HHS awards $16.6M for Biotechnology R&D to Baylor College of Medicine under full and open competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $16,633,441 ($16.6M)

Contractor: Baylor College of Medicine

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2007-11-01

End Date: 2017-12-31

Contract Duration: 3,713 days

Daily Burn Rate: $4.5K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 13

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: BIOMEDICAL (APPLIED/EXPLORATORY)

Place of Performance

Location: HOUSTON, HARRIS County, TEXAS, 77030

State: Texas Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $16.6 million to BAYLOR COLLEGE OF MEDICINE for work described as: BIOMEDICAL (APPLIED/EXPLORATORY) Key points: 1. Spending focused on R&D in Biotechnology, a critical sector for national health. 2. Baylor College of Medicine, a significant research institution, is the contractor. 3. The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 4. The contract duration was substantial (3713 days), indicating a long-term research project.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract type is 'COST NO FEE', which is common for research and development where costs are reimbursed but no profit is made. The total award amount of $16.6M over nearly 10 years suggests a moderate annual spend.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded through full and open competition, which typically leads to better price discovery and potentially lower costs for the government. The use of a definitive contract implies a well-defined scope of work.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive nature of the award is positive for taxpayers, as it aims to secure the best value for the research funding.

Public Impact

Advancement in biotechnology research can lead to new medical treatments and public health solutions. Funding for research institutions like Baylor College of Medicine supports scientific innovation and economic development. Long-term contracts allow for sustained research efforts, potentially yielding more significant breakthroughs.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of specific performance metrics or outcomes in the provided data.
The 'COST NO FEE' contract type, while standard for R&D, offers no direct incentive for cost savings.
No indication of small business participation.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition.
Contract awarded to a reputable research institution.
Focus on critical R&D in biotechnology.

Sector Analysis

Biotechnology research and development is a high-priority sector for the Department of Health and Human Services, aimed at advancing medical science and public health. Spending benchmarks vary widely based on the specific research area and scale.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that small business participation was not a factor in this contract award, as the contractor is a large research institution and the 'sb' field is false. Further analysis would be needed to determine if subcontracting opportunities were pursued.

Oversight & Accountability

The award through full and open competition suggests a degree of oversight in the procurement process. However, the long duration of the contract necessitates ongoing monitoring of research progress and fund utilization by the National Institutes of Health.

Related Government Programs

Research and Development in Biotechnology
Department of Health and Human Services Contracting
National Institutes of Health Programs

Risk Flags

Contract duration is very long (3713 days).
Contract type is 'COST NO FEE', offering limited cost control incentives.
No indication of small business subcontracting.
Specific research deliverables and success metrics are not detailed in the provided data.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $16.6 million to BAYLOR COLLEGE OF MEDICINE. BIOMEDICAL (APPLIED/EXPLORATORY)

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is BAYLOR COLLEGE OF MEDICINE.

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 $16.6 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2007-11-01. End: 2017-12-31.

What specific research outcomes were achieved or are expected from this $16.6M investment in biotechnology?

The provided data does not detail the specific research outcomes. However, given the 'Research and Development in Biotechnology' classification, expected outcomes could range from novel drug discoveries, improved diagnostic tools, or advancements in genetic engineering. Further review of NIH project reports or contract modifications would be necessary to ascertain concrete achievements and their alignment with initial objectives.

What are the primary risks associated with a 'COST NO FEE' contract for long-term R&D in biotechnology?

The primary risks with a 'COST NO FEE' contract for long-term R&D include potential cost overruns without direct financial penalty to the contractor, and a lack of incentive for efficient resource utilization. For biotechnology, risks also encompass research failure, ethical considerations, and the long lead times for scientific breakthroughs, which may not align with budgetary cycles or evolving scientific priorities.

How effective was the 'full and open competition' in ensuring value for money for this $16.6M contract?

The 'full and open competition' is generally effective in promoting value for money by allowing multiple qualified entities to bid, fostering price and technical competition. For this $16.6M contract, it suggests that Baylor College of Medicine offered the most advantageous proposal based on the criteria set by the National Institutes of Health. However, true effectiveness is best measured by comparing the achieved research outcomes against the investment and the cost of alternative approaches.

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: 13

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: ONE BAYLOR PLAZA T100, HOUSTON, TX, 77030

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $149,965,748

Exercised Options: $83,066,430

Current Obligation: $16,633,441

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Timeline