NIH awards $16.8M for translational nanotechnology research, highlighting R&D in biotechnology

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $16,786,327 ($16.8M)

Contractor: THE General Hospital Corporation

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2010-08-13

End Date: 2015-08-12

Contract Duration: 1,825 days

Daily Burn Rate: $9.2K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 10

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: TAS::75 0872::TAS TRANSLATIONAL PROGRAM OF EXCELLENCE IN NANOTECHNOLOGY (MGH)

Place of Performance

Location: BOSTON, SUFFOLK County, MASSACHUSETTS, 02199

State: Massachusetts Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $16.8 million to THE GENERAL HOSPITAL CORPORATION for work described as: TAS::75 0872::TAS TRANSLATIONAL PROGRAM OF EXCELLENCE IN NANOTECHNOLOGY (MGH) Key points: 1. Contract awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a robust bidding process. 2. The contract duration of 5 years (1825 days) indicates a significant, long-term research commitment. 3. The award type 'DCA' (Definitive Contract, Award) signifies a firm commitment from the agency. 4. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 541711 points to specialized R&D in biotechnology. 5. The contractor, The General Hospital Corporation, is a significant entity in the healthcare sector. 6. The contract value of over $16.7 million represents a substantial investment in scientific advancement.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $16.8 million over five years for specialized R&D in nanotechnology appears reasonable given the nature of scientific research. Benchmarking against similar large-scale, multi-year research grants from NIH would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. However, the 'COST NO FEE' contract type suggests that the focus is on covering allowable costs rather than profit, which can be advantageous for the government in research settings.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION,' indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit a bid. The presence of 10 bidders (no: 10) suggests a healthy level of competition for this research opportunity. This broad competition is generally favorable for price discovery and ensures the government can select from a wide range of qualified entities.

Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition ensures that taxpayer funds are likely being used efficiently by fostering a competitive environment that drives innovation and potentially better research outcomes.

Public Impact

This contract directly benefits the advancement of nanotechnology research, potentially leading to breakthroughs in various fields. The services delivered are focused on research and development in biotechnology, pushing the boundaries of scientific knowledge. The geographic impact is primarily within Massachusetts (MA), where The General Hospital Corporation is located, but the scientific advancements can have global implications. The contract supports a specialized workforce of researchers and scientists, contributing to the growth of the biotechnology sector.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep in long-term research projects if not managed diligently.
Reliance on a single primary contractor for a significant duration could pose risks if performance issues arise.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a competitive selection process.
The contractor is a well-established institution, suggesting a track record of capability.
The contract is for research and development, aligning with strategic government investment in innovation.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development (R&D) sector, specifically focusing on Biotechnology. The R&D sector is characterized by significant investment in innovation and scientific discovery. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve looking at other large federal grants for advanced scientific research, particularly in emerging fields like nanotechnology. The market size for biotechnology R&D is substantial, with continuous government and private sector funding driving growth.

Small Business Impact

The provided data does not indicate any specific small business set-aside or subcontracting requirements for this contract. As a large research grant awarded to a major hospital corporation, the primary focus is likely on the principal investigator's capabilities rather than small business participation. Further investigation would be needed to determine if any subcontracting opportunities exist for small businesses within the scope of this research.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), a division of the Department of Health and Human Services. Accountability measures would include regular progress reports, milestone achievements, and adherence to research protocols. Transparency is generally maintained through public research publications and grant databases, although specific contract details might be less accessible. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

National Institutes of Health Research Grants
Biotechnology Research and Development Programs
Nanotechnology Research Initiatives
Federal Funding for Scientific Advancement

Risk Flags

Long-term research project with inherent scientific uncertainty.
Potential for personnel changes impacting research continuity.
Reliance on a single institution for a significant research program.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $16.8 million to THE GENERAL HOSPITAL CORPORATION. TAS::75 0872::TAS TRANSLATIONAL PROGRAM OF EXCELLENCE IN NANOTECHNOLOGY (MGH)

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is THE GENERAL HOSPITAL CORPORATION.

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 $16.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2010-08-13. End: 2015-08-12.

What is the track record of The General Hospital Corporation in securing and managing large federal research grants, particularly in nanotechnology?

The General Hospital Corporation, often associated with Massachusetts General Hospital, has a strong reputation for medical research and innovation. While specific data on their track record with nanotechnology grants isn't detailed here, their affiliation with a leading research institution suggests a capacity for managing complex, large-scale federal funding. NIH grants are highly competitive, and securing such awards typically indicates a history of successful research outcomes, strong principal investigators, and robust administrative support for grant management. Further analysis would involve reviewing their publication record, previous NIH funding history, and any reported successes or challenges in managing similar research projects.

How does the $16.8 million contract value compare to other NIH grants for similar nanotechnology research projects?

The $16.8 million award over five years for 'Translational Program of Excellence in Nanotechnology' is a substantial sum, indicative of a significant, multi-faceted research endeavor. NIH grants vary widely in value depending on the scope, duration, and specific research aims. Large center grants or program project grants can easily reach tens of millions of dollars over their lifespan. To benchmark this specific contract, one would compare it to other NIH 'center' or 'program project' grants awarded under similar NAICS codes (e.g., 541711) and focused on nanotechnology or advanced biotechnology. The 'COST NO FEE' designation also influences the structure of the award, focusing on direct and indirect costs rather than profit margins, which is common for institutional research awards.

What are the primary risks associated with a five-year research contract of this magnitude?

The primary risks associated with a five-year research contract of this magnitude include scientific uncertainty (research may not yield expected results), potential for scope creep if research directions evolve significantly, and personnel turnover among key researchers. There's also a risk of underperformance if the contractor fails to meet milestones or maintain research quality. For the government, a significant risk is the commitment of substantial funds to a project that might not ultimately lead to the desired technological or medical advancements. Effective project management, regular progress reviews, and clear communication channels are crucial to mitigate these risks.

What does the 'COST NO FEE' contract type imply for the government and the contractor?

The 'COST NO FEE' contract type signifies that the government agrees to reimburse the contractor for all allowable costs incurred in performing the contract, but the contractor will not receive any additional payment for profit. This is common in research and development contracts, especially those awarded to non-profit institutions like universities or hospitals, where the primary objective is scientific advancement rather than commercial gain. For the government, it means the total expenditure is directly tied to the actual costs of research, potentially offering better cost control compared to fixed-price contracts with profit margins. For the contractor, it ensures that their research expenses are covered, but it removes the profit incentive that might exist in other contract types.

How does the duration of 1825 days (5 years) impact the strategic goals of the funding agency (NIH)?

The 1825-day (5-year) duration of this contract is typical for significant research projects funded by agencies like the NIH. This timeframe allows for the in-depth exploration of complex scientific questions, the development of novel technologies, and the potential for translational research – moving discoveries from the lab to practical applications. A five-year period provides stability for research teams, enabling them to build momentum and pursue ambitious goals that cannot be achieved in shorter funding cycles. It aligns with NIH's strategic objective of fostering long-term scientific inquiry and supporting the development of potentially groundbreaking innovations in areas like nanotechnology and biotechnology.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in 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: 10

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Partners Healthcare System, Inc (UEI: 825636988)

Address: 55 FRUIT ST, BOSTON, MA, 90

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Tax Exempt, Hospital, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $16,786,327

Exercised Options: $16,786,327

Current Obligation: $16,786,327

Timeline