DoD Awards $20.4M for Vaccine Research to Battelle Memorial Institute Under Full and Open Competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $20,355,673 ($20.4M)
Contractor: Battelle Memorial Institute
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2018-02-09
End Date: 2025-02-11
Contract Duration: 2,559 days
Daily Burn Rate: $8.0K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: WEEVEE VACCINE
Place of Performance
Location: COLUMBUS, FRANKLIN County, OHIO, 43201
State: Ohio Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $20.4 million to BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTE for work described as: WEEVEE VACCINE Key points: 1. Significant investment in R&D for vaccine development. 2. Battelle Memorial Institute, a major research organization, is the awardee. 3. Competition was full and open, suggesting a robust price discovery process. 4. The contract spans over 6 years, indicating a long-term research effort.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $20.4M over approximately 7 years for R&D is within a reasonable range for complex scientific endeavors. Benchmarking against similar large-scale research contracts would provide further context.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, which typically leads to more competitive pricing and ensures the government receives the best value. The price discovery mechanism is robust in this scenario.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for critical vaccine research, with the expectation of a valuable outcome in public health or defense readiness.
Public Impact
Advancement in vaccine technology could have significant public health implications. Investment supports domestic research capabilities in a critical scientific field. Potential for breakthroughs in disease prevention and response.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 79 / 10
Warning Flags
- Long contract duration could introduce scope creep or evolving research needs.
- Cost-plus contracts can sometimes lead to higher costs if not managed tightly.
Positive Signals
- Award to a reputable research institution.
- Full and open competition promotes value.
- Focus on critical R&D area.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. Spending in this sector is crucial for innovation and national security, with significant government investment annually.
Small Business Impact
The awardee, Battelle Memorial Institute, is a large research organization. There is no indication of small business participation in this specific award, which is common for large, specialized R&D contracts.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of the Army is the contracting agency. Oversight will be critical to ensure research milestones are met and funds are used efficiently, especially given the cost-plus contract type.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Army Programs
Risk Flags
- Cost-plus contract type requires careful oversight.
- Long duration may introduce unforeseen challenges.
- Lack of small business participation.
- Research outcomes are inherently uncertain.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, oh, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $20.4 million to BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTE. WEEVEE VACCINE
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTE.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Army).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $20.4 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2018-02-09. End: 2025-02-11.
What are the specific research objectives and expected outcomes of this vaccine development program?
The specific research objectives are not detailed in the provided data. However, the contract's focus on vaccine development suggests aims such as creating novel immunizations against existing or emerging threats, improving vaccine efficacy, or developing new delivery mechanisms. Expected outcomes would include validated vaccine candidates, preclinical or clinical trial data, and potentially licensed vaccines.
How will the cost-plus fixed fee structure be managed to ensure cost efficiency and prevent overruns?
The cost-plus fixed fee (CPFF) structure requires robust oversight from the Department of the Army. This involves detailed monitoring of allowable costs, regular audits, and clear performance metrics. The fixed fee component provides some incentive for the contractor to control costs, but effective government program management and negotiation are paramount to ensure value and prevent unnecessary expenditures.
What is the potential impact of this research on future public health preparedness and national security?
Successful development of advanced vaccines through this research could significantly enhance public health preparedness by providing countermeasures against biological threats, pandemics, or adversary-developed agents. This directly bolsters national security by protecting military personnel and civilian populations, ensuring force readiness, and maintaining societal stability during health crises. The research could lead to faster response capabilities.
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: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 505 KING AVE, 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: $51,310,335
Exercised Options: $43,256,455
Current Obligation: $20,355,673
Actual Outlays: $32,928
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 13
Total Subaward Amount: $11,659,519
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: GS00Q14OADU402
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2018-02-09
Current End Date: 2025-02-11
Potential End Date: 2025-02-11 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-12-31
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