140G0326Q0002_Analysis_fish_liver_samples_1.pdf

SOURCES SOUGHT: Fish Liver Cyanotoxin Analysis Using the MMPB Method

NAICS Code: 541380 – Testing Laboratories (Size Standard: $19 million) PSC Code: B529 – Special Studies/Analysis – Scientific Data

1. Introduction The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), Western Fisheries Research Center (WFRC), Columbia River Research Laboratory, is conducting market research to identify qualified laboratories capable of performing analysis of fish liver samples for Microcystins (MCs) using the 3-methoxy-2-methyl-4-phenylbutyric acid (MMPB) method. This Sources Sought Notice is issued under FAR Part 10 and is for market research and planning purposes only. The purpose of this notice is to identify capable sources, including small businesses, to determine the appropriate acquisition strategy. This notice does not constitute a solicitation and does not commit the Government to issue a solicitation or make an award.

2. Background Juvenile fall Chinook salmon in Lower Granite Reservoir are exposed to harmful algal blooms (HABs), particularly Microcystins. The liver is the primary organ where these toxins accumulate. Traditional ELISA-based detection methods often under-report Microcystins in biological tissues, especially bound forms, whereas the MMPB method can detect both free and bound MCs. Accurate detection is critical for supporting ongoing USGS research efforts.

3. Scope of Work Summary The USGS anticipates submitting up to 70–80 fish liver samples for analysis. Samples will be individually packaged, labeled, and shipped overnight on dry ice. The prospective contractor must be capable of receiving and processing frozen fish liver samples;

analyzing samples using the MMPB method to quantify free, protein-bound, and thiol-bound Microcystins; providing results in a digital Excel spreadsheet with sample IDs and concentrations detected; providing documentation of analytical methods used; and maintaining chain-of-custody and sample integrity.

4. Interested laboratories are invited to submit a capability statement addressing the following items:

A. Technical Capability

• Demonstrated experience performing MMPB-based Microcystin detection in biological tissues.

• Description of analytical equipment, instrumentation, and detection limits.

• Quality assurance and quality control processes, including standards and replicates.

B. Relevant Experience

• Prior laboratory work involving cyanotoxins, fish tissue analysis, or similar environmental toxicology projects.

• Previous federal, state, or academic contracts or publications relevant to Microcystin research.

C. Personnel

• Qualifications and experience of key scientific and technical staff.

D. Capacity and Turnaround Time

• Sample throughput capacity for batches of 70–80 samples.

• Estimated turnaround time for completing the required analyses.

E. Business Information

• Company name, address, and point of contact.

• Unique Entity Identifier (UEI).

• SAM.gov registration status.

• Business size and socioeconomic category under NAICS 541380 (e.g., SB, HUBZone, SDVOSB, WOSB, 8(a)).

5. Submission Instructions Please submit your response by email to:

Joel Berberena Contracting Specialist U.S. Geological Survey – Office of Acquisition & Grants Email: jberberena@usgs.gov Subject Line: Sources Sought 140G0326Q0002 – Fish Liver MMPB Analysis

6. Disclaimer This Sources Sought Notice is issued solely for information and planning purposes. It does not constitute a solicitation or a commitment by the Government. The Government will not reimburse any cost associated with submitting a response. All information submitted becomes Government property and may be used for acquisition planning.

7. STATEMENT OF WORK

The USGS has long-term monitoring projects in place on the Snake River to estimate abundance, growth, and survival of juvenile fall Chinook salmon migrating through Lower Granite Reservoir. A portion of the Snake River juvenile fall Chinook salmon holdover and spend the summer and overwinter in Lower Granite Reservoir. While in the reservoir they feed primarily on zooplankton and invertebrates. In recent years there have been harmful algae blooms (HAB’s) occurring during the summer months in Lower Granite Reservoir. Research conducted by Falfushynska et al. (2023) found that planktivorous fish accumulated a higher average amount of Microcystins (MC’s) than carnivorous fish and that the liver is the primary target organ for this toxin.

3-methoxy-2-methyl-4-phenylbutyric acid (MMPB) is a technique developed to detect free and bound (protein and thiol) MC’s, whereas the more common ELISA method can only detect free and thiol-bound MC’s. Research by Brown et al. (2018) found that ELISA can be unreliable for screening dolphin livers. The USGS will prepare and submit up to 70 samples according to procedures specified by the vendor. Samples will be individually packaged, labeled with a sample ID and sample type (liver), and shipped overnight on dry ice. The contractor will analyze the fish liver samples using the MMPB method and will provide a spreadsheet containing sample IDs and Microcystin concentrations.

mailto:jberberena@usgs.gov