Sample irratiation AR/AR geochronology

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) Office of Acquisitions and Grants has issued a Sources Sought Notice for Sample Irradiation AR/AR Geochronology services. This special notice is a market research initiative designed to explore potential contractors capable of performing specialized scientific sample irradiation. The opportunity is classified under the Testing Laboratories and Services NAICS category and falls within the Special Studies/Analysis Scientific Data product service code. The notice is seeking information from qualified sources with demonstrated experience in irradiating samples for 40Ar/39Ar geochronology. It represents a preliminary investigation to assess industry capabilities before potential formal solicitation.

Contractors interested in this opportunity must demonstrate specific technical capabilities, including the ability to irradiate samples in a cadmium liner within a reactor core and provide published neutron interference correction values for multiple scientific measurements. The USGS will send multiple sample packages in sealed quartz glass ampules for irradiation, with timing determined by laboratory efficiency and reactor facility schedules. All responses must be submitted electronically to ysornberger@usgs.gov no later than March 26, 2025, at 2:30 pm Mountain Standard Time. Participating contractors will be expected to return samples in the original sealed ampules with clear labeling. This is a voluntary information gathering process, and all costs associated with response submission will be the responsibility of the potential contractor. The ultimate place of performance will be at the selected nuclear reactor facility.