Great earthquakes social science initiative

The U.S. Geological Survey Office of Acquisitions and Grants seeks quotations for the Great Earthquakes Social Science Initiative, a one-year performance-based service contract supporting the ShakeAlert earthquake early warning system, with quotations due September 21, 2026 at 1700 PT and delivery by August 31, 2027. The procurement is set aside for total small business and uses FAR 12 commercial acquisition procedures.

Place of performance is Sacramento, California (USGS Sacramento Acquisition Branch). The contract requires developing and implementing a social science research agenda and communications strategy addressing critical social science questions related to magnitude 7.8 ShakeOut scenario updates and Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake scenarios. Three primary deliverable tasks are required: developing a Great Earthquakes Social Science Research Plan and Implementation; updating ShakeAlert communications and stakeholder engagement resources including conference presence and integration into communications plans; and supporting project management activities including weekly check-in calls, monthly status reports, quality assurance reviews, and project close-out.

Key personnel must hold at least two years of experience developing communications resources for ShakeAlert and possess a BA or BS degree in Journalism, Communications, Sociology, Psychology, or Public Policy. Quotations must be firm and fixed price in U.S. dollars. The NAICS code is 541690, Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services, with a $19 million size standard. Evaluation factors, in order of importance, are corporate experience and key personnel qualifications (most important), technical capability, past performance, and price. The contracting officer is Tracy Huot at tracy_huot@ios.doi.gov or 916-278-9330.