HHS awards $2.8M task order for animal model development to Battelle Memorial Institute

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $2,801,198 ($2.8M)

Contractor: Battelle Memorial Institute

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2012-03-21

End Date: 2014-08-30

Contract Duration: 892 days

Daily Burn Rate: $3.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: TASK ORDER-DEVELOPMENT QUALIFICATION OF AN H-ARS ANIMAL MODEL USING THE MINI-PIG TO PNNL

Place of Performance

Location: RICHLAND, BENTON County, WASHINGTON, 99352

State: Washington Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $2.8 million to BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTE for work described as: TASK ORDER-DEVELOPMENT QUALIFICATION OF AN H-ARS ANIMAL MODEL USING THE MINI-PIG TO PNNL Key points: 1. Contract value represents a moderate investment in specialized biological research. 2. Competition dynamics suggest a potentially competitive bidding environment for this type of service. 3. Performance timeline of approximately two years indicates a focused research objective. 4. The contract falls within the broader category of biological product manufacturing. 5. This award is part of the government's ongoing efforts to develop advanced research tools.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $2.8 million for a task order focused on developing an animal model appears within a reasonable range for specialized biological research and development. Benchmarking against similar contracts for animal model development or specialized biological manufacturing would provide a clearer picture of value for money. Without specific comparable data on the complexity and novelty of the H-ARS animal model, a definitive value assessment is challenging. However, the fixed fee structure suggests that costs were estimated upfront, which can offer some cost control.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This task order was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. The presence of three bidders suggests a moderate level of competition for this specialized service. A higher number of bidders typically leads to more competitive pricing and a wider selection of qualified contractors. The fact that it was competed fully is a positive sign for price discovery and ensuring taxpayer funds are used efficiently.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by driving down prices through market forces and ensuring that the government receives the best value from a broad pool of potential providers.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiary is the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR) within HHS, which gains a critical research tool. The service delivered is the development and qualification of a specific animal model (H-ARS) using mini-pigs. The geographic impact is primarily within the research facilities of PNNL (Pacific Northwest National Laboratory), where the model will be utilized. Workforce implications include specialized scientific and technical roles at Battelle and potentially PNNL for model implementation and use.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if the qualification process encounters unforeseen challenges.
Reliance on a single contractor for a critical research tool could pose a risk if performance issues arise.
The specific utility and long-term applicability of the H-ARS animal model need to be validated post-development.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, indicating a robust selection process.
The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type provides a degree of cost certainty once the fixed fee is established.
The contractor, Battelle Memorial Institute, is a well-established research organization with a track record in similar fields.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader scientific research and development sector, specifically focusing on biological product manufacturing and the creation of specialized research tools. The market for developing and qualifying animal models is niche, often involving contract research organizations (CROs) and specialized laboratories. Spending in this area is driven by the need for advanced preclinical testing and understanding of biological processes, particularly in areas like public health preparedness. Comparable spending benchmarks would likely be found within R&D budgets of agencies like HHS, NIH, and DoD for similar biological research initiatives.

Small Business Impact

This contract does not appear to have a small business set-aside. Given the specialized nature of developing and qualifying an animal model, it is likely that larger, more experienced research institutions or companies were best positioned to bid. There is no explicit indication of subcontracting requirements for small businesses within the provided data, suggesting that the primary focus was on the prime contractor's capabilities.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this task order would typically be managed by the contracting officer and the technical point of contact within the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR). The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) structure requires careful monitoring of costs to ensure they align with the established fixed fee. Transparency is generally maintained through contract reporting mechanisms, though specific details of the research progress may be proprietary. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.

Related Government Programs

Biological Product Manufacturing
Research and Development Services
Animal Model Development
Public Health Preparedness Research
Contract Research Organizations (CROs)

Risk Flags

Potential for research challenges impacting timeline and budget.
Need for rigorous validation of the animal model's efficacy and reproducibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $2.8 million to BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTE. TASK ORDER-DEVELOPMENT QUALIFICATION OF AN H-ARS ANIMAL MODEL USING THE MINI-PIG TO PNNL

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTE.

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 $2.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2012-03-21. End: 2014-08-30.

What is the specific scientific objective of developing the H-ARS animal model using the mini-pig?

The H-ARS animal model, developed using mini-pigs, is intended to serve as a specialized tool for research and development within the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR). While the exact nature of 'H-ARS' is not detailed, the use of mini-pigs suggests applications in areas requiring physiological similarities to humans, potentially for studying infectious diseases, vaccine efficacy, or therapeutic interventions. The qualification process ensures the model reliably mimics human responses, making it a valuable asset for preclinical testing and advancing public health preparedness strategies. This model aims to provide a more accurate and relevant platform for scientific inquiry compared to traditional laboratory animals.

How does the $2.8 million cost compare to similar animal model development contracts?

Directly comparing the $2.8 million cost to similar animal model development contracts is challenging without access to a comprehensive database of specialized R&D procurements. However, the value appears moderate for a task order focused on developing and qualifying a specific animal model. Contracts for developing complex biological models, especially those requiring unique physiological characteristics or disease simulation, can range from hundreds of thousands to several million dollars, depending on the duration, complexity, and the specific animal species involved. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) structure indicates that costs were estimated and a fixed fee was negotiated, suggesting a degree of cost control. Further analysis would require benchmarking against contracts with similar scientific objectives and technical requirements.

What are the key risks associated with this contract for Battelle Memorial Institute?

For Battelle Memorial Institute, key risks associated with this contract include technical challenges in successfully developing and qualifying the H-ARS animal model to meet the stringent requirements of ASPR. Unforeseen biological complexities or difficulties in achieving the desired model characteristics could lead to cost overruns if not managed within the fixed fee structure, potentially impacting profitability. There's also a risk of delays if the qualification process encounters unexpected hurdles, affecting the project timeline. Maintaining consistent performance and delivering a model that proves scientifically valuable and reproducible are critical to client satisfaction and future opportunities. Ensuring adherence to ethical animal research standards and regulatory compliance also presents an ongoing operational risk.

What is the expected impact of this animal model on public health preparedness?

The development of the H-ARS animal model is expected to significantly enhance public health preparedness by providing a more accurate and reliable platform for studying potential threats and evaluating countermeasures. Mini-pigs are often chosen for their physiological similarities to humans, making them suitable for modeling human diseases and responses to medical interventions. This improved model can accelerate the testing of vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostic tools, allowing for faster development and deployment during public health emergencies. By enabling more predictive preclinical research, the H-ARS model can help ASPR make more informed decisions regarding resource allocation, intervention strategies, and overall readiness, ultimately contributing to a more robust national response capability.

What is Battelle Memorial Institute's track record in biological research and animal model development?

Battelle Memorial Institute is a globally recognized research and development organization with a long-standing history and extensive expertise in various scientific domains, including biological research and the development of animal models. They have a proven track record of undertaking complex R&D projects for government agencies and private sector clients. Battelle operates state-of-the-art laboratories and employs numerous scientists and technicians specializing in areas such as toxicology, pharmacology, infectious diseases, and biomedical engineering. Their experience likely encompasses the design, implementation, and validation of various animal models across different species, tailored to specific research questions. This background suggests they possess the necessary infrastructure, scientific acumen, and project management capabilities to successfully execute this task order.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Pharmaceutical and Medicine Manufacturing › Biological Product (except Diagnostic) Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › N – Health R&D Services

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: 10100SOL00025

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 902 BATTELLE BLVD, RICHLAND, WA, 99354

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $2,801,198

Exercised Options: $2,801,198

Current Obligation: $2,801,198

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: HHSO100201100010I

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline