Isotope analysis - garnet

The United States Geological Survey's Energy and Minerals Science Center is seeking isotope analysis services for garnet geochronology studies on metamorphic rock samples collected from Michigan's Upper Peninsula. The procurement includes 8 Samarium-neodymium (Sm-Nd) dating analyses, 8 Lutetium-hafnium (Lu-Hf) dating analyses, 16 combined Sm-Nd and Lu-Hf dating services, and 4 related service fees, all requiring specialized techniques including isotope dilution, multi-collector ICPMS, acid dissolution, isotope tracer spiking, and column chromatography. This competitive Request for Quotations (RFQ 140G0125Q0208) operates under NAICS code 541380 for Testing Laboratories with technical capability demonstrations required in vendor responses. Quotations must be submitted electronically to Mindie Dixon at mdixon@usgs.gov with specific tabbed sections covering offer forms, pricing, federal compliance forms, and a 3-page technical capability statement. The response deadline is September 5, 2025, at 2:00 PM Mountain Time, with an anticipated contract award date of September 9, 2020.

This solicitation operates as a full and open competition with no set-aside designations, making it available to all qualified vendors under the $19 million size standard for small businesses in the Testing Laboratories category. No incumbent contractors or current service providers are identified in the solicitation materials. The contract establishes a 365-day performance period beginning after purchase order receipt, with no option periods included in the base contract structure. All analytical work will be conducted at the contractor's facility, with final delivery of results and data required at the USGS Energy and Minerals Science Center located in Reston, Virginia. Vendors must maintain active registration in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov) to be eligible for contract award, and the scientific results will support enhanced understanding of bedrock geology and tectonic models in the Upper Midwestern United States.