Department of Health and Human Services Awarded a Contract to BIOQUAL, INC. for $66,355,351.00

Summary of Award

In 2020, the U.S. federal government, through the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and its sub-agency, the National Institutes of Health (NIH), awarded an Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract titled "Simian Vaccine Evaluation Units (SVEUs)" to BIOQUAL, Inc., a research organization based in Rockville, Maryland. This contract focuses on advancing medical research, specifically in AIDS research, as signified by the Product Service Code (PSC) of AN81. The award, identified by the ID "CONT_IDV_75N93020D00006_7529," represents a significant commitment toward scientific research in health-related fields.

BIOQUAL, Inc. serves as the main recipient of the contract, bringing to the table its expertise in research and development services, particularly within the domain of the physical, engineering, and life sciences. The company is categorized under the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 541715, indicating its specialized role in research and advancement in life sciences. As a small, U.S.-owned business, BIOQUAL, Inc. embodies a combination of corporate structure and specialized focus, which aligns well with the needs of contract-based government projects.

Bioqual's core competencies involve providing innovative solutions in biological and biomedical research. They engage in various developmental projects, extending their capabilities to meet the intricate demands of global medical and health challenges. Situated within the scientific hub of Montgomery County, Maryland, BIOQUAL operates at the strategic intersection of research competence and governmental collaboration. The awarded contract has an overarching value of $66,355,351, intended to be distributed over several years, extending from April 1, 2020, to March 31, 2027. However, the total obligation amount as of the contract inception date remains at zero, suggesting that financial engagements are either in preliminary stages or not fully captured in the current dataset. This might imply a phased approach to project implementation, common in contracts spanning several years and involving scientific research. The solicitation process that led to this award involved competitive procedures, as denoted by "full and open competition" in extent competed description. The process attracted three offers and was managed through a "Negotiated Proposal/Quote," emphasizing thorough deliberation in vendor selection and project alignment. Interestingly, no preferential treatments or set-asides for small businesses were applied during this process, reflecting an evaluation centered solely on project-based merits. Under the contract's operational framework, BIOQUAL, Inc. is positioned to lead significant research advances, addressing critical health challenges, primarily focusing on AIDS research. The contract's funding and administrative oversight are facilitated by the National Institutes of Health's office within the HHS, ensuring robust support and supervision. Within this arrangement, the project is articulated as a part of NIH's larger effort in contributing to global health improvements, specifically under NIH’s Division of AIDS (DAIDS) major program. In terms of government contracting intricacies, this IDIQ contract type allows the government to place orders for services up to a maximum value but without committing right away to a specific amount or timing. This contract model is particularly useful in research scenarios, where adjustments and continued assessment of needs and results may dictate spending and project direction. The pricing model is identified as "Cost Plus Fixed Fee," ensuring that the contractor is reimbursed for all legitimate expenses with an additional fixed fee to cover profits. Despite the overall anticipated value, no financial transactions have been recorded yet against the contract in the system, indicating that the financial outlay processes may still be in their initial phase or awaiting specific deliverables. This is an aspect of the award that requires monitoring to evaluate how the project’s financial trajectory aligns with its scientific milestones. Overall, this awarded contract symbolizes strategic commitment by the U.S. government to leverage private sector expertise in tackling enduring public health challenges. By engaging with BIOQUAL, Inc., the HHS and NIH demonstrate a proactive stance towards enhancing the country's AIDS research capabilities, while simultaneously supporting scientific enterprise within the U.S. The period of performance allows ample time for innovative research, aiming for comprehensive advancements that align with both national health goals and international medical research mandates. The absence of completed transactions at this point necessitates ongoing oversight and analysis. As the project progresses, updates on obligations and deliveries will provide deeper insights into the effectiveness and impact of this collaborative investment in scientific research. Such government contracts not only boost high-end research but also contribute significantly to the local economy, exemplifying the multifaceted benefits of such federal investments.