Soil sample analysis

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) within the Department of Interior has issued a Request for Quotation (RFQ) 140G0225Q0071 for Mehlich III nutrient analysis of soil samples from wetland easements in eastern Wisconsin. The contractor will perform comprehensive laboratory analysis of up to 170 soil samples during the base year period from September 25, 2025 to September 24, 2026, with testing for multiple nutrients including aluminum, calcium, copper, iron, potassium, manganese, magnesium, sodium, phosphorus, and zinc using ICP-AES methodology. The analysis requires extraction using Mehlich III extracting solution followed by supernatant analysis to determine nutrient concentrations. Award will be made using Federal Acquisition Regulation Part 12 procedures for commercial items, with technical merit being significantly more important than price in the evaluation process. All quotations must be submitted electronically to Travis Herberholz at therberholz@usgs.gov by 5:00 PM EST on July 17, 2025.

This procurement is designated as a total small business set-aside under NAICS code 541380 for Testing Laboratories and Services, restricting competition to qualifying small businesses. The contract includes an option for an additional 170 soil samples to be analyzed in the subsequent year following the base period. The solicitation does not specify award values or budget ranges, and no incumbent contractors are identified in the documentation. The work involves laboratory analysis services that will likely be performed at the contractor's certified testing facility, with soil samples originating from wetland easements located in eastern Wisconsin. The contract period spans from September 2025 through September 2026 for the base year, with the potential option year extending through September 2027.