Phytoplankton Analysis of Water Samples - BOR

The Bureau of Reclamation is seeking qualified sources to provide laboratory analysis of phytoplankton in reservoir water-quality samples from the Upper and Lower Colorado Basins, with a Sources Sought response deadline of September 11, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. MT. This is market research under FAR Part 10; no contract will be awarded from this notice. The anticipated contract is a five-year Firm-Fixed-Price IDIQ with unit pricing, comprising a 12-month base period and four 12-month option periods, with performance beginning November 2, 2026.

Services required include taxonomic identification to the lowest practical taxonomic level, enumeration (cell density/abundance), biovolume analysis, quality assurance/quality control procedures, and electronic reporting of results. Work must conform to APHA Standard Methods 10200 or equivalent methodology. The government will collect, preserve, and ship samples; all analytical work must be performed at the contractor's facility. Newly collected samples must be analyzed within 60 calendar days of receipt; backlogged samples within one year. The government conducts surveillance through independent laboratory testing of up to 5% of samples, with genus-level abundance estimates required to fall within 10% of contractor results at 90% confidence. Contractors must retain sample materials for a minimum of 60 days (up to 120 days if requested) and perform reanalysis at no additional cost if errors are identified.

Anticipated volume includes 336 samples during the base period and 236 samples annually during option periods, with a maximum of 1,280 samples over five years. Contractors must submit a Capabilities Statement (maximum 5 pages) addressing company information, business size and socioeconomic status, relevant freshwater phytoplankton analysis experience, technical capability, and laboratory capacity to Johnny Lyons at johnny_lyons@ios.doi.gov. NAICS 541380; PSC B533.