Neutron Irradiation Geochronology

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial products/services, specifically requesting neutron irradiation services for mineral and rock samples used in 40Ar/39Ar geochronology studies. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) requires these services for their labs in Denver, Moffett, and Reston, as their primary reactor has been out of operation. The services involve irradiating sealed quartz ampules in a nuclear reactor core using cadmium liners and returning the samples with required documentation.

• Service: Neutron irradiation of sealed quartz ampules in a nuclear reactor core.

• Reactor Requirements: Must have published neutron interference correction values for specific isotopes (e.g., (40Ar/39Ar)K, (38Ar/39Ar)K, etc.).

• Cadmium Liner: Samples must be irradiated in a cadmium liner within the reactor core.

• Deliverables: Irradiated samples returned in sealed quartz glass ampules with radioactive materials and irradiation parameter documentation.

• Technical Capability: Demonstrated experience in irradiating samples for 40Ar/39Ar geochronology.

• Performance Standards: Compliance measured by noble gas mass spectrometer measurements showing sufficient 39Ar production for precise geochronology.

• Contract Type: Firm-Fixed-Price Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract.

• Period of Performance: Ordering period of five (5) years from contract award.

• Contract Maximum: Not to exceed $300,000 over the ordering period.

• Minimum Guarantee: $15,000.00.

• Submission Deadline: 03/18/2026 at 05:00 PM.

• Submission Method: Quotations must be submitted electronically via email to Joel Berberena (jberberena@usgs.gov).

• Quotation Validity: Must remain valid for a minimum of 30 calendar days after RFQ closing.

• Evaluation Factors: Technical capability, price, and past performance.

• Required Documents: Signed SF-18, firm-fixed-price quote for task order 1 and 2, technical submission demonstrating capability, listing of prior relevant contracts, Offeror Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), and completed FAR representations and certifications.

• Set-Aside Status: Unrestricted / No set-aside.

• NAICS Code: 541380 (Testing Laboratories and Services) with a size standard of $19,000,000.

• This solicitation is issued as a Request for Quotation (RFQ).

• The government anticipates issuing one or more initial task orders at contract award to satisfy the minimum guarantee.

• Approximately 75 irradiations are estimated in total.

Sources Sought Notice / Performance-Based Work Statement (PBWS)

This notice is for market research and acquisition planning purposes only. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is seeking information to identify qualified sources capable of providing neutron irradiation services. These services are needed to support USGS 40Ar/39Ar geochronology laboratories, which are critical for research in economic and regional geology, geologic mapping, and natural hazard assessments. The USGS intends to establish an Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract for these services.

• Service: Neutron irradiation of mineral and rock samples in a nuclear reactor.

• Objective: Convert stable 39K to radioactive 39Ar for potassium content assessment in 40Ar/39Ar geochronology.

• Technical Requirements:

  • Demonstrated experience in irradiating samples for 40Ar/39Ar geochronology.
  • Capability to irradiate samples in a cadmium liner within the reactor core.
  • Reactor must have published neutron interference correction values.

• Deliverables:

  • Irradiated samples returned in sealed quartz glass ampules.
  • Appropriate radioactive materials and irradiation parameter documentation.
  • Ampules clearly labeled upon return.

• Performance Standards: Noble gas mass spectrometer measurements must show sufficient 39Ar production for precise, accurate geochronology on laboratory standards.

• Contract Type: Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ).

• Period of Performance: IDIQ base year plus four years (actual ordering period dates adjustable).

• Place of Performance: The nuclear reactor site of the selected facility.

• Government Furnished Property: None.

• Information Requested: Company details, POC, UEI, SAM status, business size, socioeconomic status, description of capability/experience, and facility capabilities/availability.

• Submission Limit: Five (5) pages.

• Submission Method: Electronically via email to Joel Berberena (jberberena@usgs.gov).

• Deadline: Not specified in this document, but responses are requested.

• Not specified in this document.

• This notice is for market research only and does not constitute a solicitation or commitment to award a contract.

• The Government will not reimburse respondents for costs incurred in responding.

• Samples are sent in sealed quartz glass ampules and must be returned similarly.

• Timing is critical due to the short half-lives of isotopes and the need for timely analysis.