DHHS awards $12.9M to UC Irvine for R&D, highlighting long-term investment in physical, engineering, and life sciences

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $12,897,434 ($12.9M)

Contractor: University of California Irvine

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2005-09-30

End Date: 2015-08-04

Contract Duration: 3,595 days

Daily Burn Rate: $3.6K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 11

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: NCS

Place of Performance

Location: IRVINE, ORANGE County, CALIFORNIA, 92697, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

State: California Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $12.9 million to UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA IRVINE for work described as: NCS Key points: 1. Significant 10-year contract value of $12.9M for R&D services. 2. Full and open competition indicates a robust market for these specialized services. 3. Potential for high impact research with long-term benefits. 4. Sector focus on physical, engineering, and life sciences R&D.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $12.9M over 10 years suggests a substantial investment. Without specific per-unit cost data or comparable contract benchmarks for similar R&D projects, a precise pricing assessment is difficult, but the duration implies a steady, ongoing need.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. This method typically fosters competitive pricing and ensures the government receives the best value.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being invested in advanced research and development, which can lead to future innovations and economic growth, though the direct return on investment can be long-term and uncertain.

Public Impact

Supports advancements in physical, engineering, and life sciences research. Potential for groundbreaking discoveries with broad societal benefits. Long-term commitment to scientific inquiry and innovation. Investment in a leading research institution, UC Irvine.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of specific performance metrics or outcomes in provided data.
Potential for research to not yield expected results or applications.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition.
Long contract duration suggests sustained need and value.
Investment in a critical R&D sector.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences sector. Spending in this area is crucial for technological advancement and scientific discovery, often characterized by long project timelines and high upfront investment.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate any specific set-asides for small businesses. Given the nature of advanced research and the recipient being a large university, it's likely that small businesses were not primary targets for this specific award, though they may be subcontractors.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight would typically be managed by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) through regular reporting and milestone reviews. The long duration necessitates consistent monitoring to ensure research objectives are met and funds are used appropriately.

Related Government Programs

Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences
Department of Health and Human Services Contracting
National Institutes of Health Programs

Risk Flags

Long contract duration (10 years) increases risk of scope creep or changing research priorities.
Lack of specific performance metrics makes outcome assessment difficult.
Potential for research to not yield commercially viable or impactful results.
High dollar value requires robust oversight to ensure proper fund utilization.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $12.9 million to UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA IRVINE. NCS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA IRVINE.

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: 2005-09-30. End: 2015-08-04.

What specific research areas within physical, engineering, and life sciences are being funded by this contract?

The provided data identifies the general category as 'Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences' (NAICS 541710) and the awarding agency as the National Institutes of Health (NIH). However, it does not specify the precise research topics or projects funded under this particular contract with the University of California, Irvine. Further investigation into NIH's project portfolios or UC Irvine's research grants would be needed to determine the specific scientific focus.

How does the cost structure of this contract compare to similar long-term R&D grants or contracts?

Benchmarking this $12.9 million contract over 10 years (approximately $1.29 million annually) against similar R&D contracts is challenging without more granular data. Factors like the specific research field, the institution's overhead rates, and the scope of work significantly influence costs. Full and open competition suggests the pricing was deemed competitive at the time of award, but a direct comparison requires access to detailed cost breakdowns and market data for comparable projects.

What are the expected deliverables or milestones for this research contract, and how is success measured?

The provided data does not detail the specific deliverables, milestones, or success metrics for this contract. Typically, R&D contracts of this nature would involve periodic progress reports, publications, patent applications, or the development of prototypes. The National Institutes of Health would establish these criteria to ensure accountability and track the scientific and potential commercial impact of the funded research over the contract's duration.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences

Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › Community and Regional Development R&D Services

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Offers Received: 11

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: State of California Controllers Office (UEI: 071549000)

Address: 4199 CAMPUS DR STE 300, IRVINE, CA, 92697

Business Categories: Category Business, Educational Institution, Higher Education, Higher Education (Minority Serving), Not Designated a Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $42,053,723

Exercised Options: $13,800,437

Current Obligation: $12,897,434

Timeline