Isotope geology lab samples zircon/ teph

The United States Geological Survey (USGS), Office of Acquisition and Grants, is seeking high-resolution geochronology laboratory services for the Alaska Basins and Petroleum Systems (ABPS) project. The competitive Request for Quotations (RFQ) requires a contractor to perform specialized geological analysis, including separating zircon from eleven bulk tephra samples and conducting advanced isotopic screening and analysis using laser-ablation inductively-coupled-plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) and chemical-abrasion isotope-dilution thermal-ionization mass spectrometry (CA-ID-TIMS). Potential contractors must possess a PhD in geology or geochemistry and demonstrate expertise in uranium and lead isotope analysis. The solicitation requires vendors to be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) and submit quotes via email to mdixon@usgs.gov by April 4, 2025, at 2:00 PM Mountain Time. The contract aims to establish depositional or maximum depositional ages for five tephra bed samples through precise scientific methodologies.

The solicitation does not have a specific small business set-aside, and the contract falls under NAICS category 541380 for Testing Laboratories and Services. The total delivery period for the project is 180 days after receipt of order, with the work primarily focused on detailed geological sample analysis. While specific award values are not explicitly stated, the contract requires technical expertise in complex geological testing procedures. The place of performance is not explicitly defined but is likely to involve laboratory work with the USGS. Interested contractors should carefully review the technical requirements, which include preserving zircons from tephra samples, conducting precise isotopic screening, and producing high-accuracy geochronological data for scientific research purposes.