HHS awards $27.3M to Curia Global for Neurotherapeutics Research, raising value concerns
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $27,277,165 ($27.3M)
Contractor: Curia Global Inc
Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services
Start Date: 2011-08-17
End Date: 2019-04-15
Contract Duration: 2,798 days
Daily Burn Rate: $9.7K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 9
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: TAS::75 0886::TAS MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY FOR NEUROTHERAPEUTICS PROGRAM (MCNP)
Place of Performance
Location: ALBANY, ALBANY County, NEW YORK, 12212
State: New York Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Health and Human Services obligated $27.3 million to CURIA GLOBAL INC for work described as: TAS::75 0886::TAS MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY FOR NEUROTHERAPEUTICS PROGRAM (MCNP) Key points: 1. Contract awarded for R&D in Biotechnology, a critical sector for public health. 2. Significant award value of $27.3M over 8 years. 3. Competition was full and open, suggesting potential for price discovery. 4. Concerns exist regarding the overall value and cost-effectiveness of the contract.
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
The contract value of $27.3M over nearly 8 years for R&D services appears high when compared to similar research grants or contracts. Without detailed breakdowns of deliverables and milestones, it's difficult to assess if the pricing reflects competitive market rates for the services provided.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, which is a positive sign for price discovery. However, the final award value still warrants scrutiny to ensure it represents good value for taxpayer money.
Taxpayer Impact: The significant award value necessitates careful oversight to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently and effectively for research outcomes.
Public Impact
Potential for advancements in neurotherapeutics, impacting public health. Taxpayer investment in cutting-edge biotechnology research. Contract duration of nearly 8 years suggests a long-term research commitment. Awardee's location in New York may have implications for regional economic impact.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Value for money concerns
- Long contract duration
- Lack of detailed performance metrics
Positive Signals
- Full and open competition
- Focus on critical research area
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development in Biotechnology sector (NAICS 541711). Spending in this sector is crucial for medical advancements but can be highly variable and expensive due to the nature of research. Benchmarks are difficult without specific research scope.
Small Business Impact
There is no indication that small businesses were involved in this contract, either as prime contractors or subcontractors. Further analysis would be needed to determine if opportunities for small business participation were explored or missed.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract was awarded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), a reputable agency with established oversight mechanisms. However, the long duration and significant value warrant ongoing monitoring of performance and expenditures.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in Biotechnology
- Department of Health and Human Services Contracting
- National Institutes of Health Programs
Risk Flags
- High contract value
- Long contract duration
- Potential for cost overruns in R&D
- Lack of specific performance metrics in summary data
Tags
research-and-development-in-biotechnolog, department-of-health-and-human-services, ny, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Health and Human Services awarded $27.3 million to CURIA GLOBAL INC. TAS::75 0886::TAS MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY FOR NEUROTHERAPEUTICS PROGRAM (MCNP)
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is CURIA GLOBAL INC.
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 $27.3 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2011-08-17. End: 2019-04-15.
What specific research milestones and deliverables were established to justify the $27.3M cost over the contract's duration?
The contract details do not explicitly outline specific research milestones or deliverables tied to the $27.3M cost. As a Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract for R&D, the focus is likely on supporting research activities and achieving scientific progress. A detailed review of progress reports and scientific outcomes would be necessary to assess value.
How does the cost per unit of research output compare to similar NIH-funded projects in neurotherapeutics?
Benchmarking the cost per unit of research output is challenging without a standardized definition of 'unit' for R&D. Comparing this contract's overall value to other NIH grants or contracts in neurotherapeutics, considering the scope and duration, is a more feasible approach. The $27.3M over nearly 8 years suggests a substantial investment that requires careful tracking of scientific advancements.
What is the potential long-term impact of this research on public health, and how is success being measured?
The potential long-term impact is significant, aiming to advance neurotherapeutics. Success is likely measured by scientific publications, patent applications, and ultimately, the development of new treatments. The NIH's oversight would focus on the scientific merit and progress reported by Curia Global Inc. throughout the contract period.
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: 9
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: UIC Parent Corporation
Address: 21 CORPORATE CIR, ALBANY, NY, 12203
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $53,718,942
Exercised Options: $27,277,165
Current Obligation: $27,277,165
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2011-08-17
Current End Date: 2019-04-15
Potential End Date: 2022-06-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2024-09-27
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