B08_140G0224R0010.pdf

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CODE 18a. PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY

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OFFEROR

GDB

DENVER CO 80225-0046

204 DENVER FEDERAL CENTER

PO BOX 25046

USGS OAG DENVER ACQUISITION BRANCH

0010225113 CODE 16. ADMINISTERED BYCODE

X

X

541380

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% FOR:SET ASIDE:UNRESTRICTED ORGDB

REQUEST FOR

PROPOSAL

(RFP)

INVITATION

FOR BID (IFB)

10. THIS ACQUISITION ISCODE

REQUEST FOR

QUOTE (RFQ)

14. METHOD OF SOLICITATION

13b. RATING

NORTH AMERICAN INDUSTRY

CLASSIFICATION STANDARD

(NAICS):

SMALL BUSINESS

1700 ES303-236-9321Jennifer Rollin (No collect calls)

INFORMATION CALL:

FOR SOLICITATION 8. OFFER DUE DATE/LOCAL TIMEb. TELEPHONE NUMBERa. NAME

4. ORDER NUMBER3. AWARD/ 6. SOLICITATION

140G0224R0010

5. SOLICITATION NUMBER

SOLICITATION/CONTRACT/ORDER FOR COMMERCIAL ITEMS 1. REQUISITION NUMBER PAGE OF

1 1170040612479OFFEROR TO COMPLETE BLOCKS 12, 17, 23, 24, & 30

TELEPHONE NO.

17a. CONTRACTOR/

Denver CO 80225-0046 Bldg. 810, ENT. E-11, MS 973

USGS CMERSC

15. DELIVER TO

DENVER CO 80225-0046

204 DENVER FEDERAL CENTER

PO BOX 25046

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2. CONTRACT NO.

EFFECTIVE DATE

$19

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13a.

SERVICE-DISABLED

VETERAN-OWNED

SMALL BUSINESS

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HUBZONE SMALL

BUSINESS

8(A)

USGS OAG DENVER ACQUISITION BRANCH

WOMEN-OWNED SMALL

BUSINESS (WOSB)

ECONOMICALLY DISADVANTAGED

WOMEN-OWNED SMALL

BUSINESS (EDWOSB)

24.

AMOUNT

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22.

UNIT

21.

QUANTITY

20.

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES

19.

ITEM NO.

Chemical Analysis of Geologic Materials.

1. This solicitation is issued as a Request for Proposals (RFP). This solicitation will utilize the policies contained in the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 12, Acquisition of Commercial Products and Commercial Services, and in conjunction with the policies and procedures for evaluation and award prescribed in FAR Part 15, Contracting by Negotiation, when applicable for this acquisition.

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HEREIN, IS ACCEPTED AS TO ITEMS:

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ARE

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OFFER

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Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.212

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24.

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19.

ITEM NO.

2. The solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular (FAC)

2024-03 Effective Date 2/23/2024.

3. The solicitation is posted for full and open, unrestricted competition. The North American

Industry Classification System (NAICS) code is

541380 - Testing Laboratories. The small business standard is $19M.

4. Offers providing less than 90 calendar days for Government acceptance after the date offers are due will not be considered and rejected.

5. Offerors are required to be registered in

System for Award Management (SAM) when submitting a proposal. Register at https://www.sam.gov/index.html prior to submitting your proposal. See FAR provision

52.204-7(b)(1).

00010 Chemical Analysis of Geologic Materials

Commercial services, non-personal to provide all plant, equipment, labor, supervision, and materials (unless otherwise specified herein)

Continued ...

32f. TELEPHONE NUMBER OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

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CONTINUATION SHEET

REFERENCE NO. OF DOCUMENT BEING CONTINUED PAGE OF

(A) (B) (C) (D) (E) (F)

140G0224R0010

00020 necessary for Chemical Analysis in accordance with the attached performance work statement, terms and conditions, and attachment 1 - Pricing Schedule.

This line represents a five (5) year Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) Contract.

Product/Service Code: F999

Product/Service Description: OTHER ENVIRONMENTAL

SERVICES

Period of Performance: 04/18/2024 to 04/17/2029

Chemical Analysis of Geologic Materials

Commercial services, non-personal to provide all plant, equipment, supervision, labor, and materials (unless otherwise specified herein) necessary for Chemical Analysis in accordance with the attached performance work statement, terms and conditions, and attachment 1 - Pricing Schedule.

This line represents an option for up to six (6) months extension in accordance with FAR 52.217-8.

Product/Service Code: F999

Product/Service Description: OTHER ENVIRONMENTAL

SERVICES

Period of Performance: 04/18/2029 to 10/17/2029

No funds are obligated at the solicitation or resulting contract levels. All funds shall be obligated by individual task orders citing applicable fiscal year and accounting data when issued.

Anticipated Type of Award: Firm-Fixed Price Contact

Solicitation POC: Jenn Rollin, jrollin@usgs.gov

NSN 7540-01-152-8067 OPTIONAL FORM 336 (4-86)

Sponsored by GSA

FAR (48 CFR) 53.110

Chemical Analysis of Geologic Materials Request for Proposal - 140G0224R0010

Contents Performance Work Statement Contract Type Schedule of Items and Prices (See paragraph 8 above) Estimated Quantities Clauses 52.212-5 - Contract Terms and Conditions Required To Implement Statutes or Executive Orders—Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Feb 2024) 52.216-18 Ordering (Aug 2020) 52.216-19 Ordering Limitations (Oct 1995) 52.216-22 Indefinite Quantity (Oct 1995) 52.217-8 Option to Extend Services (Nov 1999) 52.222-49 Service Contract Labor Standards – Place of Performance Unknown (May 2014) 52.252-2 Clauses Incorporated by Reference (Feb 1998) GS0228 Hazardous Shipping (Sep 2018) GS0231 Technical Liaison – Technical Direction (Jul 2018) GS0301 General Requirements (Jul 2001) GS0339 Green/Sustainable Acquisition (Jul 2018) GS0916 Period for Exercise of Option to Extend Services (Jul 2001) GS1101 Contract Administrative Office (Jul 2001) GS1131 Unilateral De-obligation of Unexpended Funds (May 2013) GS1330 Key Personnel (Jul 2001) GS1338 Notice to the Government of Delays (Jul 2001) GS1352 Restriction (Jul 2001) GS1364 Non-Personal Services – Supervision of Contractor Employees (Sep 2017) GS1397 Contractor Reports (Jul 2002) GS1406 Confidentiality of Data (Oct 2005) GS1430 Ordering Authority and Procedures (Jul 2001) GS1431 Contract Maximum (Jul 2001) GS1432 Contract Guaranteed Minimum (Jan 2020) GS1440 Wage Determination Applicable (Jul 2001) GS1446 Not-to-Exceed Instructions (Jun 2014) DIAR 1452.201-70 Authorities and Delegations (Sept 2011) DOI-AAAP-0050 Contractor’s Performance Assessment Reporting System (Dec 2015) DOI Electronic Invoicing and Payment Requirements - Invoice Processing Platform (IPP) (Apr 2013) Invoicing and Payment Requirements (foreign entities not registered in SAM.gov) Provisions 52.204-20 Predecessor of Offeror (Aug 2020) 52.204-24 Representation Regarding Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment (Nov 2021) 52.209-7 Information Regarding Responsibility Matters (Oct 2018) 52.209-11 Representation by Corporations Regarding Delinquent Tax Liability or a Felony Conviction under any Federal Law (Feb 2016) 52.212-2 Evaluation - Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Nov 2021) Basis of Award – Best Value Evaluation Process 52.212-3 Offeror Representations and Certifications – Commercial Items and Commercial Services (Feb 2024)

Request for Proposal - 140G0224R0010

52.215-6 Place of Performance (Oct 1997) 52.216-1 Type of Contract (Apr 1984) 52.219-1 Small Business Program Representations (Mar 2023) 52.222-22 Previous Contracts and Compliance Reports (Feb 1999) 52.222-25 Affirmative Action Compliance (Apr 1984) 52.252-1 Solicitation Provisions Incorporated by Reference (Feb 1998) GS2101 Inquiries (Feb 2007) GS2150 Proposal Format and Submission Instructions (Aug 2001) GS2182 Price Proposal Instructions (Aug 2001) GS2301 Single Award (Aug 2001) GS2320 Evaluation Factors (Mar 2019) Question Submission Proposal Submission Attachments:

Request for Proposal - 140G0224R0010

Performance Work Statement

A. Scope

The U.S. Geological Survey has an requirement to provide chemical analysis of geologic materials, to include plants, waters, soils, sediments, and rocks, for inorganic constituents in accordance with the terms and conditions herein and the specifications set forth.

B. General

The contractor shall provide commercial, non-personal services, plant, equipment, supervision, labor and materials in accordance with the terms, conditions, and specifications set forth herein that are required for the chemical analysis. All required instruments and/or equipment, shall be purchased, set-up, calibrated, and on-line prior to award of contract.

C. Mandatory Terms of this Contract

The Government intends to order from the contractor all routine analytical services specified herein for the U.S. Geological Survey, Geologic Division, Mineral Resources Surveys Program within the conterminous United States in conjunction with all applicable project work associated with the Survey, Investigation, and Research Appropriation (SIR) funded Minerals Resources Surveys Program.

1 General Requirements

1.1 The Contractor shall perform analyses according to the methods stated in the contract. Where notated, the analytical method used should be similar or exact to the prescribed method so long as analytical performance is met or exceeded.

1.2 Samples to be analyzed by the Contractor will be provided and delivered to the Contractor by the Government as the samples become available. Sample delivery will be variable throughout the year in both quantity and analytical method type, and generally will be highest during August and September.

1.3 Some of the samples collected may contain hazardous materials, the concentration of hazardous materials in any sample is expected to be low, however some samples may contain concentrations high enough to be harmful. The USGS will attempt to keep the Contractor informed of which samples may contain high concentrations of such materials. It is the responsibility of the Contractor to take the appropriate safety precautions to ensure the safety of employees in the event that a sample does contain unexpectedly high concentrations of hazardous material.

1.4 In order to be able to handle the soil samples from outside the Continental United States (CONUS), or from regulated areas within the United States, the Contractor must have the appropriate approval and permits from the Deputy Administrator, Plant Protection and Quarantine programs, U.S. Department of Agriculture. Disposal of any remaining sample and sample extracts must meet regulatory guidelines.

1.5 The samples will be sent to the Contractor directly from Mineral Resources Survey Program Sample Control, Building 20, Denver Federal Center, Denver, Colorado. All solid samples will be physically prepared (ground) to the necessary USGS sample preparation standards prior to shipment and will be containerized with each sample having a USGS assigned identification number and a chain of custody sheet. All water samples will be preserved before shipment according to method protocols. The chain of custody process will be used to maintain a paper trail for the samples, and the term should not be

Request for Proposal - 140G0224R0010 construed as requiring the level of chain of custody necessary for evidentiary samples. The USGS ID number shall be retained and used on all records pertaining to the sample. This does not preclude the Contractor from assigning their own accession or laboratory number to the sample. The chain of custody sheet will also specify the determinations to be performed on each sample. The Contractor shall record the date and time of sample receipt. The USGS Technical Liaison (TL) shall be informed immediately of any problems by telephone or by electronic communications. The USGS TL shall also be sent an electronic acknowledgment of the receipt of samples indicating the USGS job number, the Contractor's assigned job number, the analyses requested for the samples, the date of receipt, and any comments concerning the condition of the samples or problems encountered.

1.6 The Contractor shall maintain an internal tracking procedure to ensure accountability of the samples and the data at all times.

1.7 Samples sent to the Contractor's laboratory shall be analyzed in order of receipt (i.e., first in, first out) unless alternate instructions are received in writing from the USGS TL.

1.8 The Contractor shall follow similar methodologies specified in the Section 4, or where indicated, an identical method shall be performed.

1.9 The Contractor shall have fully documented Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all methods and procedures run in the laboratory. SOPs shall be provided to the USGS after the contract has been awarded.

1.10 The Contractor shall conduct and document a Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) Program for all laboratory work performed pursuant to this contract. This QA/QC Program shall comply with the quality control requirements specified by the contract.

1.11 All specific QA/QC procedures prescribed in Section 2 shall be strictly adhered to by the Contractor. Failure to observe QA/QC requirements will be grounds for default of contract. Records documenting the use of the QA/QC protocol shall be maintained and reported in accordance with Section 6 and 7.

1.12 The Contractor shall have access to analytical instrumentation to meet all of the terms and conditions of the contract. The Contractor shall provide adequate instrument redundancy to ensure that enough operating units may reasonably be expected to be available at all times. The Contractor shall maintain all analytical equipment allocated for this contract at the time of award.

1.13 The Contractor shall appoint a professional analytical chemist(s) who shall have: 1) direct control over the analyses to be performed 2) be available to handle non-routine analytical problems if encountered 3) advise the USGS TL in the set-up of projects which will meet regulatory requirements and

4) work directly with the USGS TL for the USGS.

1.14 The Contractor shall communicate with the TL assigned to this project by telephone or by electronic communications, as necessary throughout the process of sample shipment, analysis and data reporting to ensure that samples are properly processed. This shall include immediately notifying (within 48 hours) the TL of any problems encountered in sample analyses that will affect the quality of the data produced, and laboratory conditions that impact on the timeliness of analyses and data reporting. If for any reason a valid analysis cannot be performed on a sample submitted by the USGS, the Contractor shall notify the TL immediately (within 48 hours). All verbal notifications between the USGS TL and the Contractor shall be followed by a written notification.

Request for Proposal - 140G0224R0010

1.15 Following sample analysis, the Contractor shall perform data reduction and shall provide a report on the analytical activities, sample data and quality control documentation as designated in Section 6 and 7.

1.16 Samples shall be analyzed and the data returned to the USGS and received by the USGS TL within 30 days of the time of sample receipt by the Contractor.

1.17 Any unused portion of the sample remaining after completion of analysis shall be properly stored by the Contractor for three (3) years following submission of the data report to the USGS. When that time interval has passed, both the sample and the sample container shall be disposed of properly at Contractor's expense. It shall be the sole responsibility of the Contractor to ensure that all applicable regulations are followed in the disposal of samples or related chemicals. If the USGS should request return of a sample(s) prior to the expiration of the three (3) year interval, it shall be returned at USGS expense in a manner that meets DOT regulations.

1.18 The Contractor shall establish a system of security and safeguarding that shall prevent analytical data, which shall be government property, from being released to unauthorized persons.

1.19 The USGS TL or his/her representative shall have access to the laboratory at all reasonable times for inspection purposes to observe sample analyses and ensure compliance with contract requirements.

1.20 No sample testing shall be done other than that cited on the request form without written confirmation from the USGS TL.

2 Internal Quality Control

2.1 The Contractor shall conduct and document a Quality Assurance Program (QAP) for all laboratory work performed pursuant to this contract with the objective of providing sound analytical chemical measurements. The QAP shall incorporate the quality control procedures, any necessary corrective action, all documentation required during data collection and all quality assessment measures performed by management to ensure acceptable data production. The laboratory QA/QC plans are subject to review and approval by the USGS.

2.2 The laboratory shall prepare Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all methods and procedures performed in the laboratory. SOPs shall provide clear and comprehensive directions for the step- by-step execution of an operation, analysis, or action which is commonly accepted as the method for performing certain routine or repetitive tasks. SOPs shall be provided to the USGS TL after the contract has been awarded.

2.3 The laboratory shall identify control parameters for each analytical method and shall experimentally establish control limits. The laboratory-derived control limits will be used in all USGS approved Quality Assurance Project Plans and must be used as long as the plans are applicable. The laboratory shall follow control measurements to detect trends and out-of-limit values by the use of control charts. Specifically, a "trend" is six points in a row steadily increasing or decreasing; a "run" is nine points in a row on one side of the mean. The laboratory shall re-evaluate control limits at regular intervals. Records of these activities shall be maintained by the laboratory.

2.4 The laboratory performing analyses required by this contract shall be subject to periodic audits by the USGS, and/or its impartial representative to ensure that the systems and procedures described in the Contractor's QAP are actually operational and in conformance with contract requirements.

2.5 QC samples (e.g., laboratory control spikes, blanks, matrix spikes, matrix spike duplicates, external

Request for Proposal - 140G0224R0010 control materials, etc.) shall be included with the analyses of all samples. At a minimum, the laboratory shall analyze the QC samples specified at the frequency indicated in section 4.8. The Contractor may supplement the QC samples required by the terms of this contract to ensure accurate and precise data.

2.6 Reanalysis or confirmatory analysis may be required by the USGS when anomalous results are reported by the Contractor. The Contractor shall pay for the rerun if the new value is outside of the 2 sigma error of the first value, and the USGS will pay for the rerun if the rerun value lies within the 2 sigma error of the first value.

The Contractor shall have two (2) weeks to return data with QC issues.

2.7 Corrective actions shall be implemented whenever QC sample results exceed control limits. All corrective actions shall be documented, the records maintained by the laboratory, and reported in the narrative portion of the data report.

2.8 Laboratory control samples (LCS) shall be used to control the analytical process. Whenever an analyte in a LCS does not meet acceptance criteria, the problem shall be resolved and the analytical system restored to normal before further samples are analyzed. A senior chemist shall evaluate the problem and, if in his or her opinion re-analyses is not required (the problem does not affect the integrity of the data for the samples) or not possible (e.g., insufficient sample), the data shall be qualified. If the samples must be reanalyzed because the quality of the data for an analyte is compromised, the USGS TL shall be informed of the problem as soon as possible so that the need to collect another sample can be evaluated.

3 External Quality Control

3.1 Ten (10) percent of samples delivered to the Contractor will be used as USGS’ blind quality assurance for an external quality control measurement. The blind samples will be selected randomly throughout the batches for USGS to check the laboratories performance for that particular batch of samples. The samples will consist of reference materials, duplicate samples and blanks.

3.2 The results of the analyses of the standard reference materials and duplicate samples will be closely monitored by the USGS. If the known standard mean value does not fall within the calculated 2 sigma error range of the reported mean value, immediate corrective action shall be taken by the Contractor upon notification by the USGS TL.

3.3 When the unacceptable data are reported to the USGS and are recognized, the Contractor shall be notified by the USGS TL to halt the flow of samples through the part of the system which yielded the erroneous values. Causes of the unacceptable data shall then be determined and reported to the USGS TL by the Contractor.

3.4 Further analyses, after the Contractor's receipt of a notice to halt further testing by the USGS for quality assurance purposes, shall be resumed by the Contractor only with consent of the USGS TL.

Samples analyzed after the last acceptable control sample and before the shutdown shall be re-analyzed at the Contractor's expense.

3.5 The USGS may request rerun analyses on up to ten percent of the yearly sample total. The cost of requested reruns shall be paid by the Contractor if the new value is outside of the 2 sigma error of the first value, and by the USGS if the rerun value lies within the 2 sigma error of the first value.

Request for Proposal - 140G0224R0010

4 Methods of Analysis

4.1 Methods of analysis shall be equivalent to the methods listed in this contract or conform to identical methods where specified.

4.2 The analytical methods shall not be changed during the life of the contract without the written approval of the USGS TL. A full and immediate description of the proposed change shall be sent to the USGS TL in writing prior to any change and approved by the USGS TL prior to any change.

4.3 The suitability of the Contractor's methods shall be established by demonstration of ability to provide analyses of the required accuracy (as determined by analysis of standards), precision (as determined by replicate analyses) and detection level (as determined by low level standards). Limits of determination are indicated in Section 4.8 under the method summary of each analytical method.

4.4 Specific requirements pertaining to method of analysis, detection level, accuracy, precision, error and reporting units are specified in Section 4.8 for each method of analysis. Each method has been notated as having to be similar in terms of the method summary provided or identical to the method provided.

Similar methods are expected to meet or exceed the number of elements, accuracy, precision, and lower limit of determination benchmarks.

4.5 The USGS has the right to specify and change, if necessary, the number of significant figures to be used in reporting. This information will be provided, in writing, to the Contractor by the USGS TL.

4.6 Minimum Quality control requirements for all analytical methods shall include the following: one analytical blank per 20 samples, one well characterized standard reference material (SRM) per 20 samples (SRM should be a matrix similar to the unknowns), one analytical duplicate per 20 samples, and one sample duplicate per 20 samples.

4.7 No elements will be reported to the USGS as “greater than” values. When elements report above the upper detection limits, the Contractor will contact the USGS TL to discuss if additional methods need to be run on the samples to quantify “greater than” values.

4.8 Required analytical methods procedures on solid samples:

Method number 1 - Total Sulfur (Ore grade) - IDENTICAL

Method number 2 - Total Carbon- (Ore grade) - IDENTICAL

Method number 3 - Carbonate Carbon – SIMILAR

Method number 4 – Graphite – SIMILAR

Method number 5 – Acid Base Accounting - SIMILIAR

Method number 6 - Mercury - SIMILAR

Method number 7 – High Concentration Mercury – SIMILAR

Method number 8 - Fluoride - SIMILAR

Request for Proposal - 140G0224R0010

Method number 9 - Chloride - SIMILAR

Method number 10 - Ferrous oxide - SIMILAR

Method number 11 - Essential and non-essential water - SIMILAR

Method number 12 - Gold – SIMILAR

Method number 13 - Gold, Platinum, and Palladium – SIMILAR

Method number 14 – Ore Grade Au, Pd, and Pt by Lead Fire Assay – SIMILAR

Method number 15 – PGE’s by Nickel Sulfide Fire Assay and ICP-MS- SIMILAR

Method number 16 – PGE’s by Nickel Sulfide Fire Assay and INAA- IDENTICAL

Method number 17 – INAA- SIMILAR

Method number 18 - WDXRF Major Element Analysis (Ore Grade) - IDENTICAL

Method number 19 - WDXRF Base Metals (Ore Grade) – IDENTICAL

Method number 20 - WDXRF REE – SIMILAR

Method number 21 - ICP-OES Major Element Analysis - SIMILAR

Method number 22 – 49 Element ICP-OES-MS multi-acid near total – IDENTICAL

Method number 23 – Determination of Highly Mineralized Samples by 4-Acid Digestion and

ICPOES – SIMILAR

Method number 24 – Multi-acid Digestion and Fusion of Residue and Rare Earth Elements by Sodium Peroxide Fusion (Ore grade) – SIMILAR

Method number 25 - 61 Element ICP-OES-MS Sodium Peroxide Fusion – IDENTICAL

Method number 26 - 61 Element ICP-OES-MS Sodium Peroxide Fusion (Ore grade) –

IDENTICAL

Method number 27 – ICP-MS High Concentration Rare Earth Element - SIMILAR

Method number 28 – Microwave Digestion – SIMILAR

Method number 29 – 5 Stage Sequential Extractions (Tessier Method)– SIMILAR

Method number 30 – Deionized Water Leach – SIMILAR

Method number 31 – Ammonium Acetate Leach – SIMILAR

Method number 32 – Cold Hydroxylamine-HCL Leach– SIMILAR

Request for Proposal - 140G0224R0010

Method number 33 – Hot Hydroxylamine-HCL Leach – SIMILAR

Method number 34 – Sodium Pyrophosphate Leach – SIMILAR

Method number 35 – Aqua Regia Digestion – SIMILAR

Method number 36 – ICP-OES/ICP-MS Water – SIMILAR

Method number 37 – Trace Levels Water – SIMILAR

Method number 38 – Single Elements Water – SIMILAR

Method number 39 – Precious Metals Water – SIMILAR

*Method number 40 – Ion Chromatography in Aqueous Solution – SIMILAR

*Method number 41 – Alkalinity – SIMILAR

*Method number 42 – Dissolved Organic Carbon – SIMILAR

Method number 43 – Sample Preparation – IDENTICAL

*Method 40, 41 and 42 – Due to potential customs delays and short holding times of the samples for these methods, we require that these samples are analyzed at a United States location.

Method 1 – Total Sulfur (Ore Grade)

Summary

Total Sulfur is determined in ore grade geologic materials by combustion followed by infrared detection on LECO instrumentation. A weighed sample is mixed with an accelerator and heated via an induction furnace to oxidize sulfur to sulfur dioxide. Moisture and dust are removed and the sulfur dioxide gas is then measured by a solid state infrared detector.

Analytical Performance

The reporting limit range for Total Sulfur is from 0.01% to 75%. Data will be deemed acceptable if recovery of total sulfur is +15% at five times the LOD and the calculated percent RSD of duplicate samples is no greater than 15%.

Method 2 – Total Carbon (Ore Grade)

Summary

Total Carbon is determined in ore grade geologic materials by combustion followed by infrared detection on LECO instrumentation. A weighed sample is mixed with an accelerator and heated via an induction furnace to oxidize carbon to CO2. Moisture and dust are removed and the carbon dioxide gas is then measured by a solid state infrared detector.

Request for Proposal - 140G0224R0010

Analytical Performance

The reporting range for total carbon is 0.01% to 75%. Data will be deemed acceptable if recovery of total carbon is +15% at five times the LOD and the calculated percent RSD of duplicate samples is no greater than 15%.

Method 3 – Carbonate Carbon

Summary

Carbonate carbon (inorganic carbon) in geologic materials is determined as carbon dioxide by combustion. The sample is treated with dilute perchloric acid to release inorganic carbon as CO2 in a closed system. The CO2 can then be measured by infrared detection.

Analytical Performance

The reporting limit range for Carbonate Carbon is 0.01% to 14%. Data will be deemed acceptable if recovery for carbonate carbon is +15% at five times the lower limit of determination and the calculated percent RSD of duplicate samples is no greater than 15%.

Method 4 – Graphite

Summary

Carbonates are leached with 50% HCL and then roasted to remove organic carbon. The graphite is then measured by IR Combustion.

Analytical Performance

The reporting limit range for graphite 0.2% to 50%. Data will be deemed acceptable if recovery for carbonate carbon is +15% at five times the lower limit of determination and the calculated percent RSD of duplicate samples is no greater than 15%.

Method 5 – Acid Base Accounting

Summary

Parameters reported include:

• Paste pH

• Fizz rating

• Bulk neutralization potential

• Total sulfur, sulphate sulfur and sulfide sulfur

• Total carbon and inorganic carbon

• Acid generating potential (calculated)

• Net neutralization potential (calculated)

A sub-sample is subjected to a preliminary fizz test, and another sub-sample is weighed into a suitable container. The appropriate volume and normality of acid is then added to the sample based on the fizz test rating. The sample is shaken on a gyratory shaker table at approximately 170 ±10 RPM or less, at room

Request for Proposal - 140G0224R0010 temperature, and then back titrated with a base. By adding excess acid to a sample and back titrating with base, it is possible to determine the balance between acid producing and acid consuming components of a sample. Representative splits of the sample are submitted for chemical analysis for sulfur and carbon species. A representative split of the sample is mixed with water to determine the paste pH.

Analytical Performance

Contractor to provide the analytical perfomance for this method as an attachment in their solicitation package.

Method 6 – Mercury

Summary

Mercury is determined by cold vapor atomic absorption spectrometry (CVAAS). The sample is digested using a mixture of sulfuric and nitric acids, and dilute potassium permanganate and potassium persulfate in a water bath. Excess potassium permanganate is reduced by hydroxylamine sulfate solution, then Hg(II) is reduced by a solution of Tin(II) chloride (or stannous chloride). Mercury vapor is separated and measured with a FIMS 100 Mercury Analysis System.

Analytical Performance

The reporting limit range for Mercury is 1 ppb to 100,000 ppb. Data will be deemed acceptable if recovery of Hg is + 20 percent at five times the LOD and the calculated percent RSD of duplicate samples is no greater than 20 percent.

Method 7 – High Concentration Mercury in Solid Samples

Summary

Samples are digested with HNO3 AND HCl in a water bath for 1.5 hours and submitted to ICP-OES for Hg analysis.

Analytical Performance

The reporting limit range for high concentration mercury in solid samples is 10 ppm to 10,000 ppm. Data will be deemed acceptable if recovery of Mercury is ±20% at five times the LOD and the calculated percent RSD of duplicate samples is no greater than 20%.

Method 8 – Fluoride

Summary

Fluoride is determined by ion-selective electrode (ISE) following a sodium hydroxide fusion. The sample is fused with a mixture of sodium hydroxide, potassium nitrate and silica to release fluoride ions from the sample matrix followed by dissolution of the fusion cake in dilute nitric acid. Prior to measuring the fluoride activity of the sample solution using an ion-selective electrode, an ammonium citrate solution is added to buffer the pH, maintain a constant ionic strength, and dissociate any metal ion-fluoride complexes. The fluoride concentration in the sample is then determined by interpolation from standard calibration curves.

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Analytical Performance

The reporting limits for F are 0.01%-10%. Data will be deemed acceptable if recovery of F is +20 percent at five times the LOD and the calculated percent RSD of duplicate samples is no greater than 20 percent.

Method 9 – Chloride

Summary

Chloride is determined by ion selective electrode (ISE) following a potassium hydroxide fusion. The sample is fused with a mixture of potassium hydroxide and potassium nitrate to release chloride ions from the sample matrix followed by dissolution of the fusion cake in dilute nitric acid. Prior to measuring the chloride activity of the sample solution using an ion-selective electrode, the sample is spiked with known chloride amount and an ammonium citrate solution is added to buffer the pH, maintain a constant ionic strength, and dissociate any metal ion-chloride complexes. The chloride concentration in the sample is then determined by interpolation from standard calibration curves.

Analytical Performance

The reporting limits for Cl are 0.01%-30%. Data will be deemed acceptable if recovery of the Cl is +20 percent at five times the LOD and the calculated percent RSD of duplicate samples is no greater than 20 percent.

Method 10 – Ferrous Oxide

Summary

The sample is digested by using a mixture of sulfuric, hydrofluoric and hydrochloric acids. The solution is titrated with a standardized solution of potassium dichromate to determine Fe²+ using a sodium diphenylanime sulphonate indicator.

Analytical Performance

The reporting limits for FeO are 0.05%-50%. Data will be deemed acceptable if recovery of FeO is +15% at five times the LOD and the calculated percent RSD of duplicate samples is no greater than 15%.

Method 11 – Essential and Non-Essential Water

Summary

Essential water is determined by drying the sample for 1 hour at 105±5°C to remove H2O (hydroscopic water). Then the sample is heated at 950°C by using a tube furnace. The H2O+ expelled from the sample is absorbed by magnesium perchlorate. The gain in weight of the perchlorate is used to calculate the amount of combined water in the sample. Non-essential water is determined by drying the sample for 2 hours at 105 ±5°C. From the loss in weight, non-essential water, in percent, is calculated.

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Analytical Performance

The lower reporting limit is 0.1 percent for the two forms of water. The total water, moisture (H2O-), and essential water (H2O+) are reported as weight percent. Data will be deemed acceptable if recovery of essential and non-essential water is +15% at five times the LOD and the calculated percent RSD of duplicate samples is no greater than 15%.

Method 12 – Gold

Summary

Gold is determined in geological materials by lead fusion fire assay and ICP- OES/ICP-MS. The sample is mixed with fluxing agents to assist with melting, and to promote separation from waste (gangue) materials from the precious metals. After cooling, the gangue is separated and discarded as a glassy slag from the precious metal- containing lead button. This button is further heated on an absorbing magnesium oxide crucible to remove the lead and trace amounts of base metals, and a small silver prill is left containing the precious metals. The silver prill is digested in aqua regia, then analyzed by ICP-OES and ICP-MS. Lower concentrations of Gold are measured by ICP-MS. Higher concentrations are measured by ICP-OES.

The reporting limit range for Gold is 1 ppb to 10,000 ppb.

Analytical Performance

The reporting limits for gold is 1 ppb-10,000 ppb. Data will be deemed acceptable if recovery of gold is +20 percent at five times the LOD and the calculated percent RSD of duplicate samples is no greater than 20 percent.

Method 13 – Gold, Platinum, and Palladium

Summary

Gold, platinum, and palladium are determined in geological materials by ICP-MS after collection by fire assay. An assay ton (30 grams) is weighed into a crucible with 150 grams of flux and mixed. One mg of silver nitrate is added and covered with borax, then placed in the furnace for 45 minutes at 1050oC. The melt is poured into a cast iron mold, cooled, and hammered to free the lead button from the slag. The lead button is placed on a cupel and heated at 950oC until all the lead is removed. The resulting dore bead is dissolved in a mixture of HNO3 and HCl and heated in a water bath. The final solution is adjusted to 10 ml and introduced into the ICP-MS.

Method 13 Elements and Reporting Limits

Element Concentration Range

Au, Gold 1 ppb 10,000 ppb

Pd, Palladium 1 ppb 10,000 ppb

Pt, Platinum 5 ppb 10,000 ppb

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Analytical Performance

Data will be deemed acceptable if recovery of Au, Pt, and Pd is +/-20% at five times the LOD and the calculated percent RSD of duplicate samples is no greater than 20%.

Method 14 – Ore Grade Au, Pd, Pt by Lead Fire Assay and ICP-OES

Summary

The sample is weighed and mixed with fluxing agents to assist with melting and promote separation from waste (gangue) materials from the precious metals. After cooling, the gangue is separated and discarded as a glassy slag from the precious metal containing lead button. This button is further heated on an absorbing magnesium oxide crucible to remove the lead and trace amounts of base metals. A small silver prill is left containing the precious metals. The silver prill is digested in aqua regia then analyzed by ICP-

OES.

Method 14 Elements and Reporting Limits

Element Concentration Range

Au, Gold 0.1 ppm 100 ppm

Pd, Palladium 0.1 ppm 100 ppm

Pt, Platinum 0.1 ppm 100 ppm

Analytical Performance

Data will be deemed acceptable if recovery of Gold, Platinum and Palladium is ±20% at five times the LOD and the calculated percent RSD of duplicate samples is no greater than 20%.

Method 15 – Platinum Group Elements by Nickel Sulfide Fire Assay and ICP-MS

Summary

The sample is mixed with nickel and sulfur to collect the suite of PGEs. Fluxing agents are added to assist with melting and to promote separation from waste (gangue) materials. After cooling, the gangue is separated and discarded as a glassy slag from the PGE-containing nickel sulfide button. This button is dissolved in concentrated hydrochloric acid, co-precipitated with tellurium and filtered. The residue is then analyzed by ICP-MS.

Method 15 Elements and Reporting Limits

Element Concentration Range

Au, Gold 1 ppb 100,000 ppb

Ir, Iridium 1 ppb 10,000 ppb

Pd, Palladium 1 ppb 100,000 ppb

Pt, Platinum 1 ppb 100,000 ppb

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Rh, Rhodium 1 ppb 10,000 ppb

Ru, Ruthenium 1 ppb 10,000 ppb

Analytical Performance

Data will be deemed acceptable if recovery of all elements is ±20% at five times the LOD and the calculated percent RSD of duplicate samples is no greater than 20%.

Method 16 – Platinum Group Elements by Nickel Sulfide Fire Assay and Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA)

Summary

The sample is mixed with nickel and sulfur to collect the suite of PGEs. Fluxing agents are added to assist with melting and to promote separation from waste (gangue) materials. After cooling, the gangue is separated and discarded as a glassy slag from the PGE-containing nickel sulfide button. This button is dissolved in concentrated hydrochloric acid, co-precipitated with tellurium and filtered. The residue is then analyzed by instrumental neutron activation analysis.

Method 16 Elements and Reporting Limits

Element Concentration Range

Au, Gold 0.5 ppb 20,000 ppb

Ir, Iridium 0.1 ppb 10,000 ppb

Os, Osmium 10 ppb 1,000 ppb

Pd, Palladium 2 ppb 100,000 ppb

Pt, Platinum 5 ppb 100,000 ppb

Rh, Rhodium 0.2 ppb 20,000 ppb

Ru, Ruthenium 5 ppb 50,000 ppb

Analytical Performance

Data will be deemed acceptable if recovery of all elements is ±20% at five times the LOD and the calculated percent RSD of duplicate samples is no greater than 20%.

Method 17– Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA)

Method 17 - Elements and Reporting Limits

Element Concentration Range

Ag, Silver 5 ppm 100,000 ppm

As, Arsenic 2 ppm 10,000 ppm

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Au, Gold 5 ppb 30,000 ppb

Ba, Barium 100 ppm 500,000 ppm

Br, Bromine 1 ppm 1000 ppm

Ca, Calcium 1% 50%

Ce, Cerium 3 ppm 10,000 ppm

Cr, Chromium 10 ppm 100,000 ppm

Cs, Cesium 2 ppm 10,000 ppm

Co, Cobalt 5 ppm 5,000 ppm

Eu, Europium 0.02 ppm 2,000 ppm

Fe, Iron 0.2% 75%

Hf, Hafnium 1 ppm 500 ppm

Hg, Mercury 1 ppm 1,000 ppm

Ir, Iridium 5 ppb 10,000 ppb

La, Lanthanum 1 ppm 10,000 ppm

Lu, Lutetium 0.05 ppm 1,000 ppm

Mo, Molybdenum 5 ppm 10,000 ppm

Na, Sodium 0.05% 10%

Nd, Neodymium 5 ppm 10,000 ppm

Ni, Nickel 50 ppm 10,000 ppm

Ru, Ruthenium 30 ppm 10,000 ppm

Sb, Antimony 0.2 ppm 10,000 ppm

Sc, Scandium 0.1 ppm 200 ppm

Se, Selenium 5 ppm 10,000 ppm

Sm, Samarium 0.1 ppm 10,000 ppm

Sn, Tin 0.05% 10%

Sr, Strontium 0.1% 40%

Ta, Tantalum 1 ppm 10,000 ppm

Tb, Terbium 0.5 ppm 1,000 ppm

Th, Thorium 0.5 ppm 10,000 ppm

U, Uranium 0.5 ppm 10,000 ppm

W, Tungsten 4 ppm 10,000 ppm

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Yb, Ytterbium 0.2 ppm 1,000 ppm

Zn, Zinc 50 ppm 100,000 ppm

Analytical Performance

Data is deemed acceptable if recovery for all elements is ±15% at five times the Lower Limit of Determination (LOD) and the calculated Relative Standard Deviation (RSD) of duplicate samples is no greater than 15%.

Method 18 – WDXRF Major Element Analysis (Ore grade)

Summary

Major elements are determined in rocks and minerals by wavelength dispersive x-ray fluorescence spectrometry (WDXRF). The sample is fused with lithium metaborate/lithium tetraborate flux and the resultant glass disk is introduced into the WDXRF and irradiated by an x-ray tube. The method also provides a gravimetric loss on ignition (LOI).

Method 18 - Reporting Limit for major oxides

Major Element Oxides Concentration Range

Al2O3 .01% 100%

BaO .01% 70%

CaO .01% 60%

Cr2O3 .01% 5%

Fe2O3 .01% 100%

K2O .01% 70%

MgO .01% 100%

MnO .01% 100%

Na2O .01% 60%

P2O5 .01% 55%

SiO2 .01% 100%

SrO .01% 10%

TiO2 .01% 100%

V2O5 .01% 10%

LOI .01% 100%

Analytical Performance

Data will be deemed acceptable if recovery of the major oxides is +5 percent at the LOD and the

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Method 19 – WDXRF Base Metals (Ore Grade)

Summary

Determination of base metals in sulfide ores by potassium pyrosulfate fusion and x-ray fluorescence.

Method 19 Elements and Reporting Limits

Element Concentration Range

Co, Cobalt 0.01% 100%

Cr, Chromium 0.01% 75%

Cu, Copper 0.01% 75%

Fe, Iron 0.02% 100%

Mn, Manganese 0.01% 100%

Mo, Molybdenum 0.005% 50%

Ni, Nickel 0.01% 50%

Pd, Lead 0.01% 100%

W, Tungsten 0.02% 70%

Zn, Zinc 0.01% 70%

Analytical Performance

Data will be deemed acceptable if recovery of the base metals is ±5% at the LOD and the calculated percent RSD of duplicate samples is no greater than 5%.

Method 20 – Rare Earth Elements by WDXRF

Method 20 Elements and Reporting Limits

Element Concentration Range

Ce, Cerium 0.02% 20%

Dy, Dysprosium 0.02% 20%

Er, Erbium 0.02% 20%

Eu, Europium 0.02% 20%

Gd, Gadolinium 0.02% 20%

Ho, Holmium 0.02% 20%

La, Lanthanum 0.02% 20%

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Lu, Lutetium 0.02% 20%

Nd, Neodymium 0.02% 20%

Pr, Praseodymium 0.02% 20%

Sm, Samarium 0.02% 20%

Tb, Terbium 0.02% 20%

Th, Thorium 0.02% 20%

Tm, Thulium 0.02% 20%

U, Uranium 0.02% 20%

Y, Yttrium 0.02% 20%

Yb, Ytterbium 0.02% 20%

Analytical Performance

Data will be deemed acceptable if recovery of the rare earth elements is ±5% at the LOD and the calculated percent RSD of duplicate samples is no greater than 5%.

Method 21 – ICP-OES Major Element Analysis Using a Lithium Metaborate Fusion

Summary

Sixteen major, minor, and trace elements are determined in geological materials using a lithium metaborate fusion with an ICP-OES finish. The sample is fused with lithium metaborate and dissolved using dilute HNO³ in a graphite crucible. The resulting solution is analyzed by ICP-OES.

Method 21 - Reporting limits for ICP-OES Major Element

Element Concentration Range

Al2O3 .01% 75%

BaO .01% 10%

CaO .01% 60%

Cr2O3 .01% 10%

Fe2O3 .01% 75%

K2O .01% 25%

MgO .01% 30%

MnO .01% 10%

Na2O .01% 30%

Nb, Niobium .001% 10%

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P2O5 .01% 25%

SiO2 .01% 90%

SrO .01% 10%

TiO2 .01% 25%

Y, Yttrium .001% 10%

Zr, Zirconium .001% 10%

LOI 0.01% 50%

Analytical Performance

Data will be deemed acceptable if they are +/- 15% at 5 times the lower limit of detection, and the calculated RSD of duplicate samples is no greater than 15%.

Method 22 – 49 Element ICP-OES-MS Multi-Acid Digestion

Summary

Forty-nine major, minor, and trace elements are determined in geological materials. The sample is decomposed using a mixture of hydrochloric, nitric, perchloric, and hydrofluoric acids at low temperature. The resulting solution is analyzed by ICP-OES and ICP-MS.

Method 22 - Reporting limits for 49 elements by ICP-OES-MS

Element Concentration Range

Ag, Silver 0.01 ppm 100 ppm

Al, Aluminum 0.01% 15%

As, Arsenic 0.2 ppm 1%

Ba, Barium 1 ppm 1%

Be, Beryllium 0.05 ppm 2500 ppm

Bi, Bismuth 0.01 ppm 1%

Ca, Calcium, 0.01% 50%

Cd, Cadmium 0.02 ppm 1%

Ce, Cerium 0.01 ppm 1000 ppm

Co, Cobalt 0.05 ppm 1%

Cr, Chromium 0.5 ppm 1%

Cs, Cesium 0.01 ppm 1000 ppm

Cu, Copper 0.5 ppm 1%

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Fe, Iron 0.01% 15%

Ga, Gallium 0.05 ppm 500 ppm

Hf, Hafnium 0.1 ppm 500 ppm

In, Indium 0.005 ppm 500 ppm

K, Potassium 0.01% 15%

La, Lanthanum 0.5 ppm 1%

Li, Lithium 0.1 ppm 1%

Lu, Lutetium 0.01 ppm 1000 ppm

Mg, Magnesium 0.01% 15%

Mn, Manganese 1 ppm 1%

Mo, Molybdenum 0.05 ppm 1%

Na, Sodium 0.01% 15%

Nb, Niobium 0.1 ppm 0.1%

Ni, Nickel 0.5 ppm 1%

P, Phosphorous 10 ppm 15%

Pb, Lead 0.1 ppm 1%

Rb, Rubidium 0.1 ppm 1%

S, Sulfur 0.01% 5%

Sb, Antimony 0.05 ppm 1%

Sc, Scandium 0.1 ppm 1%

Se, Selenium 0.5 ppm 0.1%

Sn, Tin 0.2 ppm 0.1%

Sr, Strontium 0.2 ppm 1%

Ta, Tantalum 0.05 ppm 1%

Tb, Terbium 0.05 ppm 1%

Te, Tellurium 0.01 ppm 0.1%

Th, Thorium 0.1 ppm 1%

Ti, Titanium 0.01% 15%

Tl, Thallium 0.01 ppm 1%

U, Uranium 0.005 ppm 1%

V, Vanadium 0.5 ppm 1%

W, Tungsten 0.1 ppm 1%

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Y, Yttrium 0.1 ppm 1%

Yb, Ytterbium 0.1 ppm 0.1%

Zn, Zinc 0.5 ppm 1%

Zr, Zirconium 0.5 ppm 1%

Analytical Performance

Data is deemed acceptable if recovery for all elements is +/- 15% at five times the Lower Limit of Determination (LOD) and the calculated Relative Standard Deviation (RSD) of duplicate samples is no greater than 15%.

Method 23 – Multi Element Determination in Highly Mineralized Samples by Four Acid Digestion and ICP-OES

Summary

30 major, minor, and trace elements are determined in geological materials. The sample is decomposed using a mixture of hydrochloric, nitric, perchloric, and hydrofluoric acids to obtain a near total digest of ores and concentrates. The resulting solution is analyzed by ICP-OES. This method has no upper reporting limits.

Method 23 - Reporting limits for 30 elements by ICP-OES

Element Lower Reporting Limit

Ag, Silver 2 ppm

Al, Aluminum 100 ppm

As, Arsenic 30 ppm

Ba, Barium 2 ppm

Be, Beryllium 0.05 ppm

Bi, Bismuth 20 ppm

Ca, Calcium, 100 ppm

Cd, Cadmium 2 ppm

Co, Cobalt 4 ppm

Cr, Chromium 10 ppm

Cu, Copper 5 ppm

Fe, Iron 100 ppm

K, Potassium 20 ppm

Li, Lithium 10 ppm

Mg, Magnesium 40 ppm

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Mn, Manganese 5 ppm

Mo, Molybdenum 5 ppm

Na, Sodium 100 ppm

Ni, Nickel 20 ppm

P, Phosphorous 30 ppm

Pb, Lead 20 ppm

Sb, Antimony 10 ppm

Se, Selenium 30 ppm

Sn, Tin 20 ppm

Sr, Strontium 1 ppm

Ti, Titanium 5 ppm

Tl, Thallium 30 ppm

V, Vanadium 2 ppm

Y, Yttrium 0.5 ppm

Zn, Zinc 10 ppm

Analytical Performance

Data is deemed acceptable if recovery for all elements is +/- 15% at five times the Lower Limit of Determination (LOD) and the calculated Relative Standard Deviation (RSD) of duplicate samples is no greater than 15%.

Method 24 – Multi-acid Digestion with Fusion of Residue and Rare Earth Elements by Sodium Peroxide Fusion by ICP-OES/ICP-MS (Ore grade).

Summary

This method describes the total sample digestion of rocks, sediments, and soils. There are no upper reporting limits on this method. Samples are digested in a Teflon vessel with hot hydrochloric, nitric, hydrofluoric and perchloric acids and filtered. The residue is fused with sodium peroxide and sodium hydroxide and quenched in the original filtrate. Samples are then analyzed by ICP-OES and ICP-MS.

Method 24 - Reporting Limits

Element Lower Reporting Limit

Ag, Silver 0.2 ppm

Al, Aluminum…