NIH awards $30M to Battelle for Childhood Obesity Research, highlighting R&D in Life Sciences
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $30,010,308 ($30.0M)
Contractor: Battelle Memorial Institute
Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services
Start Date: 2010-08-15
End Date: 2016-08-14
Contract Duration: 2,191 days
Daily Burn Rate: $13.7K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 5
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: TAS::75 0872::TAS CHILDHOOD OBESITY (0-8470187)
Place of Performance
Location: COLUMBUS, FRANKLIN County, OHIO, 43201
State: Ohio Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Health and Human Services obligated $30.0 million to BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTE for work described as: TAS::75 0872::TAS CHILDHOOD OBESITY (0-8470187) Key points: 1. Significant investment in a critical public health area. 2. Battelle Memorial Institute is a major research organization. 3. Contract duration of 6 years suggests a substantial research scope. 4. R&D spending in life sciences is a key government priority.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. The award amount of $30M over 6 years needs further scrutiny against similar large-scale R&D contracts to assess value.
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 promotes price discovery and potentially better value for taxpayer funds.
Taxpayer Impact: The $30M investment aims to address childhood obesity, a significant public health issue with long-term cost implications. Effective research could lead to substantial savings in healthcare.
Public Impact
Potential for breakthroughs in understanding and combating childhood obesity. Investment in scientific research contributes to national health and well-being. Findings could inform public health policies and interventions.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type risks potential cost escalation.
- Long contract duration requires ongoing monitoring for performance and budget adherence.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition.
- Addresses a high-priority public health issue.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. Government spending in this sector is crucial for innovation and addressing societal challenges like public health.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate any specific involvement or set-asides for small businesses in this contract. Larger research institutions typically dominate this type of R&D award.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract was awarded by the National Institutes of Health, a reputable agency with established oversight mechanisms. However, the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure necessitates diligent oversight to manage costs effectively.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)
- Department of Health and Human Services Contracting
- National Institutes of Health Programs
Risk Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type.
- Long contract duration.
- Lack of small business participation noted.
- Potential for cost overruns if not closely managed.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-health-and-human-services, oh, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Health and Human Services awarded $30.0 million to BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTE. TAS::75 0872::TAS CHILDHOOD OBESITY (0-8470187)
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is BATTELLE MEMORIAL 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 $30.0 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2010-08-15. End: 2016-08-14.
What specific research objectives are outlined in this contract, and how do they align with current public health priorities for childhood obesity?
The contract details for TAS CHILDHOOD OBESITY (0-8470187) would specify the research objectives. Given the agency (NIH) and the topic, it likely focuses on understanding the causes, prevention, and treatment of childhood obesity through scientific inquiry. Alignment with public health priorities would be assessed by comparing the contract's goals against national health objectives and expert recommendations for tackling this epidemic.
What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this contract, and how will Battelle's progress be measured against them?
Key performance indicators for an R&D contract like this typically include research milestones, publication of findings, development of new methodologies, and successful completion of study phases. Progress is usually measured through regular progress reports, peer reviews, and adherence to the research plan. The specific KPIs would be detailed within the contract's statement of work.
How does the $30M award compare to other NIH-funded research initiatives in similar fields, and does it represent a competitive price for the scope of work?
Benchmarking this $30M award requires comparing it against other large-scale, multi-year R&D grants awarded by NIH for childhood obesity or related life sciences research. Factors like the specific research questions, the duration (6 years), and the research team's expertise influence the cost. A preliminary assessment suggests it's a substantial investment, but a detailed comparative analysis of similar contracts is needed to determine if it's competitively priced.
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
Offers Received: 5
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 505 KING AVENUE, COLUMBUS, OH, 43201
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $30,010,308
Exercised Options: $30,010,308
Current Obligation: $30,010,308
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 23
Total Subaward Amount: $23,056,074
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Timeline
Start Date: 2010-08-15
Current End Date: 2016-08-14
Potential End Date: 2020-01-08 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2024-05-20
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