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 Interior, is conducting a Sources Sought to identify qualified contractors capable of performing stable isotope analysis on approximately 400 foraminifera calcite samples. This effort supports the reconstruction of past ocean conditions, including temperature, salinity, and global ice volume, off the California coast. Responses are due by April 6, 2026.
Scope of Work
The objective is to develop oxygen and carbon isotope records from foraminifera in marine sediment cores. The contractor will be required to:
- Perform stable isotope analysis (δ13C and δ18O) on approximately 400 foraminifera calcite samples (benthic and planktic).
- Generate data to support the reconstruction of past climate conditions along the California coast.
- Measure isotopic ratios and report results sufficient for scientific analysis by the Government.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought
- Set-Aside: None specified
- Product Service Code: B529 (Scientific Data Studies)
- Response Due: April 6, 2026, 12:00 PM Z
- Published: April 1, 2026, 3:36 PM Z
- Place of Performance: Awarded Contractor's laboratory.
Performance Standards & Special Requirements
- Analysis must be completed for all samples provided.
- Required isotopic measurements and associated information must be provided as specified.
- An electronic report containing stable isotope values (δ13C and δ18O), results from international standards, and analytical error/precision information must be submitted.
- Acceptance is based on the completeness of the submission and the inclusion of required analytical results.
- The Government will provide crushed foraminifera samples (approx. 0.050–0.100 mg each).
- Contractor must use appropriate laboratory instrumentation for measuring δ13C and δ18O.
- Deliverables must be provided electronically in a format accessible to the Government.
Additional Notes
This Sources Sought is for market research purposes to identify potential sources for this specialized scientific analysis.