NIH awards $15M+ for advanced biomedical research to Integrated Biotherapeutics, LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $14,985,238 ($15.0M)

Contractor: Integrated Biotherapeutics, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2008-09-30

End Date: 2014-07-02

Contract Duration: 2,101 days

Daily Burn Rate: $7.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: BIOMEDICAL (ADVANCED)

Place of Performance

Location: GERMANTOWN, MONTGOMERY County, MARYLAND, 20876

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $15.0 million to INTEGRATED BIOTHERAPEUTICS, LLC for work described as: BIOMEDICAL (ADVANCED) Key points: 1. Contract awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 2. Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology) is a key area for federal investment. 3. The contract duration of 2101 days indicates a long-term commitment to the research project. 4. The definitive contract type suggests a commitment to a specific scope of work. 5. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee pricing structure can incentivize cost control while ensuring contractor compensation. 6. The awardee, Integrated Biotherapeutics, LLC, is based in Maryland, a hub for biotech and life sciences.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

Benchmarking the value of this contract is challenging without specific performance metrics or comparable contract data. The total award amount of over $15 million over approximately 5.7 years suggests a significant investment in advanced biomedical research. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type means the government pays the contractor's allowable costs plus a fixed fee, which can sometimes lead to higher overall costs compared to fixed-price contracts if not managed carefully. However, for complex R&D, CPFF can be appropriate.

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 4 bidders suggests a reasonable level of competition for this specialized research area. A competitive process generally helps in achieving fair market prices and identifying the most capable contractor.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is generally favorable for taxpayers as it promotes a competitive environment that can drive down costs and improve the quality of services received.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are likely the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the broader scientific community, advancing biomedical knowledge. The services delivered are focused on advanced biomedical research, potentially leading to new therapies or diagnostic tools. The geographic impact is concentrated in Maryland, where the contractor is located, potentially supporting the local economy and workforce. Workforce implications include employment for researchers, scientists, and support staff at Integrated Biotherapeutics, LLC.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts require diligent oversight to ensure costs remain reasonable and the fixed fee is justified.
The long contract duration necessitates ongoing monitoring of progress and adherence to research objectives.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a robust selection process.
The contract supports advanced biomedical research, aligning with national health priorities.
The contractor is based in Maryland, a region with a strong life sciences ecosystem.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development (R&D) sector, specifically focusing on advanced biomedical research. The R&D sector is characterized by innovation and long-term investment. Comparable spending benchmarks would depend on the specific sub-field of biomedical research, but federal investment in NIH is substantial, supporting a wide array of scientific endeavors.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, there are no direct subcontracting implications for small businesses stemming from a set-aside provision. The primary contractor, Integrated Biotherapeutics, LLC, is not identified as a small business in this context.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily reside with the contracting officers and program managers at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure requires careful monitoring of allowable costs and progress towards research milestones. Transparency is typically managed through contract reporting requirements and public databases like FPDS. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.

Related Government Programs

Biomedical Research Grants
National Institutes of Health Research Contracts
Life Sciences R&D Funding
Advanced Technology Development

Risk Flags

Cost Overrun Risk (CPFF)
Long Duration Project Management Challenges
Uncertainty of R&D Outcomes

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $15.0 million to INTEGRATED BIOTHERAPEUTICS, LLC. BIOMEDICAL (ADVANCED)

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is INTEGRATED BIOTHERAPEUTICS, LLC.

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 $15.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2008-09-30. End: 2014-07-02.

What is the specific area of advanced biomedical research this contract supports?

The contract falls under the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 541712, which is defined as 'Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)'. While the contract title mentions 'BIOMEDICAL (ADVANCED)', the specific research focus within this broad category is not detailed in the provided data. Further investigation into the contract's statement of work or associated project descriptions would be necessary to ascertain the precise research objectives, such as specific disease areas, therapeutic modalities, or technological advancements being pursued.

How does the $15M+ award compare to other NIH biomedical R&D contracts?

Comparing this $15M+ award to other NIH biomedical R&D contracts requires access to a broader dataset of NIH awards. However, NIH is the largest public funder of biomedical research in the world, with an annual budget exceeding $40 billion. Individual contracts and grants can range from thousands to hundreds of millions of dollars, depending on the scope, duration, and complexity of the research. A $15M+ award over approximately 5.7 years for advanced biomedical research is a substantial sum, indicative of a significant project, but it is not exceptionally large within the overall NIH funding landscape. It suggests a focused, long-term effort rather than a massive, multi-year program.

What are the key risks associated with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract for R&D?

The primary risk with CPFF contracts, especially in R&D, is the potential for cost overruns. While the 'fixed fee' component provides some predictability for contractor profit, the 'cost plus' element means the government bears the risk of escalating allowable costs. If the contractor's costs exceed initial estimates, the total contract value increases. This necessitates robust government oversight to scrutinize allowable costs, ensure efficiency, and prevent scope creep. For R&D, where outcomes can be uncertain, CPFF is often used to attract contractors for high-risk, high-reward projects, but it requires diligent financial management and performance monitoring by the government to ensure value for money.

What is the track record of Integrated Biotherapeutics, LLC in securing federal R&D contracts?

The provided data indicates that Integrated Biotherapeutics, LLC was awarded this specific contract. To assess their broader track record, one would need to query federal procurement databases (like FPDS or SAM.gov) for all contracts awarded to this entity. This would reveal the number of contracts, their values, agencies involved, and performance history. Without this broader data, it's difficult to definitively assess their overall track record. However, securing a $15M+ contract from NIH suggests they have the capability and competitiveness to win significant federal research funding.

How does the duration of this contract (2101 days) impact project management and oversight?

A contract duration of 2101 days, approximately 5.7 years, is substantial for an R&D project. This long duration allows for in-depth research and development, potentially tackling complex scientific challenges that require sustained effort. However, it also increases the importance of effective project management and continuous oversight. Milestones need to be clearly defined and regularly reviewed to ensure progress aligns with objectives. The government must maintain consistent engagement to adapt to research findings, manage potential shifts in research direction, and ensure the contractor remains focused and efficient throughout the extended period. Long durations can also introduce risks related to personnel turnover and evolving scientific landscapes.

What does the 'Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)' classification imply about the contract's scope?

The NAICS code 541712, 'Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)', indicates that the contract's scope is broad, encompassing scientific inquiry and experimentation across various disciplines. The exclusion of 'Biotechnology' suggests the research may focus on areas like fundamental physics, chemistry, materials science, engineering principles, or biological sciences that do not primarily involve genetic engineering, recombinant DNA technology, or other core biotech methodologies. However, given the contract title 'BIOMEDICAL (ADVANCED)', there could be overlap or a focus on the intersection of these fields, particularly in areas like medical devices, diagnostics, or non-biotech therapeutic development.

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: BASIC RESEARCH

Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 4539 METROPOLITAN CT, FREDERICK, MD, 21704

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $59,056,917

Exercised Options: $14,985,238

Current Obligation: $14,985,238

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Timeline