HHS awards $10.9M for Immune Function Research, benefiting vulnerable populations

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $10,955,523 ($11.0M)

Contractor: THE Children's Hospital of Philadelphia

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2005-09-30

End Date: 2013-12-11

Contract Duration: 2,994 days

Daily Burn Rate: $3.7K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 21

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: IMMUNE FUNCTION AND BIODEFENSE IN CHILDREN, ELDERLY, AND IMMUNOCOMPROMISED

Place of Performance

Location: PHILADELPHIA, PHILADELPHIA County, PENNSYLVANIA, 19104

State: Pennsylvania Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $11.0 million to THE CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL OF PHILADELPHIA for work described as: IMMUNE FUNCTION AND BIODEFENSE IN CHILDREN, ELDERLY, AND IMMUNOCOMPROMISED Key points: 1. Research focuses on critical populations: children, elderly, and immunocompromised. 2. Contract awarded to The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, a leading institution. 3. Long contract duration (2005-2013) suggests sustained research effort. 4. NIH's National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases is the contracting agency.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract type is 'COST NO FEE', indicating the government pays the actual costs incurred by the contractor but no fee. This is common for research and development contracts where the final outcome is uncertain.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a robust process to identify the best value. The 'DEFINITIVE CONTRACT' type implies a long-term agreement with potential for follow-on orders.

Taxpayer Impact: Funding supports critical public health research, aiming to improve understanding and defense against infectious diseases, ultimately benefiting taxpayers through better health outcomes and reduced disease burden.

Public Impact

Enhances understanding of immune responses in vulnerable groups. Supports development of biodefense strategies against infectious agents. Potential for improved public health interventions and treatments. Addresses critical needs in pediatric, geriatric, and immunocompromised populations.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Long contract duration could lead to cost overruns if not managed effectively.
Lack of fee structure might disincentivize contractor efficiency.
Research outcomes are inherently uncertain, posing a risk to expected benefits.

Positive Signals

Focus on critical, underserved populations.
Awarded through full and open competition.
Supports vital biodefense and public health research.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. Spending in this sector is crucial for scientific advancement and national security, with significant government investment aimed at innovation and addressing complex challenges.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate whether small businesses were involved as subcontractors. The primary awardee is a large research hospital, suggesting the focus was on specialized research capabilities rather than small business set-asides.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract was managed by the Department of Health and Human Services, specifically the National Institutes of Health. Oversight would involve monitoring research progress, adherence to cost principles, and achievement of scientific 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

Potential for cost overruns due to long duration.
Uncertainty of research outcomes.
Lack of performance fee may reduce contractor incentive for exceeding expectations.
Limited information on small business participation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $11.0 million to THE CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL OF PHILADELPHIA. IMMUNE FUNCTION AND BIODEFENSE IN CHILDREN, ELDERLY, AND IMMUNOCOMPROMISED

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is THE CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL OF PHILADELPHIA.

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 $11.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2005-09-30. End: 2013-12-11.

What was the primary scientific objective of this research, and how did it aim to improve immune function or biodefense?

The primary objective was to investigate immune function and biodefense mechanisms in vulnerable populations, including children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals. This research aimed to identify specific vulnerabilities and develop targeted strategies to enhance immune responses and improve protection against infectious diseases and biothreats, ultimately leading to better public health outcomes.

Given the 'COST NO FEE' contract type, what mechanisms were in place to ensure the efficient use of taxpayer funds?

While a 'COST NO FEE' contract covers incurred costs, efficiency is typically ensured through rigorous oversight by the contracting agency (NIH). This includes regular reviews of research progress, adherence to approved budgets, and verification of scientific milestones. The competitive award process also helps ensure that the chosen contractor possesses the necessary expertise to conduct the research effectively within the allocated resources.

How did the long duration of this contract (nearly 9 years) impact the potential for scientific innovation and adaptation to new findings?

A long contract duration can provide stability for complex, long-term research projects, allowing for in-depth investigation. However, it also poses a risk of becoming outdated if not actively managed. Effective oversight would involve periodic reviews and potential modifications to adapt the research direction based on emerging scientific knowledge and evolving biodefense needs, ensuring continued relevance and innovation throughout the project's lifecycle.

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

Solicitation ID: NIHNIAIDDAITBAA0511

Offers Received: 21

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: THE Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Foundation (UEI: 933296568)

Address: 34TH ST & CIVIC CENTER BLVD, PHILADELPHIA, PA, 19104

Business Categories: Category Business, Hospital, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $14,333,170

Exercised Options: $14,333,170

Current Obligation: $10,955,523

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Timeline