A05_Statement_of_Work.docx

Statement of Work

1.0 INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND

Introduction The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Geology, Energy, and Minerals Science Center (GEMSC) requires contractor support to wash, prepare, and conduct initial geochemical analyses on cuttings collected from the East Mikkelsen Bay 1 exploration well. This work will provide essential preparation of geological materials for subsequent scientific analysis.

Background The Alaska Basins and Petroleum Systems (ABPS) project within GEMSC is evaluating Upper Brookian petroleum systems on Alaska’s North Slope. The East Mikkelsen Bay 1 well (API 50‑089‑20002) lies proximal to recent oil discoveries in the King Street and Sockeye wells. These discoveries indicate the potential emergence of a new petroleum play fairway in the northeastern area of the central North Slope province.

In 2025, ABPS team members collected several thousand feet of cuttings from the well, spanning both prospective petroleum intervals and stratigraphic units also studied in regional outcrops. Before key analyses—such as organic petrography, geochemistry, and isotopic measurements—can be performed, the cuttings must be properly washed to remove drilling‑mud contamination. Organic solvents are necessary to eliminate oil‑based mud residues that would compromise analytical accuracy.

This requirement arises from the need to characterize source rock quality, reservoir properties, and the age of subsurface units to support evaluation of a potentially nascent petroleum play. The effort supports multiple federal energy‑focused directives, including Executive Orders and Secretarial Orders related to national energy priorities and resource development in Alaska.

Additionally, the samples were obtained from the Alaska State Geologic Materials Center under an expectation that the USGS would perform timely scientific analyses. Completing this work is essential to maintain cooperative relationships and to advance regional energy‑focused research.

2.0 SCOPE

The contractor shall wash and prepare 248 cuttings samples collected from the East Mikkelsen Bay 1 well and perform a pilot set of geochemical measurements on a subset of approximately 30 samples. Work includes sample intake, washing, cleanup using organic solvents, and analytical measurements of total organic carbon (TOC) and carbon isotopic composition.

The scope of this requirement encompasses all tasks necessary to achieve cleaned, contamination‑free samples and a complete pilot dataset of TOC and EA‑IRMS carbon isotope measurements. The contractor’s responsibilities end upon delivery of the cleaned samples and analytical results; no further interpretive geological analysis is required.

3.0 APPLICABLE DOCUMENTS

No mandatory standards, directives, or specifications have been identified as governing contractor performance for this effort. All technical requirements are described functionally in Section 4.0.

4.0 TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS

4.1 Sample Intake and Organization

The contractor shall receive and organize 248 individual cuttings samples.

Output: Sample inventory log (optional if negotiated).

Acceptance Criteria: All samples accounted for and labeled in a consistent, traceable manner.

4.2 Sample Washing and Solvent Cleaning

The contractor shall wash all samples using water and soap solution, followed by organic solvent cleaning to remove drilling‑mud residues or native oil.

Output: Cleaned cuttings samples suitable for geochemical analysis.

Acceptance Criteria: Samples visibly free of oil‑based contaminants; solvent treatment sufficient to avoid analytical interference.

4.3 Mass Measurements (Optional)

If agreed upon, the contractor shall record sample mass at intake and after washing.

Output: Mass‑change record.

Acceptance Criteria: Measurements reported in a consistent, standard format; if omitted, contractor must communicate omission before work begins.

4.4 Total Organic Carbon (TOC) Analysis

The contractor shall perform TOC measurements on a carbon analyzer.

Output: TOC results for the designated subset of samples.

Acceptance Criteria:

· Accuracy within ±0.15 wt% carbon.

· For samples >3 wt% TOC, accuracy shall be within 5%.

· Instrument accuracy demonstrated through bracketing with reference materials and/or duplicate unknowns.

4.5 Carbon Isotope Ratio Analysis (EA‑IRMS)

The contractor shall analyze carbon isotopic composition using an isotope ratio mass spectrometer equipped with an elemental analyzer.

Output: Carbon isotope ratios (δ¹³C, VPDB) for the designated subset of samples.

Acceptance Criteria:

· Report values in delta notation (‰) relative to Vienna Peedee Belemnite (VPDB).

· Accuracy within ±0.2‰, verified by reference materials and/or duplicates that bracket analytical runs.

4.6 Data Package Delivery

The contractor shall provide a data package containing:

· TOC results

· Carbon isotope results

· QA/QC documentation, including reference and duplicate analyses

· Methods description

· Sample mass records (if collected) Acceptance Criteria: Data complete, internally consistent, and delivered in electronic format.

5.0 DELIVERABLES

The contractor shall provide the following deliverables:

· Cleaned, contamination‑free cuttings samples

· TOC and isotope results for ~30 pilot samples

· QA/QC documentation

· Methods summary

· Mass‑change records (if applicable)

6.0 PERFORMANCE STANDARDS AND MONITORING METHODS

The government will evaluate contractor performance based on the following criteria:

· Technical Accuracy: Analytical results meet accuracy and precision requirements specified in Sections 4.4 and 4.5.

· Completeness: All samples processed; all deliverables submitted as required.

· Quality Assurance: Adequate documentation of reference materials, duplicates, and bracketing procedures.

· Timeliness: All work completed within the six‑month period of performance.

· Data Quality: Results are internally consistent, free of contamination indicators, and clearly documented.

Government monitoring methods may include inspection of sample condition, review of analytical QA/QC data, communication with contractor technical personnel, and evaluation of deliverables upon submission.