B--Radiogenic Isotope & Platinum Group Element 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) is conducting market research through a Sources Sought notice to identify qualified businesses capable of providing Radiogenic Isotope and Platinum Group Element (PGE) Analyses. This is for planning purposes to determine the acquisition strategy for geological and mineral resource research in Alaska. Responses are due April 22, 2026.
Scope of Work
The USGS requires specialized analytical services to characterize the genetic origins of magmas and reconstruct tectonic and metallogenic history. This involves:
- Radiogenic Isotope Analyses: Determining isotopic ratios of Sr, Nd, Hf, and Os in bulk rock samples and/or powders. This includes digestion using open-beaker or high-pressure bomb methods, chromatographic purification, and analysis using established techniques (e.g., Mallick et al., 2015; Frisby et al., 2016a).
- Trace Element Concentrations: As needed, determination of parent/daughter trace element concentrations by ICPMS (Frisby et al., 2016b) to optimize isotope analysis.
- Isotope Dilution Methods: For a subset of samples, high-precision Lu/Hf and Sm/Nd parent-daughter isotope ratios will be analyzed to constrain melt extraction ages.
- PGE Analyses: For ultramafic samples, Re-Os isotopes and super-trace concentrations of PGE will be analyzed (Zuo et al., 2022; Todd et al., 2026).
Contractors must provide results of isotope (Sr, Hf, Nd, Os) and PGE concentration analyses, along with matrix-matched standards and replicate results, in an Excel spreadsheet.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought / Market Research
- NAICS: 541380 Testing Laboratories and Services (Size Standard: $19 Million)
- Set-Aside: None specified (market research stage)
- Response Due: April 22, 2026, at 1200 hours Eastern Time
- Published: April 20, 2026
Evaluation
This is not a request for quote or proposal. The information gathered from capability statements will be used solely for planning purposes to assist the Government in determining its acquisition strategy. The Government will not pay for costs incurred in preparing responses.
Additional Notes
All responsible sources may submit a capability statement and relevant literature detailing their ability to fully meet the requirement. Responses are limited to 10 pages and must be submitted electronically to Joahnne_Ongjoco@ios.doi.gov. Hardcopy submissions or responses via the SAM web portal will not be accepted.