Statement_Of_Work_1.pdf

STATEMENT OF WORK

Analysis of core samples collected from a mud-rotary borehole near Taft, Kern County, California.

I. General Information:

a. INTRODUCTION: The USGS Research Drilling Program (RDP) has the need for a vendor to analyze cores and core samples collected from a mud-rotary borehole drilled near Taft, Kern County, California during the 2022- 2023 calendar year. Between 20 to 40 feet of core material in 2.5" diameter Lexan liners will be collected. Cores will be of varying length, but no single core will be longer than 5' 2". The material will be unconsolidated alluvial and upper Tulare Formation. The cores will need to be scanned in the liner using dual energy CT (DECT) and/or X-ray technology to determine the thickness and location of the clays and sands within the cores. After review of the scan data the USGS will select intervals to be subsampled for various analysis. The basic list of analysis includes specific retention, sample acquisition and encapsulation, standard thin section preparation with scanning at 10x magnification under plane light, and mineralogy through XRD (bulk and clay). Additional analysis may be required after review of the core scan data. These optional analyses include thin section analysis, Archie parameters (a, m, and n), core slabbing with high resolution photography, and saturated hydraulic conductivity.

b. OBJECTIVE: To handle, scan, subsample, and analyze core material and provide digital results in a timely manner.

II. Background:

USGS RDP will be collecting between 20 to 40 feet of core from the unconsolidated alluvium and Tulare formation from a borehole near Taft, CA (see Figure 1). The cores will be collected in 2.5" diameter Lexan liners using standard mud-rotary drilling drilling/coring techniques. Cores will be of varying length, but no single core will be longer than 5' 2". The liners will be cut to the length of the core, capped, taped, and stored upright in a cool environment.

Once all cores are collected, they can be delivered to any location within 120 miles of Taft, CA.

The vendor will be required to store the cores in cold until all processing and analysis has been completed. The whole cores will need to be scanned in the liner using dual energy CT (DECT) and/or X-ray technology to provide the following information: core image, bulk density, porosity, PEF, estimated lithology log, compressional & shear velocity, UCS index, Dynamic Young’s Modulus, Poisson’s Ratio. Once scanned, the images and data will need to be provided to the USGS in digital format. Access to any proprietary software required to view the images or data must be provided by the vendor.

After review of the data the USGS will select intervals to be subsampled for various analysis. The basic list of analysis includes specific retention, sample acquisition and encapsulation, standard thin section preparation with scanning at 10x magnification under plane light, and mineralogy through XRD (bulk and clay). The vendor will be required to provide the labor to subsample the cores for all required analysis and arrange for the processing of the subsamples. Additional analysis may be required after review of the core scan data. These optional analyses include thin section analysis, Archie parameters (a, m, and n), core slabbing with high resolution photography, and saturated hydraulic conductivity.

The vendor will need to hold the core in cold storage until all tests are completed and the USGS has determined that no additional analysis is required. It that point the core will need to be returned to the USGS office in Bakersfield CA.

The vendor will provide all tools, equipment, and staff.

The start date of the project is currently unknown, but work is likely to begin between November 14, 2022, and May 31, 2023

III. Work Requirements

a. Vendor is expected to have experience completing this type of work. Vendor must be able to complete all tasks and analysis within their own company. Vendor must have a presence in California. Vendor may be required to provide proof of completing these tasks including, but not limited to, providing references.

b. Cores will be delivered to any location within 120 miles of Taft, CA. Vendor will be responsible to make all arrangements if the cores need to be delivered to a location greater than 120 miles of Taft, CA.

c. Cores will need to be held in cold storage, preferably between 34- and 38-degrees F, until all analysis are complete.

d. Vendor will scan whole cores in the liner using dual energy CT (DECT) and/or X-ray technology to provide the following information: core image, bulk density, porosity, PEF, estimated lithology log, compressional & shear velocity, UCS index, Dynamic Young’s Modulus, Poisson’s Ratio. Images and data will need to be provided to the USGS in digital format. Access to any proprietary software required to view the images or data must be provided by the vendor.

e. Sample acquisition and encapsulation will be the responsibility of the vendor. The USGS will select the intervals to be sampled after review of the data provided by the core scan.

f. Specific Retention/Yield with total porosity and bulk density should be measured using the preferred method ASTM D425.

g. Thin section preparation many be completed by any method preferred by the vendor.

Scanning of the thin sections at a minimum of 10x magnification with plane light is required. Access to any proprietary software required to view the images or data must be provided by the vendor.

h. Minerology should be determined through X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) to provide the bulk composition and identification of clays minerals. Clay-size fraction should be removed from the bulk material and analyzed separately. Analysis should provide identification of all inorganic crystalline compounds (specifically to include Opal) and the various clay minerals species. Identification should be based on reference standards provided by the International Centre for Diffraction Data (ICDD) database. Data should be provided in tabular format.

i. Thin section analysis (optional), if requested, should include a description of framework grain composition, type and distribution of visible porosity, textural characteristics, mineralogy, and depositional fabric.

j. Archies values (optional), if requested, should provide estimates for a, and m, and n. A citable method must be provided with the results.

k. Core slabbing (optional) with high resolution photography may be requested. All associated costs should be included and quoted as a flat rate of per foot cost. Access to any proprietary software required to view the images or data must be provided by the vendor.

l. Hydraulic conductivity (optional), if requested, should be measured using standards outlined in API RP40.

m. All laboratory equipment used to conduct measurements will be calibrated. All data will be checked for quality control.

n. Final processed data will be provided in paper and digital formats.

IV. Supporting Information

a. Actual length of core and quantity and type of sample is dependent of many factors that are not known at this time. The USGS will only pay for actual costs. Vendor should prepare quote to include the flat rate, per foot, per sample, or per month charges. For the quote, vendor should assume 40 feet of core, 8 samples for each required analysis requested, and 0 samples for each optional analysis.

b. Additional fees or charges. The vendor should note any additional charges that may apply. The amount and explanation on when each fee may apply should be included.

c. No Government-owned property or services will be provided to the vendor. USGS drillers will be available to set and remove sheaves as needed. The onsite generator and portable toilet may be used by the vendor. An on-site source of non-potable water will be available for vendor use.

d. The full PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE will begin as early as November 14th, 2022, and end not later than May 31st, 2023.