Radiocarbon analyses for ASC

The US Geological Survey Alaska Science Center is soliciting radiocarbon analyses services through RFQ 140G0325Q0102 for earthquake hazards research involving sediment samples from Alaskan lakes and the Kodiak Archipelago coast. The procurement seeks a contractor to perform 143 total radiocarbon analyses using two methodologies: 71 graphite source analyses and 72 direct gas-ion analyses utilizing Mini Carbon Dating System (MICADAS) technology on very small sediment samples potentially less than 1 mg in size. Contractors must demonstrate technical capability to pretreat organic samples, combust and graphitize samples as appropriate, perform radiocarbon analysis, and provide written reports within three months of receiving each sample batch. The evaluation will use a Best Value approach considering Technical Capability and Recent, Relevant Experience, with required submissions including a signed SF 18, SF 889 Certification, firm fixed price quote, technical submission, and recent relevant experience examples. The solicitation was posted on June 9, 2025, with responses due by June 18, 2025, via email only.

This contract opportunity contains no set-aside designation and is open to all qualified contractors without small business preferences. The contract structure includes a base period from July 1, 2025, through December 31, 2026, with two optional extension periods covering 2027 and 2028, subject to funding availability. The procurement will result in a Firm Fixed Price Purchase Order for specialized geological analysis services classified under Product/Service Code B517 and NAICS code 541380 for Testing Laboratories and Services. No incumbent contractors or specific budget ranges are identified in the solicitation documentation. The work directly supports USGS research initiatives investigating earthquake-related surface deformation and seismic shaking patterns in Alaska, with samples requiring sophisticated radiocarbon dating capabilities for geological timeline analysis.