DoD Awards $38.9M SBIR Phase III Task Order to LINQUEST for R&D Analytic Support
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $38,891,093 ($38.9M)
Contractor: Linquest Corporation
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2021-09-22
End Date: 2025-09-21
Contract Duration: 1,460 days
Daily Burn Rate: $26.6K/day
Competition Type: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION
Pricing Type: FIXED PRICE LEVEL OF EFFORT
Sector: R&D
Official Description: PKF/OVER/WOOD - AWARD FOR S9 ANALYTIC SUPPORT (SBIR PHASE III) TASK ORDER
Place of Performance
Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20330
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $38.9 million to LINQUEST CORPORATION for work described as: PKF/OVER/WOOD - AWARD FOR S9 ANALYTIC SUPPORT (SBIR PHASE III) TASK ORDER Key points: 1. Significant investment in specialized R&D analytic support for the Air Force. 2. Contractor LINQUEST CORPORATION has secured a substantial award. 3. The award falls under NAICS code 541715, focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences R&D. 4. This is a fixed-price contract, indicating a defined scope of work and payment structure.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $38.9M for a 2-year period is substantial. Without specific benchmarks for SBIR Phase III analytic support, direct pricing comparison is difficult. However, the fixed-price nature suggests a negotiated value for the defined effort.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
The contract was not available for competition, indicating a limited competition or sole-source award. This limits price discovery and potentially reduces competitive pressure on the contractor.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for specialized R&D support, with the value determined through a limited competition process.
Public Impact
Supports advanced research and development initiatives within the Department of the Air Force. Potential for technological advancements stemming from the analytic support provided. The award contributes to the specialized R&D sector, fostering innovation. Long-term engagement with LINQUEST CORPORATION for critical analytic functions.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Limited competition may lead to suboptimal pricing.
- Lack of detailed cost breakdown makes value assessment challenging.
- Contract duration is significant, requiring ongoing oversight.
Positive Signals
- SBIR Phase III awards aim to commercialize R&D, potentially leading to broader economic benefits.
- Fixed-price contract provides cost certainty for the government.
- Focus on specialized R&D aligns with strategic defense needs.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. Spending in this area is critical for innovation and national security, with significant government investment annually.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded as a delivery order, and it is not indicated as a small business set-aside. Therefore, it does not appear to directly benefit small businesses through this specific award.
Oversight & Accountability
The fixed-price level of effort contract type provides some cost control. However, the limited competition aspect necessitates robust oversight to ensure the contractor is delivering value and meeting performance expectations throughout the contract duration.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Air Force Programs
Risk Flags
- Limited competition restricts price negotiation.
- Lack of transparency in the 'S9' analytic support details.
- Potential for cost overruns if scope creep occurs despite fixed-price.
- Reliance on a single contractor for critical R&D support.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, dc, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $38.9 million to LINQUEST CORPORATION. PKF/OVER/WOOD - AWARD FOR S9 ANALYTIC SUPPORT (SBIR PHASE 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 $38.9 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2021-09-22. End: 2025-09-21.
What specific analytic capabilities are being procured, and how do they align with the Air Force's strategic R&D objectives?
The contract is for 'S9 Analytic Support' under an SBIR Phase III program. While the specific 'S9' designation isn't detailed, SBIR Phase III typically involves transitioning technologies developed under earlier SBIR phases into full-scale development and production. The analytic support likely pertains to evaluating, refining, or advancing these technologies, aligning with the Air Force's broader goals of technological superiority and modernization in areas supported by the physical, engineering, and life sciences.
Given the limited competition, what mechanisms are in place to ensure the $38.9M represents a fair and reasonable price for the services rendered?
As a limited competition award, the government likely relied on pre-negotiated rates from previous contracts or a sole-source justification. Robust internal cost analysis, comparison to industry benchmarks (if available for similar specialized R&D support), and detailed review of the contractor's proposed effort and pricing structure are crucial. Continuous monitoring of performance and deliverables against the fixed-price scope is essential to validate the value received.
What is the expected long-term impact of this analytic support on the Air Force's R&D portfolio and potential technological advancements?
This award is expected to accelerate the maturation and application of technologies developed through the SBIR program. The analytic support provided by LINQUEST CORPORATION should enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of the Air Force's R&D efforts, potentially leading to breakthroughs in critical areas. The success of this Phase III contract could pave the way for further integration of these advanced capabilities, contributing to the Air Force's overall technological edge and mission readiness.
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: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE
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, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $51,169,310
Exercised Options: $49,389,295
Current Obligation: $38,891,093
Actual Outlays: $536,881
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 12
Total Subaward Amount: $2,979,819
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: FA254421D0001
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2021-09-22
Current End Date: 2025-09-21
Potential End Date: 2025-09-21 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-09-24
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