synopsis_Sources_Sought_thermochrometry_1.docx

Sources Sought (Special Notice)

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is conducting market research to determine the availability of qualified businesses capable of providing thermochronology (U-Th)/He analysis for apatite and zircon grains from rock samples 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.

The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code – 541380 – Testing Laboratories and Services and associated size standard $19.0 million apply to this announcement.

All responsible sources may submit a capability 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 aberry@usgs.gov and must be uploaded and received in their entirety no later than 07/25/2025 by 0500 PD Responses submitted by hard copy shall not be accepted or considered.

Statement of Work

1.0 INTRODUCTION

The USGS Alaska Science Center needs to acquire (U-Th)/He thermochronometry analyses of apatite and zircon grains from rock samples.

2.0 BACKGROUND

The USGS conducts research on regional geology related to energy, minerals, and hazards. This involves making geologic maps of the area being investigated, and reconstructing the tectonic, exhumation, and erosion history. (U-Th)/He thermochronometry is a key laboratory technique for determining exhumation histories, in particular rock cooling through 40-80°C (apatite U-Th/He) and 150-200°C (zircon U-Th/He). The samples submitted for thermochronometry analyses will help us elucidate the geologic context of mineral resources in Alaska.

3.0 SCOPE

analyses of 20 zircon and 20 apatite samples utilizing a quadrupole mass spectrometer (QMS) with a laser heating cell for helium extracting and measurement.

Utilizing a clean lab for grain digestion with nitric acid or hot hydrofluoric acid and an inductivity coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICPMS) for uranium, thorium and samarium measurements.

Exhumation age of each analyzed apatite or zircon grain calculated from the analyitical data, provided in an excel spreadsheet format.

4.0 APPLICABLE DOCUMENTS

N/A

5.0 TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS

The contractor shall have experience in all aspects of (U-Th)/He thermochronometry using laser extraction and QMS, clean lab, and ICPMS methods.

Contractor shall provide all equipment, labor, and facilities to produce the analysis outlined in the scope section herein.

6.0 DELIVERABLES

The contractor shall provide deliverables in a report in Excel spreadsheet format, with both the raw and interpreted data included. The report shall include analysis of standards, and a write-up of analytical methods shall be available (in digital form, as a Word document).

7.0 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

One year from award date