USGS Paired Bulk Mineralogy/Clay Analyses

The U.S. Geological Survey's Geology, Energy, and Minerals Science Center (GEMSC) is announcing its intent to award a sole-source contract to QMinerals for paired bulk mineralogy and detailed clay analysis by X-ray diffraction, with responses due no later than 1:00 PM EST, Tuesday, November 10, 2026. USGS states it is aware of no other source that can provide these services. Vendors who believe they have similar technical expertise and can provide the same service(s) must contact Contract Specialist Miranda Blankenship at Miranda_blankenship@ios.doi.gov with an affirmative answer by that deadline, or USGS will proceed with the award to QMinerals. The notice uses no set-aside.

The work supports the AGGER and Thermal Indices projects, which examine pore network development in the Lower Huron Member of the Ohio Shale across the Appalachian Basin, and it will allow the relationship between clay mineral species and porosity to be fully assessed. The attached sole-source determination states that QMineral is the only laboratory able to provide data continuity and valid comparability with historical XRD data, and that prior XRD data from other North American commercial laboratories was deemed unusable.

The Statement of Work requires quantitative XRD analysis of bulk crystalline phases and amorphous content on 58 samples, and clay fraction speciation on 58 samples, each including sample preparation, measurement, data interpretation, and reporting. USGS furnishes the rock samples. Work is performed at the vendor's laboratory over a two-month period of performance from award, with documentation of all procedures and data delivered in Excel format.