Thermochronometry analysis

The US Geological Survey (USGS) Office of Acquisitions and Grants has issued a Notice of Intent to award a sole-source purchase order to the University of Texas at Austin for specialized thermochronology services. This procurement falls under the Testing Laboratories and Services NAICS code 541380 with a size standard of $19.0 million and will be executed using Federal Acquisition Regulation procedures for commercial items and simplified acquisitions. The USGS Alaska Science Center requires sophisticated laboratory analysis involving (U-Th)/He thermochronometry of 20 zircon and 20 apatite rock samples to determine exhumation histories through precise temperature-based measurements. The agency has determined that the University of Texas at Austin is the only known source capable of providing these highly specialized services. This notice serves to satisfy FAR requirements for publicizing the intended sole-source award while allowing other responsible parties to submit quotations for consideration.

The primary objective is to obtain thermochronometry analyses utilizing advanced techniques including quadrupole mass spectrometry, clean lab procedures, and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry to calculate exhumation ages of geological samples. Interested parties must submit responses exclusively via email to aberry@usgs.gov, with all submissions due no later than August 12, 2025, at 0500 hours PDT. Hard copy submissions or responses through web portals will not be accepted or considered. The contract deliverables include an Excel spreadsheet containing raw and interpreted data, analytical standards, and a comprehensive digital methodology document, with performance spanning one year from the award date. While this is not a competitive solicitation, the government retains sole discretion to evaluate any quotations received and determine whether to proceed with the intended sole-source award to the University of Texas at Austin.