B--Calcium carbonate Analysis IDIQ

Sources Sought Notice

This notice is for market research purposes only to identify potential sources capable of providing simultaneous measurement of stable isotope ratios from biogenic carbonate materials. It is not a request for proposal, and respondents will not be notified of evaluation results. The government is seeking to understand industry capabilities and ensure adequate competition for a potential future solicitation.

The Science Acquisition Team for USGS Programs requires a laboratory to perform simultaneous measurement of δ18O, δ13C, and δ15N in powdered CaCO3 samples derived from biogenic materials (e.g., coral skeletons, mollusk shells, crustacean shells). This service is anticipated for one base year with four one-year option periods.

Laboratory Facilities:

• Working sample preparation laboratory with adequate space and facilities.
• Required equipment: microbalance; spatulas and brushes.

SIR-MS Laboratory:

• Capability to measure CaCO3 samples for δ18O, δ13C, and δ15N.

• Required equipment:

  • Thermo Scientific Delta-series SIR-MS with Gas-Bench II prep device for analysis of CO2 gas (δ18O, δ13C) from CaCO3 reacted with 100% H3PO4.
  • Thermo Flash EA - ConFlo IV for gas analysis of combusted samples (δ13C, δ15N).
  • Software, peripherals, and interface for SIR-MS operation.

• NAICS Code: 541380 Testing Laboratories and Services

• Size Standard: $19 Million

Interested parties should respond via email by the posted date with the following:

• Extent to which specifications can be met.

• Business type (commercial, academia), classification (large/small business), and any small disadvantaged status (HUBZone, 8(a), SDVOSB, WOSB, EDWOSB).

• Description of completed projects demonstrating experience/performance. Authorized distributors/resellers should provide relevant documentation.

• Companies must have a UEI number and be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM).

• Small business status information must be provided via Online Representations and Certifications on SAM.gov.

• Specific requirements are subject to change before any solicitation release.

• Responses to this notice are for market research only; all interested sources must respond separately to future solicitation announcements posted on SAM.gov.

Statement of Work (SOW) / Performance Work Statement (PWS)

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) St. Petersburg Science Center requires laboratory services to perform simultaneous measurements of stable isotope ratios (δ18O, δ13C, and δ15N) in powdered CaCO3 samples derived from biogenic materials.

• The contractor shall provide a laboratory capable of processing calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) materials and conducting δ18O, δ13C, and δ15N measurements using Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry (IRMS).

• Measurements should be performed using either a Thermo Scientific Delta-series SIR-MS with Gas-Bench II for CO2 analysis (δ18O, δ13C) or a Thermo Flash EA - ConFlo IV for combusted sample analysis (δ13C, δ15N).

• The laboratory must be equipped with necessary preparation tools (microbalance, spatulas, brushes) and analytical equipment.

• The contractor must allow scheduled access for USGS staff for activities such as sample weighing, loading, and IRMS operation under supervision.

• Between 2,000 and 5,000 samples are expected to be analyzed over the five-year period.

• All sample data must be referenced to VPDB and an internal laboratory carbonate standard.

• At least four replicates of each standard must be measured with every sample batch.

• At least 5% of all samples must be measured in duplicate, with one triplicate preferred.

• Standard deviation limits for replicate measurements: ≤ ±0.08‰ for δ18O, ≤ ±0.05‰ for δ13C, and ≤ ±0.08‰ for δ15N.

• Data must be QC/QA'd by qualified laboratory personnel.

• Period of Performance: One base year with four option years.

• Place of Performance: Contractor's sample preparation and SIR-MS laboratories.

• Key personnel must have expertise in stable isotope geochemistry, sample preparation, and SIR-MS analysis. Prior experience with δ18O, δ13C, and δ15N in CaCO3 is preferred.

• Laboratory managers and technicians should possess a B.S. (preferably M.S.) in geochemistry or a related field.

• Laboratory assistants require direct supervision and prior training.

• The laboratory must maintain a safe working environment with adequate safety facilities.

• All data generated becomes the property of the U.S. Government.

• The contractor must accommodate scheduled visits by the USGS Principal Investigator (PI) for sample analysis assistance and QA/QC.

• FISMA and 508 compliance are not applicable.