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yesterday

NIH Removes COO After Conflict of Interest Probe of Wife-Linked $3.3M Contract

Health and Human Services has launched an investigation into a sole-source Argo Chasing contract that listed Trish Duffy Schnabel as a potential staffer.

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Overview

  • Eric Schnabel, who joined NIH in April after a 25-year Army career, was abruptly escorted out of NIH headquarters and fired between July 14 and 15 following an internal inquiry.
  • The probe focuses on a $3.3 million sole-source award made in early July to Argo Chasing, which named Schnabel’s wife, Trish Duffy Schnabel, among prospective analysts.
  • The contract is designed to support project coordination and subject-matter expertise for autism research, counterintelligence, and strategic research security—areas prioritized by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
  • Both NIH and Argo Chasing have declined to comment on personnel matters or provide further details as the HHS investigation remains active.
  • The case has intensified scrutiny of NIH procurement practices and leadership accountability amid broader concerns over ethical standards and resource management.