Sources Sought Stable isotope analyses

The USGS Florence Bascom Geoscience Center issued a sources sought notice on August 27, 2026, requesting capability statements from qualified laboratories capable of performing stable isotope analyses on carbonate microfossils, with responses due by September 1, 2026. This is market research only and does not obligate the Government to issue a solicitation. Up to 2,000 analyses are anticipated through the end of fiscal year 2027 under NAICS 541380 (Testing Laboratories and Services) and PSC B529 (Special Studies/Analysis—Scientific Data).

The work requires sample preparation services including weighing, methanol rinsing, oven drying, and mass sorting, followed by stable isotope analysis using Carrara Marble standards and IRMS instrumentation. Contractors must demonstrate the ability to analyze microfossil samples as small as 5–9 grams with documented precision of 0.060 for δ13C and 0.080 for δ18O. Sample preparation and analysis must be completed within six months of receipt. Deliverables include corrected VPDB δ-values, isotope ratios, analytical uncertainties, error correlations, and mass spectrometer signal intensity data. Substandard analyses must be redone at no additional cost to the Government.

Interested parties must submit capability statements to mindie_dixon@ios.doi.gov with the subject line "Sources Sought - Stable Isotope Analysis 140G0126Q0267," including company name, UEI/CAGE, business size classification, descriptions of analytical instrumentation with demonstrated precision for ultra-low-mass carbonate samples, relevant past performance, and capacity for the projected workload.