Low mass samples in LA-ICP-MS

This is a Request For Information - This synopsis is for information and planning purposes only and is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government. No contract will be awarded as a result of this Sources Sought announcement. The United States Geological Survey, Office of Acquisition and Grants is soliciting information from qualified sources; the results of this announcement will be evaluated to determine if there are businesses capable of performing the proposed work.
The US Geological Survey, Office of Acquisition and Grants seeks responses from vendors that possess the capability to perform chemical analysis to characterize trace element contractions in solids and biological tissues (e.g. invertebrates, algae and periphyton, fish tissue, animal hair, feathers, otoliths) when sample masses are limiting of conventional methods. Many samples have previously been analyzed for trace elements using modified ICP-MS methods outlined in Wolf and Adams, 2015 and the EPA 3050B. These analytical methods typically require a minimum sample mass of 20 mg or greater (500 mg) and necessitate destructive digestion procedures (EPA 3015A and EPA 3052) to dissolve samples for injection into the instrument as a solution. Although these methods are widely used, sample preparation requires the use of large sample masses in excess of what is frequently available and hazardous chemicals that could lead to the increased potential for contamination, dilution which can contaminant samples, and loss of sample mass across each step of sample prep reducing recovery and data accuracy. Analysis is performed in dry weight, reducing error and improving accuracy of data. These methods (Wolf and Adams 2015 and EPA 3050B) are useful for samples that are larger than 20mg but are prohibitive for many projects that require analysis of small mass samples (i.e., a single Mayfly) or only partial tissue sample recovery (i.e., fraction of a small fish liver). Lab must have the capability to accept sample masses below 100mg; the calculation of detection limits is affected by sample mass, prohibiting chemical characterization by conventional methods.
Laser ablation inductively coupled mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) has low sample mass requirements and enables direct sampling in the solid form without the need for hazardous chemicals which reduces the potential for contamination. LA-ICP-MS will allow projects to save time by reducing the need for in-house sample preparation (lyophilization and homogenization) and the ability to employ low mass and low impact sample collection methods (the sample is not entirely consumed by analysis).

It is essential that the LA-ICP-MS methods be utilized for future biological projects evaluating trace elements in aquatic environments because the accuracy of other methods is low when sample mass is limiting (less than 20mg).
Interested parties should submit a Capability Statement to the Contracting Officer, Charlan Fejarang at cjfejarang@usgs.gov by the due date, Wednesday, February 14, 2024, 1200 PS.