Sources_Sought_Notice_140G0326Q0017_1.pdf

140G0326Q0017 Surface Water Particulate Analysis – Suisun Bay

SOURCES SOUGHT: Surface Water Particulate Analysis – Suisun Bay NAICS Code: 541380 – Testing Laboratories (Size Standard: $19 million) PSC Code: B529 – Special Studies/Analysis – Scientific Data Introduction The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), California Water Science Center (CAWSC), is conducting market research to identify qualified laboratories capable of performing analytical testing of surface water samples for particulate constituents. 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.

Background USGS is conducting studies in Suisun Bay (California) to evaluate how salinity stratification affects the accumulation and distribution of phytoplankton and other particulate constituents in the water column. Water samples collected at multiple depths and tidal stages require laboratory analysis to quantify particulate inorganic and organic carbon, total particulate carbon and nitrogen, total suspended solids, chlorophyll a, and phaeophytin.

Scope of Work Summary The USGS anticipates submitting the following samples for analysis:

• 70 samples for:

o Particulate Inorganic Carbon (PIC) o Particulate Organic Carbon (POC) o Total Particulate Carbon (TPC) o Total Particulate Nitrogen (TPN) o Total Suspended Solids (TSS)

• 54 samples for:

o Chlorophyll a o Phaeophytin

The contractor must be capable of receiving, storing, preserving, and analyzing environmental water samples;

performing analyses in accordance with specified methods EPA 440.0, EPA 445.0, and SM10200H.3; providing all required QA/QC documentation; maintaining chain-of-custody; and returning analytical results and QA/QC data in Excel or CSV format within the required timeframe.

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

A. Technical Capability

• Demonstrated experience performing analyses for particulate carbon/nitrogen, total suspended solids, and chlorophyll/phaeophytin using EPA or Standard Methods.

• Description of analytical instrumentation, detection limits, and quality assurance/quality control processes.

• Ability to maintain sample integrity, chain-of-custody, and method-specified handling requirements.

B. Relevant Experience

• Prior laboratory work involving environmental, water quality, or particulate constituent analysis.

• Previous federal, state, or academic contracts or projects of similar type and complexity.

C. Personnel

• Qualifications and experience of key scientific and technical staff.

D. Capacity and Turnaround Time

• Sample throughput capabilities for batches of this size.

• Estimated turnaround time for completing the required analyses (Government requirement: full results within three months of sample submission).

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)).

Period of Performance January 26, 2026 – January 25, 2027

Submission Instructions Please submit your response by email to:

Joel Berberena Contracting Officer Email: jberberena@usgs.gov Subject Line: Sources Sought – Suisun Bay Particulate Analysis

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.

STATEMENT OF WORK

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

A. Introduction The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), California Water Science Center (CAWSC), requires laboratory analytical services for the analysis of particulate constituents in surface water samples.

B. Background This work analyses samples collected in Suisun Bay (California) to study the effects of salinity stratification on food web dynamics. Discrete samples were collected from multiple depths at different points during the tidal cycle, with differing levels of salinity stratification. Analyses will help assess how stratification affects the accumulation and distribution of phytoplankton and other particles in the water column.

C. Scope of Work The Contractor shall perform laboratory analysis of surface water samples for the following parameters:

• Particulate Inorganic Carbon (PIC)

• Particulate Organic Carbon (POC)

• Total Particulate Carbon (TPC)

• Total Particulate Nitrogen (TPN)

• Total Suspended Solids (TSS)

• Chlorophyll a

• Phaeophytin

The work includes receipt of samples, chain-of-custody management, analytical testing, quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC), data review, and delivery of results.

A total of:

• 70 samples shall be analyzed for PIC/POC (including TPC and TPN) and TSS

• 54 samples shall be analyzed for chlorophyll a and phaeophytin

II. TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS

A. Sample Handling and Custody

1. The Contractor shall:

o Accept samples Monday through Friday during normal business hours.

o Maintain complete chain-of-custody documentation from receipt through analysis.

o Store, preserve, and analyze samples in accordance with the applicable analytical methods.

B. Analytical Requirements The Contractor shall analyze samples using the methods and minimum detection limits (MDLs) listed below.

Parameter Units MDL Method Particulate Nitrogen mg/L 0.0263 EPA 440.0 Particulate Carbon mg/L 0.0633 EPA 440.0 Chlorophyll, Total (Fluorometer) ug/L 0.68 EPA 445.0, SM10200H.3 Phaeophytin (Fluorometer) ug/L 0.46 EPA 445.0, SM10200H.3 Chlorophyll, Active (Fluorometer) ug/L 0.69 EPA 445.0, SM10200H.3

PIC and POC shall be derived using laboratory procedures consistent with EPA 440.0-based particulate carbon analysis.

C. Quality Assurance / Quality Control (QA/QC)

1. The Contractor shall perform QA/QC procedures for each analytical batch, including at a minimum:

o Method blanks o Matrix spikes o Laboratory duplicates or replicates o Initial and continuing calibration standards o Certified reference materials, where applicable

2. QA/QC results shall be provided with analytical data for each analytical run.

3. If QA/QC acceptance criteria specified in the applicable method are not met, the Contractor shall:

o Notify USGS promptly, and o Re-analyze affected samples at no additional cost to the Government.

III. DELIVERABLES AND ACCEPTANCE

A. Deliverables

1. Analytical data shall be delivered in XLS or CSV format.

2. Each data package shall include:

o Analytical results o Associated QA/QC data o Method references o Data qualifiers or flags, if applicable

B. Schedule All analytical results shall be delivered within three (3) months of sample submission.

C. Acceptance Criteria Data will be considered acceptable when:

• Analyses are performed using the specified methods;

• Required MDLs are achieved;

• Required QA/QC elements are provided and meet method acceptance criteria; and

• Deliverables are complete, accurate, and readable.

USGS will review submitted data and notify the Contractor of acceptance or any deficiencies.

IV. PERIOD AND PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

A. Period of Performance January 26, 2026 – January 25, 2027

B. Place of Performance All work shall be performed at the Contractor’s laboratory facility.

V. GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PROPERTY

None.

V. GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PROPERTY