B--ISOTOPE ANALYSES
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 U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), under the Department of the Interior, is conducting market research through a Sources Sought notice for Isotope Analyses. This is to identify qualified businesses capable of providing Sm-Nd, U-Pb, and Rb-Sr isotopic analyses on whole-rock samples. This notice is for planning purposes only and is not a request for quote or proposal. Responses are due by March 30, 2026, at 5:00 PM PD.
Purpose & Scope of Work
The objective is to perform isotopic analyses on 25 whole-rock samples and any garnet separates provided by the USGS. The data will support critical mineral studies, arc magmatism, copper porphyry formation, and the Earth MRI mission, aiding in understanding melt sources and petrogenesis of porphyry deposits and ultramafic cumulates.
The scope includes:
- Analyzing 25 pulverized whole-rock samples and garnet separates.
- Performing Sm-Nd, U-Pb, and Rb-Sr isotopic analyses using recognized spikes, separation methods, standards, and multi-collector inductively coupled plasma mass-spectrometry (MC-ICP-MS).
- Achieving typical precision (2σ < ±~0.00001).
Deliverables
Contractors will be required to provide:
- Sm-Nd, Rb-Sr, and U-Pb elemental and isotopic compositions for all submitted samples.
- A comprehensive report detailing analytical techniques, data reduction methods, and a table of isotopic data (elemental and isotopic concentrations with uncertainties).
- Return of any excess powdered sample material to the USGS.
Contract Details & Timeline
- Opportunity Type: Sources Sought (Market Research)
- NAICS Code: 541990 (All Other Professional, Scientific and Technical Services) with a size standard of $19.5M.
- Set-Aside: None specified.
- Place of Performance: Contractor's laboratory.
- Period of Performance: Approximately 30 days of lab time, to be completed within 12 months from the contract award date.
- Response Due: March 30, 2026, at 5:00 PM PD.
- Published Date: March 25, 2026.
Qualifications & Submission
Qualified businesses must demonstrate the ability to meet the requirements outlined in the Statement of Work. Key personnel, specifically the lead isotope geochemistry expert, must possess a Ph.D., 5+ years of experience, and authorship on relevant peer-reviewed publications. The laboratory must be internationally recognized and reputable in isotope geochemistry.
Responses, in the form of a brochure detailing capabilities, must be submitted via electronic mail to tracy_huot@ios.doi.gov. Hardcopy or SAM web portal submissions will not be accepted.