66--Seismic equipment (IDIQ)
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The Department of the Interior (DOI), U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), Albuquerque Seismic Lab, New Mexico, is preparing to award a firm fixed-price, Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) Contract for seismic equipment. This pre-solicitation notice seeks to procure earthquake and volcano monitoring systems, including integrated units and separate sensors and data acquisition units (DAUs). Inquiries are due by February 27, 2026, at 1700 PST.
Scope of Work
The USGS requires earthquake and volcano monitoring systems to support the Global Seismographic Network (GSN), Advanced National Seismic System (ANSS), regional networks, and the USGS Volcano Program. The equipment includes integrated systems (sensors and DAUs) and systems comprised of separate DAUs and sensors (strong motion or broadband). Systems must be existing, upgraded, or improved versions of models available "off-the-shelf" and have been utilized in previous deployments for at least six months. The instrumentation consists of triaxial force-balance accelerometers, triaxial strong-motion velocity seismometers, or triaxial broadband seismometers (sensors); DAUs; and software for communication. The scope includes all instrumentation components, cables, connectors, related accessories, and ancillary equipment.
Detailed technical specifications are provided in the attached TestingSpecs2026 spreadsheet, covering strong-motion and broadband sensors, DAUs, power, and packaging. The SeismicRequirements2026 document emphasizes low-noise requirements for GSN, particularly "A+" grade broadband sensors, and specific needs for borehole, portable aftershock, and volcano program systems.
Contract & Timeline
- Contract Type: Firm Fixed-Price, Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ)
- Ordering Period: 5 years
- Estimated Start Date: August 16, 2026
- Solicitation Release: Estimated mid-January (IAW FAR 5.102(a)(1))
- Response Due: February 27, 2026, 1700 PST (for inquiries)
- Published Date: January 22, 2026
- NAICS Code: 334513 (Instruments and Related Products Manufacturing for Measuring, Displaying, and Controlling Industrial Process Variables)
- Size Standard: 750 employees
- PSC Code: 6655 (Geophysical Instruments)
- Set-Aside: None specified
Evaluation
While this is a pre-solicitation, the SeismicRequirements2026 document indicates a strong preference for vendors offering "A+" grade broadband sensors (in posthole/borehole and vault-style packages) that meet other specifications. Proposals without "A+" grade broadband sensors will only be considered if no "A+" proposals meet overall requirements. If multiple "A+" proposals are received, the proposal offering a full range of seismic instrumentation that meets or exceeds the most other requirements will be selected.
Additional Notes
This notice is for informational purposes; prospective contractors are not required to respond. Inquiries must be submitted via email to Contract Specialist Tracy Huot at thuot@usgs.gov.
Attachments:
TestingSpecs2026.xlsx: Detailed technical specifications for seismic sensors and DAUs.SeismicRequirements2026.pdf: Overview of USGS requirements for earthquake and volcano monitoring systems.