Cation exchange capacity and X-ray diffraction ana

The U.S. Geological Survey Office of Acquisitions and Grants seeks mineralogical analysis services on geologic samples, with quotations due September 22, 2026 at 12:00 PM Mountain Time. This is a Firm Fixed Price purchase order with no small business set-aside.

The contractor shall perform cation exchange capacity (CEC) analysis and whole rock X-ray diffraction (XRD) using full pattern fitting techniques on 150 rock samples, with completion within eight weeks. An additional 30 samples require specialized clay analysis to identify clay types and interstratification percentages. The contract period runs from September 24, 2026 through September 23, 2027.

Results must be delivered via email in Excel spreadsheets with raw data files identified by USGS sample identification numbers. Quality control standards require that for mineral abundances greater than 10%, vendor results must be within 5% of standards or duplicates; for abundances less than 10%, within 30%. Failure to meet these criteria requires reanalysis at no additional cost within six weeks. The contractor shall furnish all equipment, materials, and supplies except the samples; USGS provides sediment samples and covers return shipping costs.

Offerors must demonstrate a minimum of five years of experience in CEC and XRD analysis and provide three references. Quotations must include a technical narrative not exceeding two pages describing analytical capabilities and approaches, completed SF-18 form, SAM.gov Unique Entity Identification number, point of contact information, and FAR provision fill-ins for 52.209-2, 52.209-11, 52.219-1, and 52.240-90. Award will be made to the offeror whose quotation represents best value, with past performance and technical approach weighted equally and significantly more important than cost. NAICS code is 541380, Testing Laboratories and Services; PSC is B599, Special Studies/Analysis—Other. Quotations should be submitted by email to Jennifer Rollin at jennifer_rollin@ios.doi.gov.