NC26-3 U-Pb Crystallization Ages for Igneous Rocks

The Utah Geological Survey (UGS), through the State of Utah Division of Purchasing, is soliciting proposals for U-Th-Pb geochronology services to obtain crystallization ages of intrusive magmatic rocks, designated as contract NC26-3. The procurement seeks a laboratory capable of providing a complete workflow for U-Pb dating on zircon minerals, including mineral separation, preparation, imaging, laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry analysis, and comprehensive age calculations and reporting. Contractors must deliver final reports within 4 months of receiving whole rock samples and return mineral mounts within 2 months of completing analyses. The technical evaluation will use a 700-point scoring system across five categories: data ability experience (100 points), laboratory workflow (100 points), comprehensive reporting capabilities (200 points), operational longevity (100 points), and external non-academic collaboration history (200 points). The contract will be a 5-year term with vendors required to guarantee pricing for one year, with proposals due by August 25, 2025, and an estimated annual volume of 50 samples at a maximum cost of $1,200 per sample.

The solicitation does not explicitly mention set-aside designations or restrictions on respondent types. The procurement supports UGS's statewide assessment of Utah's mineral resources, specifically focusing on 28 critical mineral areas, including 14 known critical minerals such as beryllium, platinum, tungsten, and zinc. Funding for the project is derived from federal and state sources. The cost proposal will be evaluated using a point system where the lowest bidder receives 100% of cost points, with other bidders receiving proportional points based on their price premium. Vendors must demonstrate at least 5 years of experience in mineral separation and U-Pb geochronology, provide in-house mineral separation capabilities, and offer cathodoluminescence imaging. The procurement anticipates a single contract award to the highest-scoring responsive and responsible vendor, with a minimum technical threshold of 490 points (70%) required for consideration. While specific budget ranges are not explicitly stated, the maximum sample cost is set at $1,200, with potential negotiation for samples requiring unexpected complexity.