Apatite fission-track (AFT) and U-Pb analyses

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), under the Department of the Interior, has issued a Special Notice of Intent to award a single-source purchase order to Geosep Services for apatite fission-track (AFT) and U-Pb analyses of geological samples. This procurement will be conducted under simplified acquisition procedures in accordance with the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), specifically FAR 13.106-1(b) and FAR Parts 12 and 13. The USGS has determined that Geosep Services is the only known source capable of providing the specialized in-situ uranium and lead isotope measurements via LA-ICP-MS for U-Pb date determination combined with 252Cf irradiation capabilities. The notice satisfies FAR requirements for transparency regarding sole-source justifications, and prior market research efforts, including a Sources Sought notice, yielded no competing vendors. The notice is classified under NAICS code 541380 (Testing Laboratory) and PSC code B517 (Special Studies/Analysis-Geological).

The underlying objective is to support USGS research on the Kuskokwim Mountains region of Alaska, evaluating depositional ages, sediment routing, exhumation history, and fault characteristics relevant to earthquake and tsunami hazard assessment. The contractor must perform 20 mineral separates and 25 total AFT and U-Pb analyses on samples provided by USGS, utilizing specialized equipment including precision microscopy, vacuum chambers for 252Cf irradiation, and LA-ICP-MS instrumentation. Although this is a single-source procurement, the USGS is accepting quotations from all responsible parties through March 13, 2026, at 1500 PST, with submissions required via email to yangzhideng@usgs.gov only; hardcopy or web portal submissions will not be considered. The Statement of Work specifies deliverables in Excel format including raw fission-track counts, kinetic parameters, isotopic measurements, and calculated AFT and U-Pb dates, with performance extending through December 31, 2026. While there are no formal set-asides or competitive eligibility restrictions, the USGS has established that only firms possessing the combined technical capabilities in AFT thermochronometry and U-Pb analysis with the specified equipment can realistically meet the requirements.