NIH awards $12.4M for Atherosclerosis research, with UNC Chapel Hill leading core operations

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $12,441,380 ($12.4M)

Contractor: University of North Carolina AT Chapel Hill

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2016-11-09

End Date: 2023-12-12

Contract Duration: 2,589 days

Daily Burn Rate: $4.8K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF ATHEROSCLEROSIS IN RISK COMMUNITIES - COORDINATING CENTER - CORE STUDY OPERATIONS

Place of Performance

Location: CHAPEL HILL, ORANGE County, NORTH CAROLINA, 27599

State: North Carolina Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $12.4 million to UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT CHAPEL HILL for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF ATHEROSCLEROSIS IN RISK COMMUNITIES - COORDINATING CENTER - CORE STUDY OPERATIONS Key points: 1. Contract focuses on coordinating core study operations for atherosclerosis risk research. 2. The award represents a significant investment in understanding cardiovascular disease. 3. Long-term contract duration suggests a sustained effort in this research area. 4. The chosen contractor has a strong academic and research background. 5. Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences is a key federal investment area.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $12.4 million over approximately 7 years for coordinating core study operations in a complex research area appears reasonable. Benchmarking against similar large-scale epidemiological studies is challenging without more specific service details, but the cost-no-fee contract type suggests the primary focus is on achieving research objectives rather than profit. The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's extensive experience in public health research likely contributes to efficient resource utilization.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple qualified bidders had the opportunity to submit proposals. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but the full and open nature suggests a competitive process that should drive fair pricing and encourage innovation. This approach is generally favored for research grants where scientific merit and technical capability are paramount.

Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition ensures that taxpayer funds are used efficiently by selecting the most capable and cost-effective research institution, maximizing the return on investment for public health initiatives.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are researchers and institutions involved in cardiovascular disease studies, advancing scientific knowledge. The contract supports the delivery of essential coordination and operational services for a multi-year research initiative. The geographic impact is national, focusing on research data collection and analysis across various communities. Workforce implications include support for researchers, project managers, data analysts, and administrative staff at the lead institution and potentially partner sites.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep in long-term research projects if not managed tightly.
Reliance on a single coordinating center could pose a risk if operational disruptions occur.

Positive Signals

Strong academic reputation of the contractor suggests high-quality research execution.
Long-term nature of the award indicates successful past performance and program continuity.
Full and open competition process likely secured competitive pricing and best value.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on life sciences and health. The market for large-scale health research coordination is specialized, often dominated by major academic institutions and research organizations. Federal spending in this area is crucial for advancing public health, understanding diseases like atherosclerosis, and developing effective interventions. Comparable benchmarks would involve other large NIH grants or multi-site epidemiological studies.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication that this contract involved small business set-asides. As a research coordination contract awarded to a large university, the primary focus is on scientific expertise and institutional capacity. Subcontracting opportunities for small businesses are not explicitly detailed but could arise for specialized services if needed by the prime contractor.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight is likely managed by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) program officers and contracting officials. Accountability measures would include adherence to research protocols, timely reporting of findings, and effective management of funds. Transparency is facilitated through public research databases and publications stemming from the study. The Inspector General's office would have jurisdiction over potential fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) research programs
NIH grants for epidemiological studies
Cardiovascular disease research initiatives
Public health research coordination contracts

Risk Flags

Long-term contract duration requires sustained oversight.
Reliance on a single coordinating center for critical operations.
Potential for evolving research needs impacting scope.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $12.4 million to UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT CHAPEL HILL. IGF::OT::IGF ATHEROSCLEROSIS IN RISK COMMUNITIES - COORDINATING CENTER - CORE STUDY OPERATIONS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT CHAPEL HILL.

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 $12.4 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2016-11-09. End: 2023-12-12.

What is the specific scientific objective of the Atherosclerosis In Risk Communities (ARIC) study?

The ARIC study, coordinated under this contract, aims to understand the causes, prevalence, and consequences of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease in diverse communities. It investigates risk factors, disease progression, and the effectiveness of interventions. The core study operations managed by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill are essential for maintaining the integrity of data collection, participant follow-up, and quality control across multiple research sites. The ultimate goal is to inform public health strategies and clinical practices to reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease.

How does the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's track record support their role in this contract?

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) has a long-standing and distinguished history in public health research, particularly in cardiovascular epidemiology. UNC's Gillings School of Global Public Health is consistently ranked among the top public health schools nationally and has extensive experience managing large-scale, multi-center research studies. Their established infrastructure, experienced research personnel, and proven ability to handle complex data management and coordination for initiatives like ARIC make them a highly qualified contractor. Their previous work with NIH and other federal agencies on similar projects demonstrates a strong track record of successful execution and adherence to rigorous scientific standards.

Can the value of this contract be benchmarked against similar federal research coordination efforts?

Benchmarking this $12.4 million contract for coordinating core study operations is complex due to the specialized nature of large epidemiological research. However, it can be broadly compared to other significant NIH grants awarded for coordinating multi-site studies. For instance, other large cohort studies or clinical trial networks managed by academic institutions often receive multi-million dollar awards over several years. The 'Cost No Fee' (CNF) contract type indicates that the award covers direct and indirect costs associated with performing the research services, without an additional profit margin for the contractor. This suggests the value is tied directly to the operational expenses required to maintain the study's integrity and progress.

What are the primary risks associated with a long-term contract for research coordination?

Long-term research coordination contracts, like this one spanning over seven years, carry inherent risks. One primary risk is potential scope creep, where the research objectives or operational demands expand beyond the initial agreement, potentially leading to cost overruns or delays if not managed proactively. Another significant risk is operational disruption; if the coordinating center faces unforeseen challenges such as leadership changes, data breaches, or funding instability (though less likely with a federal contract), it could jeopardize the entire study's continuity. Furthermore, maintaining participant engagement and data quality over extended periods requires continuous effort and adaptation to evolving research methodologies and technologies.

How does the 'Cost No Fee' (CNF) contract type impact the value proposition for taxpayers?

The 'Cost No Fee' (CNF) contract type is significant for taxpayers because it means the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is reimbursed for its allowable costs incurred in performing the contract, but does not receive any additional profit. This structure is common for grants and cooperative agreements where the performing organization is a non-profit entity focused on research or public service rather than commercial gain. For taxpayers, this implies that the awarded funds are primarily directed towards the direct costs of conducting the research operations – personnel, equipment, supplies, and overhead – rather than contractor profit. This can lead to a more cost-effective allocation of federal dollars for research objectives.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)

Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › N – Health R&D Services

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: NHLBIECBHV201702TK

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: University of North Carolina System Office

Address: 104 AIRPORT DR STE 2200, CHAPEL HILL, NC, 27599

Business Categories: Category Business, Educational Institution, Higher Education, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Higher Education (Public)

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $12,441,380

Exercised Options: $12,441,380

Current Obligation: $12,441,380

Actual Outlays: $1,023,655

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: HHSN268201700001I

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline