Linquest Corporation Awarded $25.17M for Jnwc III Task Order by Department of the Air Force
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $25,165,136 ($25.2M)
Contractor: Linquest Corporation
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2018-03-26
End Date: 2025-08-31
Contract Duration: 2,715 days
Daily Burn Rate: $9.3K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Pricing Type: FIXED PRICE LEVEL OF EFFORT
Sector: R&D
Official Description: JNWC III TASK ORDER
Place of Performance
Location: KIRTLAND AFB, BERNALILLO County, NEW MEXICO, 87117
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $25.2 million to LINQUEST CORPORATION for work described as: JNWC III TASK ORDER Key points: 1. Contract awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive pricing environment. 2. Fixed Price Level of Effort contract type aims to control costs for defined work. 3. Long performance period (2018-2025) indicates a sustained need for services. 4. Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences sector. 5. Contract awarded to LINQUEST CORPORATION, a single entity. 6. Performance located in New Mexico.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The total award amount of $25.17 million for the JNWC III TASK ORDER is a significant investment. Benchmarking this against similar R&D contracts in the physical, engineering, and life sciences requires detailed analysis of the specific tasks and deliverables. Without more granular data on the scope of work and comparable contract values, a precise value-for-money assessment is challenging. However, the fixed-price contract type suggests an attempt to manage cost predictability.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES,' which indicates that while the competition was initially broad, specific sources may have been excluded at some point. This suggests a competitive process, but the exact number of bidders and the rationale for any exclusions would be needed for a full understanding of the competition dynamics. A competitive process generally leads to better price discovery.
Taxpayer Impact: A competitive award process is generally favorable for taxpayers as it encourages multiple vendors to offer their best pricing and technical solutions, potentially leading to cost savings and higher quality outcomes.
Public Impact
This contract supports research and development activities within the Department of Defense. The services delivered are likely to advance scientific and technological capabilities for national security. Geographic impact is centered in New Mexico, potentially creating local economic benefits and employment. The contract may involve a specialized workforce of scientists, engineers, and researchers.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of specific details on the deliverables makes it difficult to assess the true value and impact of the R&D.
- The 'after exclusion of sources' clause in the competition type warrants further investigation into the reasons for exclusion.
- Long contract duration could lead to scope creep or cost overruns if not managed tightly.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a potentially robust selection process.
- Fixed Price Level of Effort contract type provides cost certainty for the government.
- The contract supports critical research and development for the Department of Defense.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. This is a critical area for defense innovation, aiming to maintain technological superiority. The market for such specialized R&D services is often characterized by a mix of large defense contractors and specialized research firms. Benchmarking requires comparison to other government R&D contracts of similar scope and complexity.
Small Business Impact
The provided data indicates that small business participation (ss: false, sb: false) was not a primary set-aside criterion for this contract. Therefore, the direct impact on small businesses through set-asides is likely minimal. However, the prime contractor, LINQUEST CORPORATION, may engage small businesses as subcontractors, which would be a secondary avenue for small business involvement.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the Department of the Air Force contracting and program management offices. Accountability measures are inherent in the fixed-price level of effort structure, requiring the contractor to meet defined effort levels. Transparency would be enhanced by public contract data, but detailed performance reports and Inspector General oversight would depend on specific agency policies and any identified issues.
Related Government Programs
- Department of Defense Research and Development Programs
- Air Force Science and Technology Investments
- Advanced Technology Development Contracts
- Physical Sciences Research Contracts
- Engineering Research Contracts
- Life Sciences Research Contracts
Risk Flags
- Competition method requires further scrutiny regarding excluded sources.
- Long contract duration necessitates vigilant oversight to prevent scope creep.
- Fixed Price Level of Effort can lead to payment for effort rather than outcomes if not managed properly.
Tags
research-and-development, department-of-defense, department-of-the-air-force, fixed-price-level-of-effort, full-and-open-competition, linquest-corporation, new-mexico, naics-541715, delivery-order, large-contract
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $25.2 million to LINQUEST CORPORATION. JNWC III TASK ORDER
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 $25.2 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2018-03-26. End: 2025-08-31.
What specific research and development tasks are encompassed by the JNWC III TASK ORDER, and how do they align with current Department of Defense priorities?
The JNWC III TASK ORDER, awarded to LINQUEST CORPORATION, falls under the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 541715, which covers Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology). While the specific details of the research tasks are not publicly itemized in the provided data, such contracts typically involve scientific inquiry, experimentation, and analysis aimed at advancing technological capabilities relevant to defense applications. These could range from materials science and advanced manufacturing to sensor development, cyber technologies, or human systems integration. The alignment with current DoD priorities would depend on the strategic objectives of the Air Force and the broader defense research enterprise at the time of the award and throughout the contract's performance period (2018-2025).
How does the $25.17 million award for JNWC III TASK ORDER compare to historical spending on similar R&D efforts by the Department of the Air Force?
Comparing the $25.17 million award for the JNWC III TASK ORDER to historical spending requires access to detailed historical contract databases and the ability to filter for comparable R&D efforts. Key comparison factors would include the specific scientific disciplines involved (physical, engineering, life sciences), the contract type (Fixed Price Level of Effort), the duration of performance (March 2018 - August 2025), and the performing agency (Department of the Air Force). Without this granular comparative data, it's difficult to definitively state whether this award represents a typical, high, or low investment. However, R&D investments by major defense agencies often run into tens or hundreds of millions of dollars, reflecting the high cost and long timelines associated with scientific advancement and technological development.
What are the primary risks associated with a Fixed Price Level of Effort (FPLE) contract of this magnitude and duration?
The primary risks associated with a Fixed Price Level of Effort (FPLE) contract like the JNWC III TASK ORDER, valued at $25.17 million over approximately seven years, revolve around defining and managing the 'level of effort.' For the government, the risk is that the contractor may expend the agreed-upon effort without achieving the desired outcomes or breakthroughs, yet still be compensated. Conversely, the contractor bears the risk if the effort required to achieve the objectives exceeds the agreed-upon level, potentially leading to reduced profit margins or losses. Scope creep, where the definition of the effort expands implicitly or explicitly, is a significant risk that can inflate costs. Ensuring clear milestones, regular progress reviews, and robust technical oversight are crucial to mitigate these risks and ensure value for taxpayer money.
What is LINQUEST CORPORATION's track record with government R&D contracts, particularly with the Department of Defense?
Assessing LINQUEST CORPORATION's track record requires a review of their contract history, performance evaluations (e.g., Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System - CPARS), and any past performance issues or awards. As a contractor performing R&D under NAICS code 541715, their experience likely spans various scientific and engineering domains. A detailed analysis would involve examining the size, scope, and success of their previous contracts, especially those with the Department of Defense and the Air Force. Positive indicators would include successful completion of complex projects, positive performance reviews, and a history of innovation. Conversely, any history of contract disputes, performance failures, or significant cost overruns would be a concern.
How does the 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES' procurement method impact potential cost savings and innovation compared to standard full and open competition?
The procurement method 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES' suggests an initial broad solicitation, followed by the exclusion of certain potential offerors before final selection. This method can be used for various reasons, such as consolidating requirements, addressing specific technical needs that only a subset of vendors can meet, or streamlining the evaluation process. While it still involves competition, the exclusion of sources might limit the number of viable bidders compared to a purely 'full and open' competition. This could potentially reduce the downward pressure on prices and limit the diversity of innovative approaches considered. The specific impact on cost savings and innovation depends heavily on the justification for the exclusions and the competitiveness among the remaining offerors.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › C – National Defense R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Solicitation ID: FA460016R0001
Pricing Type: FIXED PRICE LEVEL OF EFFORT (B)
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: $28,001,335
Exercised Options: $28,001,335
Current Obligation: $25,165,136
Actual Outlays: $6,452,564
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 29
Total Subaward Amount: $5,004,969
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: FA460018D0001
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2018-03-26
Current End Date: 2025-08-31
Potential End Date: 2025-08-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-09-11
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