B--RFI/Sources Sought - Economic Analysis USGS EMRI
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, has issued a Request for Information (RFI) / Sources Sought to gather market intelligence for an economic analysis of the Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (Earth MRI). This RFI aims to understand available analytical approaches and organizational capabilities relevant to conducting such an analysis within the Geology, Energy, and Minerals Mission Area (GEMMA). Responses are due by April 14, 2026.
Purpose & Background
This RFI is for market research purposes only and is not a solicitation for a contract award. The Earth MRI program, launched in 2019 and accelerated by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), focuses on modernizing the nation's geological mapping to understand resources and address mineral needs. It collects extensive geophysical, geochemical, and other data, which is intended to be publicly available to support resource assessments, exploration, and infrastructure planning. The USGS seeks to evaluate the economic value, benefits, and impacts of this initiative.
Information Requested
Respondents are asked to provide detailed information on:
- Organizational Capabilities: Expertise in economic analysis, natural resource economics, mineral/energy market analysis, economic impact analysis, social science methods, and geoscience related to mineral resources.
- Relevant Experience: Prior work, including scope and roles, particularly for federal government contracts.
- Economic Valuation Approaches: Proposed methods for evaluating the value, benefits, and impacts of Earth MRI data and activities, including non-market benefits and integration with other datasets like Landsat.
- Data Collection: Experience in designing and conducting data collection activities (e.g., surveys, interviews, workshops) with industry stakeholders.
- Analytical Questions: Responses to specific questions regarding economic frameworks, data sources, methodological challenges, and utility.
- Rough Order of Magnitude: Planning-level estimates for cost ranges and durations for the economic analysis.
Submission Details
- Opportunity Type: Sources Sought / Request for Information (RFI)
- Set-Aside: None specified (market research stage)
- Product Service Code: B599 (Other Special Studies And Analysis)
- Response Due: April 14, 2026, by 4:00 PM EDT
- Published Date: March 26, 2026
- Submission Method: Email to
christopher_kuhn@ios.doi.gov - Email Subject Line: "RFI 140G0126Q0082 USGS GEMMA – Earth MRI Economic Analysis"
- Page Limit: 10 pages (excluding cover page and contact information).
- Questions: Submit via email to the same address and subject line.
Additional Notes
This RFI is solely for planning and informational purposes and does not constitute a commitment by the Government to procure any services. No contract will be awarded as a result of this RFI.