Air Force Space Command's MILSATCOM mission receives over $17.4 million in advisory and technical support from LinQuest Corporation

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $17,470,843 ($17.5M)

Contractor: Linquest Corporation

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2010-09-15

End Date: 2015-09-14

Contract Duration: 1,825 days

Daily Burn Rate: $9.6K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: THIS PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT (PWS) PROVIDES FOR VARIOUS ADVISORY AND ASSISTANCE SERVICES (A&AS) AND NON-ADVISORY AND ASSISTANCE SERVICES (NON-A&AS) TO HEADQUARTERS AIR FORCE SPACE COMMAND (HQ AFSPC) MILITARY SATELLITE COMMUNICATIONS (MILSATCOM) MISSION CAPABILITY TEAM. THIS TASK ORDER (TO) WILL SERVE AS A VEHICLE TO PROVIDE FURTHER BROADENED TECHNICAL AND ANALYTICAL TOOLS, SUPPORT OR IMPROVE POLICY DEVELOPMENT, MANAGEMENT, AND ADMINISTRATION, OR IMPROVE THE OPERATION OF SYSTEMS SUPPORTING MILSATCOM MISSIONS. MILSATCOM ALSO REQUIRES VARIOUS FORMS OF SUPPORT DURING SEVERAL PHASES OF PLANNING, PROGRAMMING, ACQUISITION, AND IMPLEMENTATION CYCLES OF VARIOUS GOVERNMENT SYSTEMS THAT WILL NEED TO COMPLEMENT THE GOVERNMENT'S TECHNICAL EXPERTISE IN ACCOMPLISHING ITS MISSION.

Place of Performance

Location: COLORADO SPRINGS, EL PASO County, COLORADO, 80914

State: Colorado Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $17.5 million to LINQUEST CORPORATION for work described as: THIS PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT (PWS) PROVIDES FOR VARIOUS ADVISORY AND ASSISTANCE SERVICES (A&AS) AND NON-ADVISORY AND ASSISTANCE SERVICES (NON-A&AS) TO HEADQUARTERS AIR FORCE SPACE COMMAND (HQ AFSPC) MILITARY SATELLITE COMMUNICATIONS (MILSATCOM) MISSION CAPABILITY TEAM. THIS T… Key points: 1. Contract provides critical advisory and technical services to enhance Military Satellite Communications (MILSATCOM) mission capabilities. 2. Support spans planning, programming, acquisition, and implementation phases, complementing government expertise. 3. The contract aims to improve policy development, management, administration, and system operations for MILSATCOM. 4. LinQuest Corporation, the contractor, is tasked with providing broad technical and analytical tools. 5. Services are essential for maintaining and advancing the Air Force's satellite communications infrastructure. 6. The contract duration of five years indicates a long-term need for these specialized services.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $17.47 million over five years for specialized advisory and technical services appears reasonable given the critical nature of MILSATCOM. Benchmarking against similar large-scale A&AS contracts for defense agencies suggests this is within expected ranges for complex technical support. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) pricing structure, while offering flexibility, requires careful monitoring to ensure cost efficiency and prevent overruns. Without specific per-unit cost data, a direct value-for-money assessment is challenging, but the breadth of services and duration suggest a fair price for the support provided.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

This task order was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources,' indicating a competitive process but with specific limitations or exclusions. The exact reasons for excluding certain sources are not detailed, but this approach suggests that while competition was sought, it was not entirely unrestricted. The number of bidders is not specified, making it difficult to fully assess the intensity of the competition and its impact on price discovery. However, the 'limited' competition level might suggest a more focused pool of qualified vendors.

Taxpayer Impact: The limited competition may have resulted in a less aggressive pricing environment compared to full and open competition, potentially leading to higher costs for taxpayers. However, if the exclusions were based on highly specialized capabilities, it could ensure the best possible technical expertise for a critical mission.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are Headquarters Air Force Space Command (HQ AFSPC) and the MILSATCOM mission, ensuring operational effectiveness. Services delivered include technical analysis, policy development support, management, administration, and system operation improvements. The geographic impact is primarily within the Department of Defense and Air Force operational domains, supporting global satellite communications. Workforce implications include the engagement of specialized technical and analytical personnel from LinQuest Corporation to augment government capabilities.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contracts can incentivize contractors to incur and report costs without a direct incentive to control them, potentially leading to higher overall expenditures if not managed diligently.
The 'limited' competition aspect raises questions about whether the most cost-effective solutions were secured for the taxpayer.
Lack of detailed performance metrics in the provided data makes it difficult to assess the effectiveness and efficiency of the services rendered.
The PWS is broad, covering 'various advisory and assistance services,' which could lead to scope creep if not tightly managed.

Positive Signals

The contract supports a critical national security mission (MILSATCOM), ensuring the continuity and enhancement of vital communication capabilities.
LinQuest Corporation is a specialized firm, suggesting access to high-caliber technical expertise essential for complex satellite systems.
The five-year duration indicates a stable, long-term commitment to improving MILSATCOM, fostering continuity in support.
The contract is a task order under a larger vehicle, implying that the initial award process for the vehicle itself likely involved significant vetting and competition.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences sector, specifically focusing on advanced communication systems. The MILSATCOM mission is a cornerstone of national defense, requiring cutting-edge technology and continuous support. The market for such specialized advisory and technical services is dominated by a few key defense contractors with deep expertise in aerospace and satellite technology. Spending in this niche is significant, driven by the high costs of satellite development, launch, and operation, as well as the need for robust command and control infrastructure.

Small Business Impact

The provided data indicates that this contract was not specifically set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). LinQuest Corporation is identified as the contractor, and their size status is 'CO' (likely indicating a large business or Other category). There is no explicit mention of subcontracting requirements for small businesses within this task order's description. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem appears minimal, with no specific provisions to encourage small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the Department of the Air Force and Headquarters Air Force Space Command. As a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract, rigorous financial oversight is crucial to monitor incurred costs against the fixed fee and ensure compliance with the Performance Work Statement (PWS). Transparency is facilitated through contract reporting mechanisms, though specific details on public transparency are not provided. The Inspector General (IG) of the Department of Defense would have jurisdiction to investigate any potential fraud, waste, or abuse related to this contract.

Related Government Programs

Air Force Satellite Communications Systems
Military Satellite Communications (MILSATCOM) Program
Space Command Operations Support
Defense Communications and Transmission Systems
Aerospace Research and Development Contracts

Risk Flags

Limited competition may impact price competitiveness.
CPFF contract type requires diligent cost oversight to prevent overruns.
Broad PWS scope necessitates careful management to avoid scope creep.
Performance metrics are not detailed, making outcome assessment challenging.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $17.5 million to LINQUEST CORPORATION. THIS PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT (PWS) PROVIDES FOR VARIOUS ADVISORY AND ASSISTANCE SERVICES (A&AS) AND NON-ADVISORY AND ASSISTANCE SERVICES (NON-A&AS) TO HEADQUARTERS AIR FORCE SPACE COMMAND (HQ AFSPC) MILITARY SATELLITE COMMUNICATIONS (MILSATCOM) MISSION CAPABILITY TEAM. THIS TASK ORDER (TO) WILL SERVE AS A VEHICLE TO PROVIDE FURTHER BROADENED TECHNICAL AND ANALYTICAL TOOLS, SUPPORT OR IMPROVE POLICY DEVELOPMENT, MANAGEMENT, AND ADMINISTRATION, OR IMPROVE THE OPERATION OF SYSTEMS SUPPORTING MI

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is LINQUEST CORPORATION.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Air Force).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $17.5 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2010-09-15. End: 2015-09-14.

What is LinQuest Corporation's track record with the Department of Defense, particularly in MILSATCOM or similar complex systems integration contracts?

LinQuest Corporation has a significant history of supporting the Department of Defense and other government agencies with advanced engineering, IT, and research and development services, particularly in the space and defense sectors. They have been involved in numerous contracts related to satellite systems, command and control, and C4ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance). Their expertise often lies in providing specialized technical analysis, system engineering, and program management support for complex defense programs. While specific details on past performance metrics for this exact MILSATCOM task order are not publicly available, LinQuest's general profile suggests a strong capability in areas relevant to this contract. Their involvement in similar large-scale, high-technology projects indicates a capacity to handle the demands of supporting critical missions like MILSATCOM.

How does the $17.47 million contract value compare to similar advisory and assistance services (A&AS) contracts for satellite communications support within the DoD?

The $17.47 million contract value for five years of advisory and technical services for MILSATCOM appears to be within a reasonable range for specialized A&AS in the defense sector. Large-scale A&AS contracts supporting critical national security systems, especially those involving satellite technology, often run into tens or hundreds of millions of dollars over their lifecycle. For instance, similar contracts for system engineering, technical support, and program management for major defense acquisition programs can easily exceed this amount annually. Given that MILSATCOM is a vital component of national defense infrastructure, requiring continuous technical evolution and operational support, this level of investment for specialized expertise is not unusual. Benchmarking against publicly available data for comparable DoD contracts suggests that this value reflects the complexity and criticality of the services provided.

What are the primary risks associated with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract for technical advisory services, and how are they mitigated in this case?

The primary risk with CPFF contracts is that the contractor has less incentive to control costs compared to fixed-price contracts, as the government agrees to pay all allowable costs plus a negotiated fixed fee. This can lead to cost overruns if not managed diligently. Mitigation strategies typically involve robust government oversight, detailed cost tracking, regular audits, and strict adherence to the Performance Work Statement (PWS). For this MILSATCOM contract, the Air Force would need to ensure strong program management, requiring LinQuest to provide detailed cost breakdowns and justifications. Performance metrics within the PWS, even for advisory services, are crucial to ensure the value delivered aligns with the costs incurred. The fixed fee itself acts as a ceiling on the profit, but the total cost is variable.

What is the expected program effectiveness or outcome from the services provided under this contract for HQ AFSPC MILSATCOM?

The expected outcome of this contract is the enhancement and sustained operational effectiveness of the Air Force's Military Satellite Communications (MILSATCOM) mission. The advisory and technical services provided by LinQuest Corporation are intended to improve policy development, management, administration, and the overall operation of systems supporting MILSATCOM. This includes providing technical and analytical tools to complement the government's expertise during various program phases, from planning and acquisition to implementation. Ultimately, the contract aims to ensure that MILSATCOM capabilities remain robust, secure, and capable of meeting evolving military requirements, thereby supporting broader national security objectives through reliable communication.

How has spending on MILSATCOM advisory and assistance services evolved over time, and does this contract represent a significant shift?

Historical spending on MILSATCOM advisory and assistance services (A&AS) has generally been substantial, reflecting the complexity and critical nature of satellite communications for military operations. The DoD consistently invests heavily in space-based capabilities, which necessitates significant support services for program management, technical analysis, system engineering, and policy development. This $17.47 million contract, awarded in 2010 for a five-year period, represents a significant but not necessarily anomalous investment for specialized support. Spending trends in this area are often influenced by technological advancements, evolving threat landscapes, and the lifecycle of satellite constellations. Without a longer historical data series specifically for MILSATCOM A&AS, it's difficult to definitively state if this contract represents a major shift, but it aligns with the ongoing need for expert support in this high-priority defense domain.

What does the 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' designation imply about the procurement process and potential impact on cost?

The designation 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' indicates that while the procurement was intended to be competitive, certain sources were deliberately excluded from the bidding process. This typically occurs when specific, unique capabilities or technologies are required that only a limited number of contractors possess. The exclusion process must be justified and documented. While it allows for competition among a qualified subset of potential offerors, it inherently limits the breadth of competition compared to a truly unrestricted 'full and open' process. This limitation could potentially lead to higher prices for taxpayers if the excluded sources could have offered more competitive bids. However, it also ensures that the selected contractor possesses the highly specialized expertise deemed necessary for the mission's success.

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 AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: FA251708R9000

Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 5140 W GOLDLEAF CIR STE 400, LOS ANGELES, CA, 90056

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $31,536,965

Exercised Options: $31,536,965

Current Obligation: $17,470,843

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: FA251710D9001

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline