Graphitization and High Precision Accelerator Mass Spectrometry Measurement Services

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is seeking graphitization and high precision Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (AMS) measurement services for carbon dioxide extracted from atmospheric air samples as part of the Indianapolis Flux Experiment/Northeast Corridor Urban Test Bed program. The procurement requires research-quality graphitization and high-precision 14C radiocarbon measurements with specific technical capabilities including demonstrated within-wheel consistency, ability to analyze small samples without bias, and long-term measurement accuracy for INFLUX/NEC air samples. NOAA intends to award this as a sole-source procurement to the New Zealand Institute of Earth Sciences (GNS) based on their unique qualifications and proven track record with these specialized measurements. This is not structured as a competitive solicitation, though the government notes that other firms may express interest while retaining discretion to proceed with the intended sole-source award. The response deadline for any expressions of interest is September 2, 2025.

This procurement does not utilize any set-aside designations and is being awarded to an other-than-small business entity, specifically GNS located in Lower Hutt, New Zealand. The contract value is set at $90,000 under a firm-fixed price purchase order arrangement. The performance period spans exactly one year, running from September 30, 2025, through September 29, 2026. The specialized nature of the work requires performance at GNS's facilities in New Zealand, reflecting the unique technical capabilities and equipment required for these high-precision radiocarbon measurements. The procurement falls under the PSC category F999 for Other Environmental Services, aligning with NOAA's atmospheric research mission objectives.