Sources_Sought_EDS_and_software_1.docx

Sources Sought

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is conducting market research to determine the availability of qualified businesses capable of providing an Aztec Live/Ultim Max 100 maintenance agreement 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 811210, Electronic and Precision Equipment Repair and Maintenance and associated size standard of $34.0 million apply to this announcement.

All responsible sources may submit a capability statement 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 01/16/2026 by 0500 PS Responses submitted by hard copy shall not be accepted or considered.

STATEMENT OF WORK

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

A. Introduction The USGS Alaska Volcano Observatory (Anchorage, AK) hosts a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) equipped with 2 Oxford UltimMax 100 Energy Dispersive Spectrometer (EDS) detectors and Aztec Live software. These detectors and their operating software support response and background research on Alaska volcanoes, as well as data collection for the Alaska Science Center minerals group.

B. Background The EDS detectors are the core component of the SEM’s analytical capability and primary use of the instrument. Down time or failure of the detectors would limit utility of the instrument. Maintenance and warranty of these detectors, as well as software upgrade support, ensures that users will have continued use of this instrument, and benefit from any improvements in software capability and data processing. The service contract and warranty also ensures that the detectors are maintained and operating according to manufacturer specifications, and also ensures data collected remain valid for QMS purposes. The detectors are provided by a separate vendor than the SEM itself, and thus require a separate service contract.

C. Scope 12-month service contract for continued maintenance and warranty of the OXFORD UltimMax 100 EDS detectors and associated software/computer systems at the Alaska Volcano Observatory.

II. WORK REQUIREMENTS

A. Technical Requirements.

The service contract will cover routine maintenance (including software upgrades), as well as provide access to field engineers/support in the event of unforeseen instrument malfunctions and replacement of equipment that cannot be repaired.

B. Criteria for acceptance of Product or Service

The maintenance agreement covers the entire Oxford EDS system installed at the Alaska Volcano Observatory (2 detectors, software and support electronics). The following shall be provided:

a. One annual preventative maintenance field service engineer visit covering parts, labor, and travel expenses.

b. Priority response for technical support during standard business hours.

c. Labor and travel expenses and highest priority response for any additional field visits needed.

d. Repair of malfunctioning, damaged, or inoperable detectors, including due to accidental damage, and loaner detectors for periods while the detector is being repaired.

e. Software updates for Aztec Live and other components.

C. Deliverables.

1. One Preventive Maintenance service visit by factory-trained service engineers

2. As-needed/emergency visits by factory-trained service engineers

3. As-needed detector repair

4. Priority scheduling for all site visits

5. Guaranteed communication (phone call/email) within 24 hours

6. Software updates, as available

III. SUPPORTING INFORMATION

A. Place of Performance:

USGS Alaska Volcano Observatory 4230 University Drive Suite 100 Anchorage, Alaska 99508

B. Period of Performance One year from award date

1. Key personnel qualifications N/A

2. Data Rights, Safety, Environment.

N/A

3. Security/Privacy issues Contractor must contact technical liaison for access to USGS facility.