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

The US Geological Survey is conducting market research to determine availability of qualified vendors capable of providing apatite fission-track (AFT) and U-Pb thermochronometric analyses of geological samples from the Kuskokwim Mountains region in Alaska, with responses due by July 17, 2026 at 1500 PST.

This is a sources sought announcement, not a request for proposal or quote; the Government is not committed to award and will not reimburse response costs. All responsible sources may submit capability statements. Responses must be submitted by email to yangzhi_deng@ios.doi.gov only; hardcopy and web portal submissions will not be accepted.

The contractor will analyze 16 geological samples total: 14 bedrock samples (sedimentary and igneous) and 2 unconsolidated sediment samples, with submitted volumes not exceeding 5 kilograms per site. Work includes conventional fission-track counting using 252Cf irradiation, sample preparation (mounting and etching), precision microscopy at 2000x magnification minimum, vacuum chamber access, and laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS). For bedrock samples, deliverables require age determinations for 40 grains with over 100 track length measurements; for sediment samples, 80–100 grains should be measured for AFT age determinations without track length measurement. The contractor shall deliver a single Excel spreadsheet containing raw fission-track counts and count areas, kinetic parameters (Dpar and rmr0), elemental measurements (40Ca, 147Sm, 204Pb, 206Pb, 207Pb, 232Th, and 238U), fission-track lengths with grain c-axis angles, analyst calibration factors, and final calculated AFT and U-Pb dates. Performance extends through December 31, 2027. NAICS 541380 (Testing Laboratories) with $16.5 million size standard and PSC B517 apply.