HHS Awards $10.7M for Immune Function Research to Wistar Institute
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $10,764,775 ($10.8M)
Contractor: THE Wistar Institute of Anatomy and Biology
Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services
Start Date: 2005-08-25
End Date: 2011-06-29
Contract Duration: 2,134 days
Daily Burn Rate: $5.0K/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 POPULATIONS
Place of Performance
Location: PHILADELPHIA, PHILADELPHIA County, PENNSYLVANIA, 19104
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Health and Human Services obligated $10.8 million to THE WISTAR INSTITUTE OF ANATOMY AND BIOLOGY for work described as: IMMUNE FUNCTION AND BIODEFENSE IN CHILDREN, ELDERLY AND IMMUNOCOMPROMISED POPULATIONS Key points: 1. Research focuses on critical populations: children, elderly, and immunocompromised. 2. Wistar Institute is a leading biomedical research organization. 3. Contract duration of 2134 days suggests a long-term, complex project. 4. Funding allocated for R&D in physical, engineering, and life sciences.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract type is 'COST NO FEE', which is common for research and development. The award amount of $10.7M over 2134 days (approx. 5.8 years) appears reasonable for a significant research initiative.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating a competitive bidding process. This method generally leads to better price discovery and value for the government.
Taxpayer Impact: The competitive award process aims to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently for critical research.
Public Impact
Advances understanding of immune system vulnerabilities in key demographic groups. Potential for breakthroughs in treating infectious diseases and autoimmune disorders. Supports the development of new biodefense strategies and treatments. Enhances public health preparedness for emerging threats. Contributes to the scientific knowledge base in immunology and virology.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Positive Signals
- Focus on critical populations
- Established research institution
- Full and open competition
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under the Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences sector. Federal spending in this area is substantial, supporting scientific advancement and innovation across various agencies.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded to The Wistar Institute, a non-profit research organization, not a small business. There is no indication of small business subcontracting requirements in the provided data.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract is managed by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) via the National Institutes of Health (NIH), which have established oversight mechanisms for research grants and contracts to ensure accountability and progress.
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 research to become outdated due to rapid scientific advancements.
- Reliance on a single institution for critical research outcomes.
- Uncertainty in translating fundamental research findings into practical applications.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-health-and-human-services, pa, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Health and Human Services awarded $10.8 million to THE WISTAR INSTITUTE OF ANATOMY AND BIOLOGY. IMMUNE FUNCTION AND BIODEFENSE IN CHILDREN, ELDERLY AND IMMUNOCOMPROMISED POPULATIONS
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is THE WISTAR INSTITUTE OF ANATOMY AND BIOLOGY.
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 $10.8 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2005-08-25. End: 2011-06-29.
What specific milestones or deliverables are expected from this research, and how will their achievement be measured to ensure value for money?
The contract likely outlines specific research objectives, experimental designs, and expected outcomes. Progress would typically be monitored through regular progress reports, scientific publications, and presentations. The 'COST NO FEE' structure implies the government bears the cost of research, with the value derived from the scientific knowledge and potential health benefits generated, rather than a fixed price for specific deliverables.
Given the long duration, what are the potential risks of scientific obsolescence or shifts in research priorities, and how are these mitigated?
Long-term research projects face risks of evolving scientific understanding or changing public health needs. Mitigation strategies may include built-in flexibility within the research plan, regular reviews by scientific advisory boards, and potential for contract modifications if significant shifts occur. The 'COST NO FEE' structure allows for adaptation as research progresses.
How does the Wistar Institute's track record in similar research inform the assessment of this contract's potential effectiveness?
The Wistar Institute has a strong reputation in biomedical research, including immunology and infectious diseases. Their history of successful research, publications, and development of medical countermeasures suggests a high likelihood of effectiveness. The NIH's selection process would have vetted the institute's capabilities and past performance.
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: 21
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 3601 SPRUCE STREET, PHILADELPHIA, PA, 19104
Business Categories: Category Business, Nonprofit Organization, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $23,012,476
Exercised Options: $18,921,197
Current Obligation: $10,764,775
Contract Characteristics
Multi-Year Contract: Yes
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Timeline
Start Date: 2005-08-25
Current End Date: 2011-06-29
Potential End Date: 2011-06-29 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2024-11-23
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