Mineral seperation analysis

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Office of Acquisitions and Grants is seeking geochronology and mineral separation services for analyzing volcanic ash samples from a 900-ft research core located beneath the North Slope of Alaska. This Request for Quote (RFQ) solicitation number 140G0225Q0005 requires a contractor to separate zircon from five bulk tephra samples and conduct specialized geological analysis using advanced mass spectrometry techniques, including laser-ablation inductively-coupled-plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) and chemical-abrasion isotope-dilution thermal-ionization mass spectrometry (CA-ID-TIMS). The contract will be awarded using Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) Part 12 for commercial items, with the most advantageous quote being selected based on price and other evaluation factors. Quotes are due by February 11, 2025, at 5:00 PM EST and must be submitted via email to Travis Herberholz. The solicitation is classified under NAICS code 541380 for Testing Laboratories and Services.

The contract is set for full and open competition with no specific set-aside designations. The period of performance spans from March 1, 2025, to February 28, 2026, totaling approximately one year. All work will be performed at the contractor's facility, with no on-site government location specified. The solicitation does not disclose specific budget ranges or award values, leaving financial negotiations open during the quote submission process. Potential bidders must have specialized geological laboratory capabilities to perform the precise zircon separation and isotopic analysis required by the USGS. The scope of work involves processing five bulk tephra samples through complex geological testing methodologies, indicating a highly technical and specialized contract opportunity for qualified scientific laboratories with advanced mass spectrometry equipment and expertise.