Radiogenic_isotype_analyses_sources_sought_1.docx

SOURCES SOUGHT

The US Geological Survey (USGS) is conducting market research to determine the availability of qualified businesses capable of whole rock strontium-hafnium-lead-neodymium isotype analyses of samples collected from igneous rocks in southeast Alaska 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 of $19.0 million apply to this announcement, along with product service code B517 Special studies/analysis – Geological.

All responsible sources may submit capability statements 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 03/20/2026 at 1800 PD. Proposals submitted by hardcopy, or any web portal shall not be accepted or considered.

Statement of Work

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

A. Introduction The USGS Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics (GMEG) Science Center requires whole-rock strontium-hafnium-lead-neodymium isotope analyses of samples collected from igneous rocks in southeast Alaska. These isotope analyses will support ongoing research for critical mineral studies of rocks in Alaska.

B. Background In igneous rocks, these isotopes are used to determine melt sources and extent of contamination of those melts. These data will help to understand the petrogenesis of Ural-Alaskan-type ultramafic complexes in southeast Alaska, including the Duke Island Complex and the Port Snettisham intrusion which host nickel-copper-platinum group element and titanium-vanadium mineralization, respectively.

C. Definitions/Applicable Documents Literature that provides an overview of the methods:

· Cheng, H., King, R. L., Nakamura, E. (2008). Coupled Lu–Hf and Sm–Nd geochronology constrains garnet growth in ultra-high-pressure eclogites from the Dabie orogen. J. Metamorphic Geol., v. 26, p. 741–758.

· Johnson, T. A., Vervoort, J. D., Ramsey, M. J., Aleinikoff, J. N., Southworth, S. (2018). Constraints on the timing and duration of orogenic events by combined Lu–Hf and Sm–Nd geochronology: An example from the Grenville orogeny. Earth Planet. Sci. Letters, v. 501, p. 152–164.

Literature that provides examples of the application of radiogenic isotope geochemistry to Ural-Alaskan-type complexes:

· Chen, B., Suzuki, K., Tian, W., Jahn, B.M., and Ireland, T., 2009, Geochemistry and Os–Nd–Sr isotopes of the Gaositai Alaskan-type ultramafic complex from the northern North China craton: implications for mantle–crust interaction: Contributions to Mineralogy and Petrology, v. 158, no. 5, p. 683–702, at https://doi.org/10.1007/s00410-009-0404-7.

· Saleeby, J.B., 1992, Age and tectonic setting of the Duke Island ultramafic intrusion, southeast Alaska: Canadian Journal of Earth Sciences, v. 29, no. 3, p. 506–522, at https://doi.org/10.1139/e92-044.

· Lanphere, M.A., 1968, SrRbK and Sr isotopic relationships in ultramafic rocks, southeastern Alaska: Earth and Planetary Science Letters, v. 4, no. 3, p. 185–190, at https://doi.org/10.1016/0012-821X(68)90033-2.

D. Scope Collected samples from a variety of Cretaceous Ural-Alaskan-type ultramafic complexes. In combination with major and trace element geochemistry, the strontium-hafnium-lead-neodymium data will be used constrain magmatic source(s) and petrogenetic models.

II. WORK REQUIREMENTS

A. Technical Requirements

1. Work Requirements/Products The USGS will provide 30 surface or drill core whole rock samples for the Sm-Nd analyses. The samples have been pulverized in agate or alumina corundum (avoiding metal) and at least 1 g of powder per sample is available to submit to the lab. The submitted samples will be analyzed using recognized spikes (e.g. 149Sm-150Nd), separation methods, standards (e.g. La Jolla, JNdi), and instrumental techniques to meet the typical precision for isotope analyses reported throughout the literature (e.g. 143Nd/144Nd 2σ < ± ~0.00001).

2. Criteria for acceptance of Product Analyses will be accepted if they meet the requirements of the lab’s quality control and quality assurance specialists.

B. Deliverables

1. Characteristics for work product described in II.A.1.

Deliverables will include strontium-hafnium-lead-neodymium elemental and isotopic compositions of the 30 samples submitted. A report will be submitted to the USGS upon completion of the work. This report will contain all relevant isotopic data that would routinely be included in scientific papers. This includes:

· A description of analytical techniques and methods of data reduction

· Table of the isotopic data, including elemental and isotopic concentrations and uncertainties.

The contractor will communicate with the USGS on a regular basis and in case of any unforeseen complications with the rock samples submitted.

2. Delivery dates Depending on lab schedules, the work for 30 samples should be completed within 12 months of the award of the contract. Digital data can be transferred to the USGS by email or other means of data delivery. Excess powdered samples should be returned to the USGS.

III. SUPPORTING INFORMATION

A. Place of Performance Contractor’s independent laboratory

B. Period of Performance 1 year from contract award date.

C. Government Furnished Property (GFP): None.

D. Special Considerations

1. Key personnel qualifications:

The lead isotope geochemistry expert in the lab should have a Ph.D degree and have 5 or more additional years of experience. They should have authorship on several peer-reviewed publications that report strontium-hafnium-lead-neodymium analyses for igneous rocks. The lab must be an internationally recognized and a reputable strontium-hafnium-lead-neodymium isotope geochemistry lab.

2. Data Rights, Safety, Environment: None

3. Security/Privacy: None