Radiocarbon age analyses

RADIOCARBON AGE ANALYSES

Notice of Intent

This is a notice of intent to solicit from a single source.

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), intends to award a purchase order to Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution for Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (AMS) analyses of organic samples to determine the ages of layers in stratigraphic sections.

Award will be made in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 13.106-1(b) and the procedures at FAR Part 12 entitled, Acquisition of Commercial Items and FAR Part 13 entitled, Simplified Acquisition Procedures. Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution is, to the USGS¿ knowledge, the only source who can process and analyze samples containing less than 100 ¿g of pure carbon and thus will be able to process and analyze our samples. In addition, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution has performed similar analyses for the USGS in the past. Data comparability and consistency are important.

The purpose of this notice is to satisfy the requirements of FAR Subpart 5.101(a)(2) and FAR 5.2. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive quotes. However, all responsible parties may submit a quotation by the closing date of this announcement which shall be considered by the agency. No solicitation will be issued. A determination not to compete this action based upon responses received is in the sole discretion of the Government.

The NAICS code for this action is 541380, Testing Laboratory.

Responses or inquiries shall only be accepted through electronic mail addressed to yangzhideng@usgs.gov and must be uploaded and received in their entirety no later than May 23, 2022 at 1200 PST.

Responses submitted by hardcopy or any web portal shall not be accepted or considered.


PERFORMANCE-BASED WORK STATEMENT

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

A. Introduction

The U. S. Geological Survey Earthquake Science Center, Seattle Field Office (SFO), requests services for radiocarbon analyses of samples collected from paleoseismological and landslide studies.

B. Background

Paleoseismologists and geologists conduct studies of active fault zones and landslides throughout the Pacific Northwest. An integral part of these studies are Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (AMS) analyses of organic samples to determine the ages of layers in stratigraphic sections. The USGS does not have the capabilities to provide radiocarbon analyses. Commercial labs are available to do these types of analyses but require large samples for processing, and many of the samples we collect are smaller than what commercial labs can process. Commercial labs require between 250 ¿g to 0.3 g of final carbon and many of the samples we have will fall below this required sample weight.

C. Definitions/Applicable Documents

AMS - Accelerator Mass Spectrometry

D. Scope

The purposes of the laboratory analyses are to provide accurate AMS analyses on carbon samples collected from field sites in Washington and Oregon. The lab must be able to perform standard AMS analyses and provide services on small samples.

The criteria for acceptance of services will be the successful analysis of radiocarbon samples, including successful reporting of the results within the lab¿s standard turnaround times.

II. WORK REQUIREMENTS

A. Technical Requirements

Specific work requirements include: 1) provide standard and small sample analyses of carbon samples collected from lake sediments and buried soil layers in paleoseismic excavations, and 2) provide a written report of results.


B. Deliverables
We require the lab to provide a written report of the results, including descriptions of methodology, pretreatments, radiocarbon measurement and age calculation.

Delivery dates will vary depending on when samples are submitted to the laboratory for analysis and how much treatment each sample requires. We understand that delivery times can vary and will often exceed 90 days.

III. SUPPORTING INFORMATION

A. Place of Performance

Contractor¿s facility

B. Period of Performance

Period of performance: June 2022 to June 2024

C. Government Furnished Property (GFP)

There is no Government Furnished Property required for this work.

D. Special Considerations

The contractor will not need access to USGS computers. The contractor does not pose any known security risk.