Sources_Sought_1.pdf

SOURCES SOUGHT NOTICE

Phytoplankton Analysis of Water Samples – Bureau of Reclamation

Notice Type: Sources Sought

Posted Through: Government Point of Entry (GPE) – SAM.gov

NAICS: 541380 – Testing Laboratories and Services

Place of Performance: Contractor’s Facility Laboratory analysis of phytoplankton samples will be performed entirely at the contractor’s laboratory facility. No contractor performance at a Government facility is required.

Estimated Period of Performance: 5 Years

PURPOSE

The Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation, is conducting market research under FAR Part 10 to identify potential sources capable of providing laboratory analysis of phytoplankton in reservoir water-quality samples, including taxonomic identification/speciation, enumeration (abundance), biovolume analysis, quality assurance/quality control, and reporting in accordance with the Government’s requirements.

This Sources Sought is NOT a solicitation. No contract will be awarded from this announcement.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The Bureau of Reclamation is seeking information from qualified sources capable of providing laboratory analysis of phytoplankton in reservoir water-quality samples collected from Reclamation reservoirs within the Upper and Lower Colorado Basins. Services include taxonomic identification to the lowest practical taxonomic level, enumeration (abundance), biovolume analysis, QA/QC, and electronic reporting. The anticipated requirement includes analysis of both newly collected and backlogged samples using established phytoplankton analytical methods. Reclamation will collect, preserve, and ship samples to the contractor's laboratory for analysis.

GEOGRAPHICAL AREAS

Phytoplankton samples will originate from Reclamation reservoirs within the Upper and Lower Colorado Basins and will be shipped to the contractor’s laboratory for analysis. The contractor is not required to perform services at Government facilities.

SCOPE OF WORK

The contractor will provide laboratory services for the identification and quantification of phytoplankton in reservoir water-quality samples collected within Reclamation’s Upper and Lower Colorado Basin regions. Services will include taxonomic identification to the lowest practical taxonomic level, enumeration (cell density/abundance), biovolume estimation, quality assurance/quality control, and electronic reporting of analytical results. The requirement includes both newly collected and backlogged samples. Reclamation will collect, preserve, and ship samples to the contractor’s laboratory. All analytical services will be performed at the contractor’s facility.

ANTICIPATED CONTRACT TYPE

Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) Indefinite-Delivery/Indefinite-Quantity (IDIQ) contract with established fixed unit prices for phytoplankton sample analyses. The anticipated ordering period is five years, consisting of a 12-month base period and four 12-month option periods..

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Interested firms are requested to submit a Capabilities Statement (5 pages maximum) containing the following:

1. Company Information Company name and address Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) Point of contact, including email address and telephone number CAGE Code, if applicable

2. Business Size and Socioeconomic Status Business size under NAICS 541380 – Testing Laboratories and Services Identify applicable socioeconomic status, including Small Business, 8(a), HUBZone, SDVOSB, WOSB, EDWOSB, or other applicable designation

3. Relevant Experience Demonstrated experience performing laboratory analysis of freshwater phytoplankton samples Experience with phytoplankton taxonomic identification/speciation, enumeration

(abundance/cell density), and biovolume analysis Experience performing comparable water-quality or biological laboratory analytical services Provide examples of relevant contracts or projects, including customer, scope, approximate value, period of performance, and point of contact, if available

4. Technical Capability Ability to identify phytoplankton to the lowest practical taxonomic level, typically genus or species, using recognized taxonomic standards Ability to perform enumeration and biovolume analysis using APHA Standard

Methods 10200 or equivalent required methodology Ability to maintain appropriate QA/QC procedures and provide supporting QA/QC data with analytical results Ability to receive, maintain, process, and analyze preserved phytoplankton samples Ability to provide analytical results electronically within the required turnaround times Capability to accommodate both recurring sample shipments and backlogged samples

5. Capacity Describe the firm's laboratory capacity to support the anticipated requirement, including the ability to analyze up to 336 samples during the Base Period and up to 236 samples annually during each option period, with a maximum potential quantity of 1,280 samples over five years.

Identify any limitations that could affect the firm's ability to meet the anticipated quantities or required turnaround times.

RESPONSE INSTRUCTIONS

Responses must be emailed to:

Johnny Lyons johnny_lyons@ios.doi.gov

Subject Line: Sources Sought Response – Phytoplankton IDIQ – [Company Name]

Response Due: September 11, 2026, by 10:00 a.m. MT.

No telephone inquiries will be accepted.

DISCLAIMER

This Sources Sought Notice is issued solely for market research, information, and planning purposes. It does not constitute a solicitation, Request for Quote (RFQ), Request for Proposal (RFP), invitation for bid, or commitment by the Government to issue a solicitation or make an award.

Responses to this notice will be used to assist the Government in determining industry capability, availability of qualified sources, and the appropriate acquisition and small business strategy for this requirement.

The Government will not reimburse respondents for any costs incurred in preparing or submitting a response to this notice. Submission of a response does not guarantee that a respondent will receive a solicitation or be considered for any subsequent award.