RFI__PR0044021345_Clumped_Phyto_Analysis_1.pdf

Request for Information (RFI): Clumped Isotope Thermometry and Phytolith Paleoecological Analysis

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

Introduction

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is conducting market research to identify qualified sources capable of providing laboratory services for clumped isotope thermometry and phytolith paleoecological analysis in accordance with the methods and deliverables described in the attached Statement of Work (SOW).

This Request for Information (RFI) is issued under FAR Part 10 and is for informational and planning purposes only. This notice does not constitute a solicitation or a promise to issue a solicitation in the future.

Scope of Work Summary

The USGS seeks vendors who can conduct the following:

• Clumped Isotope Thermometry: Analysis of carbonate samples using cathodoluminescence microscopy, mass spectrometry, and inorganic calcite calibration standards to calculate paleotemperatures.

• Phytolith Analysis: Extraction, purification, and morphological classification of at least 400 phytoliths per sample from paleosol samples, with results translated into environmental and paleoclimatic assessments.

• Field Collaboration: Participation in joint USGS-contractor fieldwork in Idaho to collect samples.

• Reporting: Digital delivery of both raw and interpreted data in Excel format and publication-ready methods documentation in Word format.

• Sample Return: Shipping of all sample remnants, including processed and unprocessed materials, back to USGS.

Period of performance: July 2025 – September 2027.

Responses should be concise, relevant, and directly address the qualifications and capabilities outlined in this notice. Submissions should avoid general marketing materials unrelated to the specific scope of work described. Responses that fail to address the technical requirements or do not adhere to specified guidelines will not be considered.

Do not respond if your organization does not have documented experience in BOTH clumped isotope thermometry and phytolith analysis as outlined.

Interested vendors should submit a capability statement that addresses all of the following:

1. Relevant Experience:

o Demonstrated proficiency in clumped isotope thermometry and phytolith paleoecological analysis.

o Documentation of completed studies, publications, or government contracts relevant to paleoclimatic reconstruction.

2. Personnel & Facilities:

o Qualifications of scientific personnel performing the work.

o Description of laboratory facilities, instrumentation, and sample processing capacity.

3. Methodology & Quality Control:

o Familiarity with current inorganic calcite calibrations, phytolith taxonomic methods, and

QA/QC protocols including standards, blanks, and replicate analyses.

4. Compliance & Registration:

o Business size under NAICS 541380.

o Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and SAM.gov registration status.

Submission Instructions

Joel Berberena Contracting Specialist U.S. Geological Survey Email: jberberena@usgs.gov Subject Line: RFI Response – Clumped Isotope and Phytolith Analysis (PR0044021345)

Disclaimer

This RFI is issued solely for information and planning purposes. It does not constitute a solicitation and shall not be construed as a commitment by the Government. The Government will not reimburse any costs associated with responding to this RFI, and all information submitted in response becomes Government property.

STATEMENT OF WORK

US Geological Survey Geology Minerals Energy and Geophysics Statement of Work

1.0 INTRODUCTION

The USGS needs to acquire suitable material and analytical datasets for clumped isotope thermometry and phytoliths within terrestrial sedimentary samples in order to establish lacustrine temperatures and paleoclimatic indicators in the Glenn’s Ferry formation.

2.0 BACKGROUND

The USGS conducts research on regional framework geology of depositional systems that inform landscape evolution, paleoclimate, and largescale lacustrine basin systems in the United States. Clumped isotope thermometric analysis of lacustrine and pedogenic carbonates provides a direct measurement of source water temperature. Phytolith analysis provides an estimate of plant communities and, indirectly, regional and global paleoclimatic mailto:jberberena@usgs.gov trends. The samples submitted for clumped isotope thermometry analyses and phytolith analyses will help us elucidate the geologic evolution of terrestrial sediment samples from the Pacific Northwest and northern Rocky Mountains.

3.0 SCOPE

Material for clumped isotope thermometry and phytolith analysis will be collected from Miocene- Pliocene terrestrial strata in central Idaho. This contract includes all costs incidental to the performance of the work, including travel, per diem, and related expenses. Travel costs will be in accordance with GSA domestic per diem rates. Contractor shall be reimbursed for actual transportation costs and travel allowances.

Carbonates from lacustrine or pedogenic samples are first sliced into thin sections and analyzed inter cathodoluminescence and transmitted light to identify primary carbonate micritic features. The samples are subsequently drilled and homogenized for clumped isotope thermometric analysis.

Pedogenic carbonates are analyzed at multiple depths to identify temperature depth profiles in paleosols. Purified carbonate from powdered samples and carbonate international standards are measured in a mass spectrometer. Data are reduced and carbonate growth temperatures are calculated using current inorganic calcite calibrations.

Phytolith analysis will be conducted by extracting phytoliths from the upper paleosol horizons and homogenizing each sample. Samples are then purified through a series of acid digestions to remove organic material and carbonate. The samples will be sorted into size fractions specific to amplify phytolith abundance and preserve all taxonomies. Once cleaned and dried, each sample will have its morphotypes analyzed from mounted slides on a microscope, including counting and identifying a sufficient number of diagnostic individual phytoliths to obtain an representative assessment of the assemblage. These results will be translated into an assessment of the environment and paleoclimatic factors that induce variation.

4.0 APPLICABLE DOCUMENTS N/A

5.0 TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS

The contractor shall conduct fieldwork with USGS personnel in Idaho to collect suitable material for analysis. The contractor shall have demonstrated experience in all aspects of carbonate separation, purification, and clumped isotope analysis as well as all aspects in paleoclimatic reconstructions using phytolith assemblages. We anticipate requiring analyses of 400 individual phytoliths per sample and submitting 50 phytolith analyses. We also anticipate submitting 50 clumped isotope samples for analysis. The exact number may vary depending on sample properties. Rock samples will be analyzed along with community reference standards to monitor instrumentation performance and as required by best analytical practices.

6.0 DELIVERABLES

The contractor shall provide deliverables in a digital report for each sample in Excel spreadsheet format, with both the raw and interpreted data included. The report shall include data from analytical standards. A publication-ready write-up of analytical methods shall be available (in digital form, as a Word document) to USGS on request. The contractor will ship the mineral separates, processed rock material, and any unprocessed rock to USGS.