Rock sample analyses
Closed Pre-Solicitation Posted
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- Solicitation number
- 140G0326Q0097
- Agency
-
Office of Acquisitions and Grants
US Geological Survey, Department of the Interior
- Responses due
- Set-aside
- No set-aside
Opportunity facts
- NAICS code
- 541380 Testing Laboratories and Services
- PSC
- B517 Special Studies/Analysis- Geological
- Points of contact
Notice details come from SAM.gov. Updated .
About this opportunity
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center is conducting market research to identify qualified vendors capable of providing specialized rock sample analysis services, specifically high-throughput U-Th-Pb zircon geochronology and Lu-Hf isotopic analysis. This Pre-Solicitation Notice is issued for informational and planning purposes only and does not constitute a formal request for quotations or proposals, with submission of capability statements due by April 22, 2026. Interested sources must demonstrate advanced technical capabilities including the ability to perform high-throughput, high-N zircon analysis using split-stream techniques with specialized instrumentation such as LA-ICP-MS systems (Neptune/Element2 or equivalent), extract zircon crystals from extremely fine-grained volcanic samples as small as 10 microns, and provide integrated imaging and analytical workflows. The capability statements should document relevant experience in these specialized analytical services, though the Government has not committed to award any purchase order or contract and will not reimburse respondents for costs incurred in preparing submissions.
The procurement is not set aside for any specific business category. The requirement involves analysis of 28 total samples comprising 19 fluvial detrital zircon samples and 9 fine-grained volcanic tephra samples with extremely small zircon crystals requiring highly specialized capabilities. No specific contract award value or budget range is disclosed in this market research notice, nor are any incumbent contractors or potential award values identified at this stage. The supporting analytical services include mineral separation, backscattered electron (BSE) imaging, cathodoluminescence (CL) imaging, and determination of zircon ages and isotopic ratios. This Sources Sought notice will be used solely to inform the Government's acquisition strategy and determine the appropriate approach for a formal solicitation to follow.
Notice text
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is conducting market research to determine the availability of qualified businesses capable of providing the services described below for rock sample analyses. This Sources Sought notice is issued for informational and planning purposes only and does not constitute a request for quotations or proposals. The Government is not committed to award a purchase order or contract as a result of this announcement. Information received will be used solely for planning purposes to assist the Government in determining an appropriate acquisition strategy. The Government will not pay for any costs incurred in responding to this notice.
The USGS GMEG- Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center requires specialized analytical services for:
High-number, high-throughput U-Th-Pb zircon geochronology
Lu-Hf isotopic analysis for select detrital zircon samples
Supporting services include:
Mineral separation
Backscattered Electron (BSE) imaging
Cathodoluminescence (CL) imaging
Determination of zircon ages and isotopic ratios
The requirement includes analysis of:
19 fluvial detrital zircon samples
9 fine-grained volcanic tephra samples
The volcanic samples contain extremely fine-grained zircons (potentially as small as 10 microns), requiring highly specialized laser spot size capability and extraction methods. Additionally, the requirement involves high-throughput, high-N analytical capability.
Interested sources must demonstrate the capability to:
Perform high-throughput, high-N zircon U-Th-Pb analysis
Conduct simultaneous Lu-Hf isotopic analysis using split-stream techniques
Utilize advanced instrumentation (e.g., LA-ICP-MS systems capable of split-stream analysis such as Neptune/Element2 or equivalent)
Extract and analyze zircon crystals from extremely fine-grained volcanic samples (10 microns)
Provide integrated imaging (BSE and CL) and analytical workflows
All responsible sources may submit a capability statement, including relevant experience and/or technical specifications, demonstrating their ability to meet the requirements outlined in this notice.
Responses to this notice shall be submitted via email only to victor_nuno@ios.doi.gov and must be received in their entirety no later than April 22, 2026 at 12:00 PM Eastern time. Responses submitted by hardcopy or through the SAM.gov portal will not be accepted or considered.
Notice history
| Notice | Type | Posted |
|---|---|---|
| EO 14398 - This requirement is for support services for USGS Geology Minerals E | Special Notice | |
| This notice | Pre-Solicitation |
Similar open opportunities
| Opportunity | Agency | Set-aside | Responses due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sources Sought Notice | — | No set-aside |
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