Sole_Source_Determination_1.pdf
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- Attached to
- Notice of Intent to Award - USGS Isotope Work
- Solicitation number
- 140G0126Q0262
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This is a Sole-Source Determination document (FAR 12.102(a) deviation) for USGS Geology, Energy, and Minerals Science Center (PR #0044051542) restricting acquisition to the Radiogenic Isotope and Geochronology Laboratory (RIGL) at Washington State University.
The requirement is for high-precision Lu-Hf, Sm-Nd, and Pb isotope measurements on geologic materials using isotope dilution methodology. The sole-source justification rests on four technical factors: (1) WSU RIGL is the only domestic laboratory with established methodology for Lu-Hf isotope collection; (2) isotope dilution measurements require clean laboratory environments to minimize heavy metal contamination; (3) the laboratory possesses the only characterized isotopically enriched spike solutions (149Sm-150Nd and 176Lu-180Hf) necessary for high-accuracy measurements; (4) multi-collector ICPMS analysis requires specialized equipment and time-intensive wet chemistry procedures performed by skilled personnel. Integration with previously collected database results from WSU RIGL requires the same laboratory methods and instruments to ensure continuity and accuracy for tectonic modeling of basement geology in the central United States and Southern Appalachians, and for mineral resource assessments. Market research was conducted via internet search, System for Award Management, and industry peer discussion, confirming no alternative sources possess the required infrastructure or methodologies. Future requirements will undergo competitive market research to the maximum extent practicable.
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| File | Type | Posted |
|---|---|---|
| Attachment_-_Statement_of_Work_1.pdf |
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1) The WSU RIGL is the only laboratory that has an established methodology for collecting these isotope data, specifically Lu-Hf, and is the only laboratory domestically operating offering these services. The reason for this is that Lu-Hf isotope measurements require several unique pieces of infrastructure.
a. These isotope measurements must be done by isotope dilution wet chemistry in a clean lab environment where sample contamination from environmental heavy metals is effectively reduced to zero.
b. These measurements require the addition of demonstrably characterized isotopically enriched spike solutions to samples to calculate sample isotope compositions with very high accuracy. These solutions are enriched in certain isotopes of Sm, Nd, Lu, and Hf (149Sm-150Nd and 176Lu-180Hf) above natural levels. No other labs possess characterized Lu-Hf and Sm-Nd spikes needed to make these measurements.
c. The wet chemistry procedures are time intensive and require skilled personnel. No other lab domestically produces the required Lu-Hf component of our dataset by isotope dilution wet chemistry.
d. The isotope measurements must be done by multi-collector ICPMS (inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry) which is a specialized type of mass spectrometer used to make high precision isotope ratio measurements.
In short, no other lab has the infrastructure or methodologies for collection of Lu-Hf, Sm- Nd and Pb isotope data on geologic materials. The RIGL at Washington State University is the only lab capable of producing the data our projects require.
2) These analyses will be incorporated with previously collected Lu-Hf, Sm-Nd, and Pb isotope data generated by this laboratory. To ensure seamless integration of new results with the existing database new analyses must be collected using the same laboratory methods and instruments at WSU RIGL to ensure continuity of high-precision results. This is essential for building accurate tectonic models of basement in the central United States and Southern Appalachians, and high-quality assessments of the mineral wealth of these regions.
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