HHS awards $2.2M task order to Battelle Memorial Institute for Marburg virus research

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $2,223,646 ($2.2M)

Contractor: Battelle Memorial Institute

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2017-09-21

End Date: 2026-03-12

Contract Duration: 3,094 days

Daily Burn Rate: $719/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF - TASK ORDER AWARD TO BATTELLE MEMORIAL FOR THE CHARACTERIZATION OF THE DISEASE COUSE IN RHESUS MACAQUES INFECTED WITH MARBURG EBOLAVIRUS DISEASE.

Place of Performance

Location: COLUMBUS, FRANKLIN County, OHIO, 43201

State: Ohio Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $2.2 million to BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTE for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF - TASK ORDER AWARD TO BATTELLE MEMORIAL FOR THE CHARACTERIZATION OF THE DISEASE COUSE IN RHESUS MACAQUES INFECTED WITH MARBURG EBOLAVIRUS DISEASE. Key points: 1. Contract focuses on critical research into a deadly zoonotic disease. 2. The award utilizes a cost-plus-fixed-fee structure, common for R&D. 3. Competition was full and open, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 4. The contract duration extends over several years, indicating a long-term research effort. 5. Research and Development in Biotechnology is the primary NAICS code. 6. The contract is a delivery order under a larger contract vehicle.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $2.2 million for a multi-year research project on a high-consequence pathogen appears reasonable. Benchmarking against similar R&D contracts for infectious disease research would provide further context, but the fixed fee component suggests a controlled cost structure. The specific nature of the research, characterizing a disease in animal models, is complex and requires specialized expertise.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple qualified bidders had the opportunity to submit proposals. This competitive process is expected to drive fair pricing and ensure the government selects the most capable contractor. The number of bidders is not specified, but the open competition is a positive indicator for price discovery.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by fostering a competitive environment that can lead to more cost-effective awards and a wider pool of innovative solutions.

Public Impact

The research directly benefits public health by advancing understanding of Marburg virus disease. Services delivered include characterization of the disease in rhesus macaques. The geographic impact is primarily within the United States, where the research is conducted. The contract supports specialized scientific workforce in biotechnology and infectious disease research.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns in complex R&D projects.
Long-term nature of the contract requires sustained oversight.
Dependence on specialized animal models and research facilities.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition.
Focus on a critical public health threat.
Contractor has expertise in R&D and biotechnology.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development in Biotechnology sector, a critical area for national security and public health. The market for infectious disease research is highly specialized, with a limited number of firms possessing the necessary expertise and facilities. Spending in this sector is often driven by emerging threats and the need for advanced scientific understanding.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication that this contract was specifically set aside for small businesses, nor is there information on subcontracting plans. Given the specialized nature of the research, it is likely that larger, established research institutions or companies with specific capabilities were the primary focus of the competition.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight is likely managed by the Office of Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR) within HHS. The contract type (Cost Plus Fixed Fee) necessitates careful monitoring of costs and progress. Transparency is generally maintained through contract awards databases, though specific research methodologies and findings may be subject to publication schedules and intellectual property considerations.

Related Government Programs

National Institutes of Health (NIH) research grants
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) infectious disease programs
Biodefense and pandemic preparedness initiatives

Risk Flags

Research and Development Complexity
Biosafety and Biosecurity Risks
Long-term Project Duration
Reliance on Animal Models

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $2.2 million to BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTE. IGF::OT::IGF - TASK ORDER AWARD TO BATTELLE MEMORIAL FOR THE CHARACTERIZATION OF THE DISEASE COUSE IN RHESUS MACAQUES INFECTED WITH MARBURG EBOLAVIRUS DISEASE.

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 $2.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2017-09-21. End: 2026-03-12.

What is Battelle Memorial Institute's track record with similar government R&D contracts, particularly in infectious disease research?

Battelle Memorial Institute has a significant history of performing research and development for various government agencies, including the Department of Defense and Department of Health and Human Services. They have extensive experience in areas such as chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive (CBRNE) defense, as well as infectious disease research and medical countermeasures. Their portfolio often includes complex, multi-disciplinary projects requiring specialized facilities and expertise. While specific details on past Marburg virus research contracts are not immediately available, their general profile suggests a strong capability to undertake this type of work. Reviewing past performance evaluations and contract awards for similar projects would provide a more granular understanding of their success rate and adherence to timelines and budgets.

How does the $2.2 million award compare to the typical cost of similar infectious disease characterization research contracts?

Benchmarking the $2.2 million award requires comparing it to contracts for similar research scope, duration, and complexity within the infectious disease sector. Contracts involving animal model studies, particularly with high-consequence pathogens, can be costly due to specialized facilities, safety protocols (e.g., BSL-3 or BSL-4 containment), expert personnel, and the duration of research. A multi-year project of this nature could reasonably fall within this cost range. However, without access to a database of comparable contract values for Marburg virus or similar zoonotic disease research in non-human primates, a precise comparison is difficult. Factors like the specific research objectives, the number of animals involved, and the required analytical techniques would influence the final cost.

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

Key risks for this contract include scientific uncertainty inherent in R&D, potential for unforeseen technical challenges, and the safety risks associated with handling highly pathogenic viruses. Mitigation strategies likely involve the contractor's established safety protocols, adherence to strict biosafety guidelines (e.g., BSL-3/4), and the Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract structure, which allows for flexibility in research direction while maintaining cost control through the fixed fee. The government's oversight team will monitor progress, review data, and ensure adherence to the research plan and safety standards. The long contract duration also presents a risk of shifting research priorities or funding availability, which would require careful management and potential contract modifications.

What is the expected effectiveness of this research in improving preparedness or response to Marburg virus disease outbreaks?

The effectiveness of this research hinges on its ability to yield critical data that enhances our understanding of Marburg virus disease pathogenesis, transmission dynamics within a host, and the host's immune response. By characterizing the disease in rhesus macaques, researchers aim to develop better diagnostic tools, identify potential therapeutic targets, and inform the development of vaccines or treatments. Improved characterization can lead to more accurate risk assessments during outbreaks, better-informed public health interventions, and more effective clinical management strategies. The ultimate effectiveness will be measured by the quality and applicability of the scientific findings generated and their integration into broader public health preparedness and response frameworks.

How has federal spending on Marburg virus research evolved over time, and does this contract represent a significant shift?

Federal spending on Marburg virus research, while not as prominent as for some other high-consequence pathogens like Ebola or influenza, has seen fluctuations driven by perceived threats and funding opportunities. Historically, significant investments often surge following recognized outbreaks or heightened biodefense concerns. This $2.2 million task order, awarded in 2017 and extending through 2026, represents a sustained, multi-year commitment to fundamental research rather than an immediate response to an acute crisis. It aligns with ongoing efforts within HHS and other agencies to build a robust portfolio of research on emerging infectious diseases and potential biothreats, suggesting a strategic, long-term investment in understanding and preparedness rather than a reactive spending increase.

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: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: RFP16100SOL00008

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 505 KING AVENUE, COLUMBUS, OH, 43201

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $2,223,646

Exercised Options: $2,223,646

Current Obligation: $2,223,646

Actual Outlays: $62,869

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 1

Total Subaward Amount: $1,470,605

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: HHSO100201700011I

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline