B--Sources Sought - Geochronology
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 geochronology services. These services include mineral separation, LA-ICP-MS screening, ID-TIMS, and CA-ID-TIMS, as detailed in the attached Statement of Work. This market research aims to determine the availability of qualified sources for future acquisition planning. Responses are due by Friday, June 26, 2026, at 5:00 PM EST.
Scope of Work
The required services focus on determining the absolute age of volcanic ash (tephra) samples from Cretaceous marine strata in Alaska to support petroleum source rock geology and palaeoceanographic records. Key tasks include:
- Separating zircon from bulk tephra samples.
- Conducting initial U-Pb geochronologic screening using LA-ICP-MS to identify volcanic zircons.
- Developing and executing a plan for high-accuracy, high-precision U-Pb geochronology using CA-ID-TIMS.
- Assessing ages of at least four or five unknowns using both 238U/206Pb and 235U/207Pb systems.
- Measuring Th/U ratios and assessing common Pb inventories.
- Discussing geological interpretation of results with USGS representatives.
Performance Standards
Analytical accuracy and precision must be sufficient for correlation with global reference records, with uncertainties on unknowns and reproducibility of reference material ages on the order of 10^4-10^5 years. Data reports will be reviewed by USGS staff.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought / Market Research
- NAICS: 541380 Testing Laboratories and Services (Size Standard: $19.0 million)
- PSC: B517 Geological Studies
- Set-Aside: None specified (market research stage)
- Period of Performance: TBD, 180 days, estimated to begin July 2026 (at contractor's laboratory).
- Response Due: June 26, 2026, 5:00 PM EST
- Published: June 18, 2026
Special Requirements
The analyst must possess a PhD in geology, geochemistry, or similar, with demonstrated expertise in U and Pb isotope analysis by CA-ID-TIMS and U-Pb geochronology of zircon. The contractor must have a proven track record of producing high-quality data in peer-reviewed literature, and isotope tracers used must be certified by an internationally recognized geochronological organization (e.g., Earth Time).
Deliverables
- Data tables with specified quantities.
- Appropriate graphical representation of geochronological data (e.g., Concordia diagrams, weighted mean age plots).
- Written reports summarizing analytical protocols, results, and basic geological interpretation.
Additional Notes
This is solely for market research and planning purposes; it is not a request for quote or proposal. The Government is not committed to awarding a contract and will not pay for any costs incurred in preparing responses. All responsible sources are invited to submit a capabilities statement via email to elizabeth_adam@ios.doi.gov. For general inquiries, contact Adam, Elizabeth at (916) 278-9441.