NIH Awards $12.9M for Biotechnology R&D to Caprion Proteomics Inc. Under Full and Open Competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $12,886,143 ($12.9M)

Contractor: Caprion Proteomics Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2008-09-28

End Date: 2013-09-30

Contract Duration: 1,828 days

Daily Burn Rate: $7.0K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 11

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: BIOMEDICAL (BASIC)

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $12.9 million to CAPRION PROTEOMICS INC for work described as: BIOMEDICAL (BASIC) Key points: 1. Contract awarded for Biomedical (Basic) research, specifically in Biotechnology. 2. Full and open competition was utilized, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. The contract value is $12.9 million over a period of approximately 5 years. 4. The awarding agency is the Department of Health and Human Services (NIH).

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. The awarded amount of $12.9M for 5 years of R&D in biotechnology needs further benchmarking against similar NIH contracts.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

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

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for critical R&D in biotechnology, which has the potential for significant long-term benefits, but the cost-effectiveness needs ongoing scrutiny.

Public Impact

Supports advancements in biomedical research and biotechnology. Potential for new discoveries and treatments in health. Investment in scientific innovation and development.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 70 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can incentivize higher costs.
Long contract duration (5 years) may not adapt well to rapidly evolving research fields.

Positive Signals

Full and open competition promotes fairness and potentially better pricing.
Awarded by a reputable agency (NIH) for R&D.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under the Research and Development in Biotechnology sector. Spending in this area is crucial for scientific progress and public health, with significant government investment typically seen.

Small Business Impact

No specific information is provided regarding small business participation or subcontracting in this award notice.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight would typically be managed by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) program officers to ensure research milestones are met and funds are used appropriately.

Related Government Programs

Research and Development in 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 specific performance metrics in the award notice.
Potential for cost overruns.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $12.9 million to CAPRION PROTEOMICS INC. BIOMEDICAL (BASIC)

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is CAPRION PROTEOMICS 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 $12.9 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2008-09-28. End: 2013-09-30.

What is the typical cost structure for similar biotechnology R&D contracts awarded by NIH?

Benchmarking similar Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts for biotechnology R&D at NIH is crucial. Factors like research scope, duration, and specific scientific objectives influence costs. Without comparative data, assessing the $12.9M award's value is challenging, but generally, NIH aims for competitive pricing through its procurement processes.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this contract to ensure research effectiveness?

Effectiveness is likely measured by achieving specific research milestones outlined in the contract, such as data generation, analysis, and publication of findings. Regular progress reports and scientific reviews by NIH program officers are standard to monitor progress and ensure the research remains on track and scientifically sound.

What is the potential return on investment for taxpayers from this biomedical R&D contract?

The return on investment for taxpayers is primarily long-term and indirect, stemming from potential breakthroughs in disease understanding, diagnostics, and therapeutics. While direct financial returns are unlikely, the societal benefits of advancing public health and scientific knowledge represent the core value proposition.

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: 11

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Great Point Partners LLC (UEI: 557421968)

Address: 7150 RUE ALEXANDER-FLEMING, SAINT-LAURENT

Business Categories: Category Business, Foreign Owned, International Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $14,751,064

Exercised Options: $12,886,143

Current Obligation: $12,886,143

Timeline