U-Pb analyses

The US Geological Survey is conducting market research through a sources sought announcement to identify qualified businesses capable of providing apatite fission-track (AFT) and U-Pb thermochronometric analyses on geological samples from the Kuskokwim Mountains region in Alaska. The procurement falls under NAICS code 541380 (Testing Laboratory) with a size standard of $16.5 million, and PSC code B517 (Special Studies/Analyses - Geological). Prospective contractors must demonstrate expertise in conventional track counting techniques, 252Cf irradiation methods, and LA-ICP-MS analysis, along with capabilities including sample mounting, track etching, precision microscopy at 2000x magnification, and grain-by-grain isotope measurement. All responsible sources are invited to submit capability statements detailing their ability to meet the statement of work requirements; however, this announcement is not a request for proposals or quotes, and the government is not committed to any award based on responses. Capability statements must be submitted electronically to yangzhideng@usgs.gov by February 26, 2026 at 1500 PST, with no alternative submission methods accepted.

This sources sought announcement does not utilize any small business set-aside designations. The contract requires the contractor to perform mineral separation on 20 bulk rock samples and conduct 25 total AFT and U-Pb analyses to determine rock exhumation timing and rates for ore deposit formation modeling and mineral prospectivity mapping. Deliverables must be provided in Excel spreadsheet format containing raw fission-track counts, kinetic parameters, elemental measurements, fission-track lengths, and final calculated AFT and U-Pb dates, with all work completed by December 31, 2026. The announcement does not disclose specific award values or budget information at this market research phase. No incumbent contractor or previous award history is identified in this pre-solicitation notice, as this appears to be initial market research to inform the government's acquisition strategy for this specialized analytical work.