Standard and microprobe polished thin sections

The US Geological Survey (USGS) Office of Acquisitions and Grants is soliciting quotations for standard and microprobe polished thin section services to support minerals program research in Alaska's Yukon-Tanana upland region. The contractor will be responsible for processing approximately 350 rock samples annually, which includes slabbing, cutting billets, and preparing 30um thick rock slices adhered to glass slides with potential options for cover slips, uncovered sections, and 0.5um diamond polish finish. Quotations are due by February 13, 2025 at 1200 Eastern Time and must be submitted via email to vnuno@usgs.gov. The award will be made using trade-off factors that consider firm fixed price and the contractor's recent and relevant experience. The solicitation requires specialized technical capabilities to prepare geological samples for scientific research and analysis.

This contract is designated as a 100% small business set-aside with a base performance period from February 19, 2025 to February 18, 2026, and includes four potential one-year option periods extending through February 18, 2030. The work will be performed at the contractor's facility, with final deliveries made to the USGS Alaska Science Center in Anchorage. While specific award value is not explicitly stated, the contract involves processing 350 samples per year across multiple potential contract years. The contractor must comply with Service Contract Act wage requirements, including minimum hourly wages of $17.75 under Executive Order 14026 and associated fringe benefits. The procurement falls under NAICS category 541380 (Testing Laboratories and Services) and PSC category B517 (Special Studies/Analysis- Geological), indicating the specialized nature of the required scientific laboratory services.