Isotope analyses

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), under the Department of the Interior's Office of Acquisitions and Grants, is conducting market research to identify qualified businesses capable of providing whole-rock isotope analyses services. The procurement seeks contractors to perform samarium-neodymium (Sm-Nd), uranium-lead (U-Pb), and rubidium-strontium (Rb-Sr) isotope analyses on 25 surface whole-rock samples from mafic-ultramafic and evolved intrusive igneous rocks to support critical mineral studies related to arc magmatism, copper porphyry deposit formation, and the Earth MRI mission. Key requirements include achieving typical literature precision standards (2s < ~0.00001), providing quality control and assurance verification, and submitting a comprehensive report detailing analytical techniques, data reduction methods, and complete elemental and isotopic compositions with uncertainties. The contractor must be an internationally recognized and reputable isotope geochemistry laboratory with a lead isotope geochemistry expert holding a Ph.D. degree and at least 5 years of additional experience, including multiple peer-reviewed publications reporting these specific isotope analyses for igneous rocks. Interested parties must submit a brochure detailing their ability to meet the requirements by March 30, 2026, at 5:00 PM Pacific Daylight Time via email to tracy_huot@ios.doi.gov; this is a market research announcement and does not constitute a commitment to award a contract.

This pre-solicitation notice carries no set-aside designations and does not identify any incumbent contractors or current service providers. The procurement applies to NAICS code 541990 (All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services) with a size standard of $19.5 million, and falls under PSC category B517 (Special Studies/Analysis—Geological). The USGS will provide pre-pulverized samples in agate or alumina corundum containers, with at least 1 gram of powder per sample and applicable garnet separates, requiring approximately 30 days of laboratory time for completion. The contract timeline anticipates completion within 12 months from award, with digital data to be transferred to the USGS via email or other agreed-upon means, and excess powdered samples to be returned to the agency. No specific award value or budget range is disclosed in this pre-solicitation notice, as the government is using this market research phase to inform its acquisition strategy before issuing a formal solicitation.