HHS awards $28.87M for ZMapp research, with potential for cost-plus fixed fee adjustments
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $28,870,288 ($28.9M)
Contractor: Mapp Biopharmaceutical, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services
Start Date: 2016-06-27
End Date: 2027-12-31
Contract Duration: 4,204 days
Daily Burn Rate: $6.9K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: MAPP EAP - IGF::CL::IGF FOR OTHER FUNCTIONSEXPANDED ACCESS PROTOCOL FOR ZMAPP
Place of Performance
Location: SAN DIEGO, SAN DIEGO County, CALIFORNIA, 92121
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Health and Human Services obligated $28.9 million to MAPP BIOPHARMACEUTICAL, INC. for work described as: MAPP EAP - IGF::CL::IGF FOR OTHER FUNCTIONSEXPANDED ACCESS PROTOCOL FOR ZMAPP Key points: 1. Significant investment in biopharmaceutical research and development for potential pandemic countermeasures. 2. Contract awarded via full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. Risk of cost overruns exists due to the Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type. 4. The R&D sector is inherently high-risk, with outcomes uncertain but potentially high reward.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract's Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) structure allows for cost reimbursement plus a fixed fee. While this incentivizes contractor efficiency, it carries a risk of cost escalation if initial estimates are inaccurate or unforeseen development challenges arise.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating multiple bidders were considered. This method generally promotes competitive pricing and ensures the government receives fair market value.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being invested in critical R&D, with the potential for significant public health benefits if ZMapp proves effective. Competition aims to ensure efficient use of these funds.
Public Impact
Development of potential treatments for emerging infectious diseases. Investment in national biodefense and public health preparedness. Potential for future commercialization and public access to advanced medical countermeasures.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost overrun risk with CPFF contract.
- R&D effectiveness is uncertain.
- Long contract duration (over 10 years).
Positive Signals
- Awarded via full and open competition.
- Addresses critical public health need.
- Potential for significant positive health outcomes.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities sector, specifically focusing on biopharmaceutical development. Spending benchmarks in this area are highly variable due to the nature of innovation and discovery.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate whether small businesses were involved in this contract. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business participation.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract is managed by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), specifically the Office of Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR), which has oversight responsibilities for biodefense and public health emergencies.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities
- Department of Health and Human Services Contracting
- Office of Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response Programs
Risk Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type.
- Long contract duration (over 10 years).
- Uncertainty inherent in R&D projects.
- Potential for scope creep or changing requirements.
- Dependence on contractor's technical expertise.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-social-s, department-of-health-and-human-services, ca, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Health and Human Services awarded $28.9 million to MAPP BIOPHARMACEUTICAL, INC.. MAPP EAP - IGF::CL::IGF FOR OTHER FUNCTIONSEXPANDED ACCESS PROTOCOL FOR ZMAPP
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is MAPP BIOPHARMACEUTICAL, INC..
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Health and Human Services (Office of Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $28.9 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2016-06-27. End: 2027-12-31.
What is the projected timeline for key ZMapp development milestones under this contract?
The contract duration extends to December 2027, suggesting a long-term development plan. Specific milestone timelines would typically be detailed in the contract's statement of work. These would outline expected progress in preclinical and clinical testing phases, manufacturing scale-up, and regulatory submissions, crucial for assessing the project's trajectory and the efficient use of funds.
How will the government mitigate the risk of cost overruns associated with the CPFF structure?
Mitigation strategies for CPFF contracts often include robust cost monitoring, detailed performance metrics, and clear communication channels with the contractor. The government likely employs program managers to scrutinize expenditures, validate costs, and ensure adherence to the fixed fee. Regular reviews and potential contract modifications based on performance and evolving R&D needs are also key.
What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for evaluating the effectiveness of ZMapp research?
Effectiveness KPIs would likely focus on scientific and clinical outcomes, such as the efficacy of ZMapp in preclinical models or human trials, safety profiles, and the development of manufacturing processes. Progress towards regulatory approval and the potential for broad public health impact would also be critical measures of success for this R&D investment.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities
Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › N – Health R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: BASIC RESEARCH
Solicitation ID: BAA16100SOL00001
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 6160 LUSK BLVD STE 105, SAN DIEGO, CA, 92121
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $28,870,288
Exercised Options: $28,870,288
Current Obligation: $28,870,288
Actual Outlays: $9,244,412
Contract Characteristics
Multi-Year Contract: Yes
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Timeline
Start Date: 2016-06-27
Current End Date: 2027-12-31
Potential End Date: 2027-12-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-03-17
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