Notice_of_Intent_Thermochronology_2.docx

NOTICE OF INTENT

This is a notice of intent to solicit from a single source.

The US Geological Survey (USGS) intends to award a purchase order to the University of Texas at Austin for thermochronology services as described in the attached statement of work.

Award will be made in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 13.106-1(b) and the procedures at FAR Part 12 entitled, Acquisition of Commercial Items and FAR Part 13 entitled, Simplified Acquisition Procedures. The University of Texas at Austin to the knowledge of the USGS, the only source who can provide the required thermochronology services.

The purpose of this notice is to satisfy the requirements of FAR Subpart 5.2. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive quotes. However, all responsible parties may submit a quotation which shall be considered by the agency. No solicitation will be issued. A determination not to compete this action based upon responses received is in the sole discretion of the Government.

The NAICS code 541380 Testing Laboratory and Services and associated size standard $19.0 million apply to this announcement.

Responses or inquiries shall only be accepted through electronic mail addressed to aberry@usgs.gov and must be uploaded and received in their entirety no later than 08/12/2025 at 0500 hrs. PDT. Responses submitted by hard copy, or the any web portal 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 analytical 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