B--U-Pb 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 US Geological Survey (USGS) is conducting market research through a Sources Sought announcement to identify qualified businesses capable of providing apatite fission-track (AFT) and U-Pb analyses from geological samples. These analyses are crucial for refining conceptual models of ore deposit formation and creating regional exhumation maps, specifically for samples collected from the Kuskokwim mountains (Km) region, Alaska. This is for planning purposes only and is not a request for quote or proposal. Responses are due by February 26, 2026, at 1500 PST.
Scope of Work
The required services include comprehensive AFT+U-Pb thermochronometry. This involves:
- Sample preparation, spontaneous fission-track counting, and characterization.
- Track length measurements following modern best practices, including 252Cf irradiation.
- Grain-by-grain Uranium and Calcium isotope measurements using LA-ICP-MS for AFT age calculation.
- Uranium and Lead isotope measurements using LA-ICP-MS for U-Pb age calculation.
- For bulk rock samples, the vendor must perform mineral separation prior to AFT analysis. The total work order anticipates 20 mineral separates and 25 total AFT+U-Pb analyses.
Performance Standards & Requirements
Contractors must demonstrate expertise in conventional track counting, 252Cf irradiation, and LA-ICP-MS methods. Access to specialized equipment is mandatory, including a precision microscope (at least 2000x magnification), a vacuum chamber, a 252Cf source, and a Nd:YAG (or similar) laser linked to an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (LA-ICP-MS). Analytical methods must be established and calibrated against community standards.
Deliverables
A detailed report in Excel spreadsheet format is required, containing raw data, kinetic parameters, isotope measurements (40Ca, 147Sm, 204Pb, 206Pb, 207Pb, 232Th, 238U), fission-track lengths, angles to grain c-axis, analyst calibration factors, and final calculated AFT and U-Pb dates.
Contract & Timeline
- Opportunity Type: Sources Sought (Market Research)
- NAICS Code: 541380, Testing Laboratory (Size Standard: $16.5 million)
- Product Service Code: B517, Special Studies/Analyses - Geological
- Period of Performance: Award to December 31, 2026
- Response Due: February 26, 2026, at 1500 PST
- Published Date: February 23, 2026
- Set-Aside: None specified
Submission Information
All responsible sources should submit a capability statement detailing their ability to meet the Statement of Work. Responses must be submitted via electronic mail to yangzhideng@usgs.gov. Hardcopy or web portal submissions will not be accepted.
Additional Notes
This announcement is solely for planning purposes to assist the Government in determining its acquisition strategy. The Government will not pay for any costs incurred in preparing responses.