HHS awards $19.5M for R&D in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences to Research Triangle Institute

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $19,475,189 ($19.5M)

Contractor: Research Triangle Institute

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2010-09-15

End Date: 2015-09-29

Contract Duration: 1,840 days

Daily Burn Rate: $10.6K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: TAS::75 0872::TAS GENTAC (8470187)

Place of Performance

Location: DURHAM, DURHAM County, NORTH CAROLINA, 27709

State: North Carolina Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $19.5 million to RESEARCH TRIANGLE INSTITUTE for work described as: TAS::75 0872::TAS GENTAC (8470187) Key points: 1. The contract focuses on Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences, a critical sector for innovation. 2. Competition was full and open, suggesting a competitive bidding process for this award. 3. The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can incentivize cost control but also carries inherent risk. 4. The awardee, Research Triangle Institute, is a well-established research organization.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $19.5M over approximately 5 years for R&D services appears within a reasonable range for specialized research projects. Benchmarking against similar large-scale R&D contracts would provide a more precise assessment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple bidders were likely considered. This method generally promotes price discovery and competitive pricing.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for critical research and development, which can lead to long-term societal benefits, but the cost-plus-fixed-fee structure warrants careful monitoring to ensure efficiency.

Public Impact

Supports advancements in physical, engineering, and life sciences, potentially leading to new technologies and treatments. The funding contributes to the research ecosystem in North Carolina. The long-term nature of the contract suggests a sustained investment in a specific research area.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can lead to cost overruns if not managed tightly.
Lack of specific performance metrics makes it difficult to assess the true value and effectiveness of the R&D conducted.
The 'br' (base rate?) value of 10584 is unclear and could represent an area for further investigation.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a robust selection process.
The awardee is a reputable research institution.
The contract supports critical R&D in vital scientific fields.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under the Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences sector. Spending in this area is crucial for national competitiveness and innovation, with significant government investment annually.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate any specific involvement or subcontracting with small businesses for this contract. Further investigation would be needed to determine if small business participation was a consideration or requirement.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract's duration and cost-plus-fixed-fee structure necessitate robust oversight from the Department of Health and Human Services to ensure funds are used efficiently and research objectives are met.

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 structure carries inherent cost overrun risk.
Lack of detailed performance metrics makes value assessment challenging.
Potential for scope creep in R&D projects.
Unclear 'br' value requires further investigation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $19.5 million to RESEARCH TRIANGLE INSTITUTE. TAS::75 0872::TAS GENTAC (8470187)

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is RESEARCH TRIANGLE 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 $19.5 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2010-09-15. End: 2015-09-29.

What specific research objectives are being pursued under this contract, and how will their successful completion be measured?

The contract details do not specify the exact research objectives or the metrics for success. Further inquiry with the awarding agency (NIH) would be required to understand the precise scope of work and the key performance indicators established to evaluate the R&D outcomes and ensure taxpayer value.

What is the justification for using a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type for this R&D effort, and what controls are in place to mitigate cost risks?

CPFF contracts are often used for R&D where the scope is not fully defined. The fixed fee provides an incentive for the contractor to control costs. However, robust oversight, regular financial reviews, and clear milestones are crucial to mitigate the risk of cost overruns and ensure the government receives value for its investment.

How does the performance of Research Triangle Institute on this contract compare to industry benchmarks for similar R&D projects in terms of cost, schedule, and technical achievement?

Without specific performance data and defined benchmarks for this particular R&D project, a direct comparison is difficult. A comprehensive assessment would require access to the contractor's performance reports, final deliverables, and comparison against established metrics for similar scientific endeavors.

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: 2

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 3040 CORNWALLIS RD, RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC, 27709

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $19,475,189

Exercised Options: $19,475,189

Current Obligation: $19,475,189

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 50

Total Subaward Amount: $10,566,613

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Timeline