NIH awards $26M for advanced vaccine development, focusing on Filovirus and Lassa fever

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $26,084,770 ($26.1M)

Contractor: Thomas Jefferson University

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2017-08-31

End Date: 2027-01-31

Contract Duration: 3,440 days

Daily Burn Rate: $7.6K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF ADVANCED DEVELOPMENT OF MULTIVALENT VACCINE CANDIDATES FOR FILOVIRUS AND LASSA FEVER

Place of Performance

Location: PHILADELPHIA, PHILADELPHIA County, PENNSYLVANIA, 19107

State: Pennsylvania Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $26.1 million to THOMAS JEFFERSON UNIVERSITY for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF ADVANCED DEVELOPMENT OF MULTIVALENT VACCINE CANDIDATES FOR FILOVIRUS AND LASSA FEVER Key points: 1. Contract supports critical research into emerging infectious diseases. 2. Funding allocated for advanced development of vaccine candidates. 3. Focus on Filovirus and Lassa fever addresses significant public health threats. 4. Long-term contract duration suggests sustained research effort. 5. Research and Development sector, specifically life sciences, is a key area for federal investment.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of approximately $26 million over its duration appears reasonable for advanced vaccine development, a complex and lengthy process. Benchmarking against similar contracts for vaccine research and development is challenging without more specific details on the scope of work and deliverables. However, the Cost No Fee (CNF) contract type suggests that the contractor bears the financial risk, which can be a positive indicator of value if milestones are met efficiently. The total award amount is spread over a significant period, implying a phased approach to development.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple qualified bidders had the opportunity to submit proposals. The presence of 5 proposals suggests a competitive environment, which typically leads to better pricing and innovation. The agency's decision to pursue full and open competition is a positive sign for ensuring a fair and transparent procurement process.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by fostering a competitive marketplace that can drive down costs and improve the quality of services or research delivered.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are public health organizations and the general population, through the potential development of life-saving vaccines. Services delivered include advanced research and development for vaccine candidates against dangerous viral diseases. Geographic impact is national, with potential global implications for disease control. Workforce implications include support for highly skilled researchers and scientists in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns if research encounters unforeseen scientific or technical challenges, though the CNF structure mitigates direct government financial risk.
Long contract duration could lead to scope creep or shifts in research priorities over time.
Dependence on specific scientific breakthroughs may introduce uncertainty in achieving development milestones.

Positive Signals

Focus on critical public health threats addresses a clear government need.
Full and open competition suggests a robust selection process and potential for innovation.
Cost No Fee contract type shifts financial risk to the contractor, incentivizing efficient execution.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on life sciences and biotechnology. The market for vaccine development is highly specialized, involving significant investment in scientific expertise, laboratory infrastructure, and regulatory compliance. Federal spending in this area is crucial for addressing national security threats posed by infectious diseases and for advancing public health. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically be found within NIH's broader portfolio of extramural research grants and contracts for vaccine development.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication of a small business set-aside for this contract, nor are there explicit subcontracting requirements mentioned in the provided data. The nature of advanced vaccine development often involves large, specialized research institutions or companies with extensive capabilities. The impact on the small business ecosystem is likely indirect, potentially through opportunities for specialized suppliers or services if the prime contractor engages them.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily reside with the National Institutes of Health (NIH), a component of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Accountability measures are typically embedded within the contract terms, requiring the contractor to meet specific research milestones and reporting requirements. Transparency is facilitated through the federal procurement data system, where contract awards are publicly disclosed. The HHS Office of Inspector General (OIG) would have jurisdiction for investigating any potential fraud, waste, or abuse related to this funding.

Related Government Programs

NIH Vaccine Research Center
Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA)
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) funding
Department of Defense Biodefense Programs
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) infectious disease research

Risk Flags

Scientific uncertainty inherent in R&D
Long-term project duration risks
Potential for shifting research priorities

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $26.1 million to THOMAS JEFFERSON UNIVERSITY. IGF::OT::IGF ADVANCED DEVELOPMENT OF MULTIVALENT VACCINE CANDIDATES FOR FILOVIRUS AND LASSA FEVER

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is THOMAS JEFFERSON UNIVERSITY.

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 $26.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2017-08-31. End: 2027-01-31.

What is the track record of Thomas Jefferson University in securing and executing federal contracts for vaccine development?

Thomas Jefferson University, as a prominent academic medical center, has a history of receiving federal funding, particularly from agencies like the NIH, for a wide range of research activities. While specific details on their success rate in winning vaccine development contracts are not provided here, their institutional capacity and research focus suggest they are well-positioned for such awards. Federal contract databases would need to be consulted to ascertain the volume and success of their past federal awards in this specific domain. Their ability to secure this contract under full and open competition indicates they met the rigorous technical and financial requirements set forth by the NIH.

How does the $26 million award compare to typical federal investments in advanced vaccine research for emerging infectious diseases?

The $26 million award for advanced vaccine development over approximately 9.5 years (from August 2017 to January 2027) represents a significant, but not extraordinary, investment for a specific disease focus like Filovirus and Lassa fever. Federal agencies like NIH and BARDA often award contracts and grants in the tens to hundreds of millions of dollars for comprehensive vaccine development programs, especially those targeting high-priority pathogens. The phased nature of this contract, indicated by the long duration, suggests that the funding is likely disbursed based on achieving specific research and development milestones, which is standard practice for managing risk and ensuring progress in complex scientific endeavors.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and how are they being mitigated?

The primary risks are scientific and technical: the inherent uncertainty in vaccine development, potential for research to hit dead ends, or failure to achieve desired efficacy or safety profiles. Market risks are minimal given the public health nature of the work. Mitigation strategies include the Cost No Fee (CNF) contract type, which places financial risk on the contractor, incentivizing efficient management. Furthermore, the phased nature of the award, with funding likely tied to milestones, allows for periodic review and adjustment of the research direction. The competitive award process also suggests that the selected approach was deemed scientifically sound and feasible by expert reviewers.

What is the expected effectiveness of the vaccines being developed under this contract?

The provided data does not specify the expected effectiveness metrics for the vaccines under development. However, the objective of advanced vaccine development is to produce candidates that elicit a robust and protective immune response against Filovirus and Lassa fever. Regulatory agencies like the FDA typically require high levels of efficacy (often exceeding 70-90% protection) and a favorable safety profile for vaccine approval. The success of this contract will be measured by the progression of vaccine candidates through preclinical and potentially early clinical trials, demonstrating proof-of-concept for their protective capabilities.

What are the historical spending patterns for Filovirus and Lassa fever vaccine research by the NIH?

The NIH, particularly through the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), has a history of investing in research for emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases, including viral hemorrhagic fevers like Filovirus and Lassa fever. Spending patterns fluctuate based on perceived threats, outbreaks, and scientific opportunities. While specific historical dollar amounts for these particular diseases are not in the provided data, it is known that NIH allocates substantial resources to countermeasure development, especially following significant outbreaks or global health security concerns. This contract represents a continuation and advancement of that ongoing commitment.

What are the implications of the Cost No Fee (CNF) contract type for the contractor and the government?

The Cost No Fee (CNF) contract type means the government reimburses the contractor for all allowable costs incurred in performing the contract, but pays no fee or profit. This structure is typically used for research and development efforts where the outcome is highly uncertain, and the government wants to encourage the contractor to undertake the work without the added complexity of profit calculations. For the contractor (Thomas Jefferson University), it means they will cover their expenses but receive no additional compensation beyond those costs. For the government, it signifies a focus on achieving the research objectives rather than generating profit for the contractor, and it places the primary financial risk on the contractor if costs exceed projections or if the research is unsuccessful.

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: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: NIHAI2016064

Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1020 WALNUT ST STE 1, PHILADELPHIA, PA, 19107

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Tax Exempt, Educational Institution, Higher Education, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Higher Education (Private), Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $27,042,695

Exercised Options: $26,084,770

Current Obligation: $26,084,770

Actual Outlays: $12,113,128

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 25

Total Subaward Amount: $24,052,751

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Timeline