deep expertise development.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. Annual spending in this sector can vary widely based on agency priorities and project scope. The $1.97M annual average is moderate for a long-term, specialized R&D effort.
Small Business Impact
The awardee is Colorado State University, a large research institution. There is no indication of small business participation in this specific award.
Oversight & Accountability
The long duration of the contract necessitates ongoing oversight to ensure milestones are met and funds are used effectively. Regular reviews by NIH are crucial.
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 lead to outdated technology or research focus.
- Lack of specific performance metrics makes value assessment difficult.
- Potential for scope creep over the 12-year period.
- Limited transparency on specific research deliverables.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-health-and-human-services, co, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Health and Human Services awarded $23.7 million to COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY. SUBMARINES
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is COLORADO STATE 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 $23.7 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2004-09-24. End: 2016-04-22.
What specific research outcomes or technological advancements are expected from this $23.7M investment over 12 years?
The contract focuses on 'SUBMARINES' research and development within physical, engineering, and life sciences. Specific outcomes are not detailed in the provided data, but typically such long-term R&D contracts aim for foundational scientific discoveries, novel technological applications, or solutions to complex engineering challenges related to submarine technology or its underlying principles.
Given the 12-year duration, what mechanisms are in place to manage potential cost overruns or shifts in research priorities?
Long-term contracts often include phased funding, milestone-based payments, and clauses for contract modification or termination if priorities shift or performance falters. Regular reviews by the Department of Health and Human Services and the National Institutes of Health would assess progress and allow for adjustments to ensure continued relevance and fiscal responsibility.
How does the $1.97M average annual award compare to similar long-term R&D projects in specialized scientific fields?
Benchmarking this specific award is challenging without detailed project scope and deliverables. However, for specialized, long-term R&D in physical, engineering, and life sciences, an average annual award of $1.97M can be considered moderate. Highly complex or cutting-edge projects, especially those involving extensive equipment or personnel, could command significantly higher annual funding.
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
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Colorado State University System (UEI: 948905492)
Address: 601 S HOWES ST, FORT COLLINS, CO, 80523
Business Categories: Category Business, Educational Institution, Higher Education, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $23,726,110
Exercised Options: $23,726,110
Current Obligation: $23,726,110
Contract Characteristics
Multi-Year Contract: Yes
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Timeline
Start Date: 2004-09-24
Current End Date: 2016-04-22
Potential End Date: 2016-04-22 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2016-05-10
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