0044048635_Sources_Sought_1.docx
DOCX document 28 KB Posted
- Attached to
- PCM ICP SAMPLE ANALYSIS Federal contract opportunity
- Solicitation number
- 140G0326Q0126
About this file
This is a Sources Sought announcement issued by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Office of Acquisitions and Grants to identify qualified vendors capable of providing isotope analysis services. The USGS is seeking market research information to support acquisition strategy development and has clarified that this announcement does not constitute a binding request for proposal or quote, nor does it obligate the government to award any contract. The government will not reimburse costs associated with preparing responses.
The required service involves preparation and analysis of ferromanganese crust and nodule samples for osmium isotope (187Os/188Os) measurement. Specific technical requirements include sample preparation in a Class 1000 clean laboratory using an Anton Paar high pressure asher for digestion, followed by analysis using a Neptune MC-ICPMS with three ion counters. Deliverables must include osmium isotope results as electronic data files containing at least one isotope ratio value per sample with corresponding error/uncertainty measurements, to be delivered within six months of service initiation. Work will be performed at the contractor's independent laboratory for the period July 1, 2026 through December 31, 2026. All responsible sources are invited to submit capabilities statements detailing their ability to meet the statement of work. Responses must be submitted electronically to amberry@ios.doi.gov no later than June 5, 2026, at 8:00 AM Pacific time. Data rights belong to USGS, and no government-furnished property will be provided.
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Sources Sought
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is conducting market research to determine the availability of qualified businesses capable of isotope analyses as described in the attached Statement of Work. This sources sought announcement is not a request for quote or proposal and the Government is not committed to award of a purchase order or contract pursuant to this announcement. The information resulting from this market research is simply for planning purposes to assist the Government in determining its acquisition strategy. The Government will not pay for any costs incurred in the preparation of information for responding to this notice.
All responsible sources may submit a capabilities statement detailing the ability of their service to meet the statement of work included with this announcement.
Responses to this announcement shall only be accepted through electronic mail addressed to amberry@ios.doi.gov and must be uploaded and received in their entirety no later than June 5th, 2026, at 8AM Pacific time.
Example statement of work attached.
Statement of Work
I. GENERAL INFORMATION
A. Introduction Isotope analyses for ferromanganese crust and nodule samples are required for the research purposes of the Global Seabed Mineral Resources team.
B. Background The age dating method that can date older ferromanganese crusts and nodules and the requirement for this study is Os isotopes (187Os/188Os), measured using a Neptune inductively coupled mass spectrometer with three ion counters. Sample preparation will use an Anton Paar high pressure asher rather than the traditional column chemistry. Use of a high pressure asher will reduce the sample preparation time by several months and will allow for the preparation of up to 18 samples simultaneously.
C. Definitions/Applicable Documents The following publication exhibits successful dating of FeMn crusts using osmium isotopes (187Os/188Os):
Nielsen, S. G., Mar-Gerrison, S., Gannoun, A., LaRowe, D., Klemm, V., Halliday, A. N., Burton, K. W., and Hein, J. R., “Thallium isotope evidence for a permanent increase in marine organic carbon export in the early Eocene,” Earth Planet. Sci. Lett., vol. 278, no. 3–4, pp. 297–307, 2009.
D. Scope Preparation and analysis of ferromanganese crusts and nodules sub-samples for osmium (Os) isotopes (187Os/188Os) using a high pressure asher and Neptune MC-ICPMS, as well as expertise in Os isotope data processing are required.
II. WORK REQUIREMENTS
A. Technical Requirements.
1. Specific Work Requirements
- Prepare the samples in a class 1000 clean lab.
- Digest the samples in an Anton Paar high pressure asher.
- Analyze 187Os and 188Os in samples on a Neptune MC-ICPMS with 3 ion counters B. Deliverables.
1. Osmium isotope results will be delivered as an electronic data file with at least one isotope ratio value for each of the samples, as well as values for error/uncertainty.
2. Isotope results should be delivered within six months of service initiation and should be delivered via email or any other electronic data transfer.
| III. | SUPPORTING INFORMATION |
| A. | Place of Performance: |
Contractors’ independent laboratory
| B. | Period of Performance : July 1, 2026 – December 31, 2026 |
| C. | Government Furnished Property (GFP): None |
D. Special Considerations.
1. Data Rights: Rights to data belong to USGS
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