The intention is to reach a conclusion (3)
I believe the answer is:
end
I believe this clue is a double definition.
'the intention' is the first definition.
(end can mean one's purpose or goal)
'reach a conclusion' is the second definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
'is to' is the link.
(Other definitions for end that I've seen before include "American footballer" , "Novel by Graham Greene" , "'Finish, cease (3)'" , "Discontinue" , "SECOND PART OF 24" .)