HHS awards $38M for biodefense vaccine tech development to Emergent Product Development

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $38,003,729 ($38.0M)

Contractor: Emergent Product Development Gaithersburg Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2010-08-31

End Date: 2020-09-18

Contract Duration: 3,671 days

Daily Burn Rate: $10.4K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 7

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: TAS::75 0885::TAS DEVELOPMENT OF TECHNOLOGIES TO FACILITATE THE USE OF, AND RESPONSE TO, BIODEFENSE VACCINES

Place of Performance

Location: GAITHERSBURG, MONTGOMERY County, MARYLAND, 20879

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $38.0 million to EMERGENT PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT GAITHERSBURG INC. for work described as: TAS::75 0885::TAS DEVELOPMENT OF TECHNOLOGIES TO FACILITATE THE USE OF, AND RESPONSE TO, BIODEFENSE VACCINES Key points: 1. Significant investment in biodefense vaccine technology development. 2. Contract awarded via full and open competition. 3. Potential for long-term impact on public health preparedness. 4. Focus on research and development in biotechnology sector.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $38M over 10 years suggests a substantial investment. Benchmarking against similar R&D contracts in biotechnology is difficult without more granular cost data, but the duration and scope indicate a significant project.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded through full and open competition, which generally promotes competitive pricing and allows for a broad range of potential contractors to bid. This method aims to ensure the government receives the best value.

Taxpayer Impact: The taxpayer impact is tied to the effectiveness of the developed technologies in enhancing biodefense vaccine use and response, potentially leading to cost savings in future public health crises.

Public Impact

Enhances national security by improving response to biodefense threats. Supports advancements in vaccine technology, potentially benefiting public health. Invests in critical research and development within the biotechnology sector.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Long contract duration may indicate evolving requirements or scope creep.
Cost-plus fixed-fee contracts can sometimes lead to higher costs if not closely managed.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition.
Addresses a critical national security and public health need.
Significant investment in R&D.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development in Biotechnology sector (NAICS 541711). Spending in this area is crucial for innovation but can be subject to long development cycles and uncertain outcomes. Benchmarks are highly variable due to the nature of R&D.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate if small businesses were involved as subcontractors. The primary contractor is Emergent Product Development, which is not typically classified as a small business.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract was awarded by the National Institutes of Health, a component of HHS, suggesting established oversight mechanisms. However, the long duration necessitates continuous monitoring to ensure progress and cost control.

Related Government Programs

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

Risk Flags

Long contract duration (over 10 years).
Cost-plus fixed-fee contract type.
Potential for evolving R&D requirements.
Dependence on successful technological innovation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $38.0 million to EMERGENT PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT GAITHERSBURG INC.. TAS::75 0885::TAS DEVELOPMENT OF TECHNOLOGIES TO FACILITATE THE USE OF, AND RESPONSE TO, BIODEFENSE VACCINES

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is EMERGENT PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT GAITHERSBURG 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 $38.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2010-08-31. End: 2020-09-18.

What specific technologies are being developed, and how do they directly facilitate the use of and response to biodefense vaccines?

The contract aims to develop technologies that improve the administration, efficacy, and monitoring of biodefense vaccines. This could include novel delivery systems, diagnostic tools for assessing immune response, or platforms for rapid vaccine deployment. The specific nature of these technologies is crucial for understanding their direct impact on vaccine utilization and public health preparedness.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this contract, and how is success measured in terms of technological advancement and biodefense readiness?

Success metrics likely focus on the successful development and validation of the specified technologies, meeting defined performance milestones within the R&D lifecycle. Measuring effectiveness involves assessing the technology's ability to improve vaccine administration efficiency, enhance immune response tracking, or expedite response times during a biodefense event, ultimately contributing to national health security.

Given the cost-plus fixed-fee structure and long duration, what measures are in place to prevent cost overruns and ensure efficient use of funds?

Cost-plus fixed-fee contracts require robust government oversight to manage costs effectively. Measures likely include detailed auditing of expenditures, regular progress reviews against defined milestones, and strict adherence to the fixed fee component. Continuous monitoring by NIH program managers is essential to ensure the contractor remains focused on achieving objectives within the allocated budget and timeline.

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: 7

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Emergent Biosolutions Inc. (UEI: 173570271)

Address: 300 PROFESSIONAL DR # 100, GAITHERSBURG, MD, 20879

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $41,126,573

Exercised Options: $38,003,729

Current Obligation: $38,003,729

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Timeline