D--LABVIEW SOFTWARE BRAND NAME OR EQUAL DEVELOPMENT/T

Statement of Work (SOW) / Performance Work Statement (PWS)

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Denver Argon Geochronology Lab (DAGL) requires a custom software solution for the automated operation of mass spectrometers and peripheral hardware. The goal is to develop new, customized automation software modules using a graphical programming environment (e.g., LabVIEW) to replace outdated systems and address limitations with current open-source software.

• Develop a complete LabVIEW (or equivalent)-based custom software solution for acquiring data from Thermo Scientific Argus VI mass spectrometers.

• Create software modules for communication and control of various hardware peripherals, including lasers, pressure gauges, ion pumps, and Agilent DAQs.

• Develop modules for data acquisition, including graphical user interfaces for run sequences and live instrument feedback.

• Create modules for data storage to files or a database.

• Integrate all modules into a user-friendly graphical user interface.

• Train laboratory staff in the programming environment for long-term operation and maintenance.

• Ensure source code is version-controlled and stored in USGS DAGL GitLab repositories.

• Modules must achieve full communication and control of specified hardware within 6 months.

• Data storage and export modules must be functional within 9 months.

• The integrated software solution must be complete and functional within 9 months.

• Laboratory staff must be trained to use, maintain, and modify the software within 12 months.

• All activities must meet required technical, quality, and time standards.

• Place of Performance: USGS Denver Argon Geochronology Lab, Denver Federal Center, Denver, CO.

• Access hours: Generally M-F business hours, to be coordinated with lab personnel.

• The contract duration is not explicitly stated but implies a development and training period.

• Contractor must have prior experience developing scientific instrument automation applications using LabVIEW or equivalent.

• Contractor personnel must undergo background investigations and sign non-disclosure agreements.

• All software must be free of malicious code.

• Contractor must comply with FISMA, Section 508 accessibility requirements, and IPv6 standards.

• Government will provide a computer, hardware, and a license for the programming environment.

• Contractor's employees must identify themselves as contractors in dealings with the public and government employees and are prohibited from wearing USGS-branded clothing.

Amendment / Modification

This amendment (0002) to Solicitation 140G0226Q0021 provides a clarification regarding an RFQ word attachment. It states: "DO NOT USE THIS IS THE WRONG TERMS AND CONDITIONS ALL TERMS AND CONDITIONS ARE ATTACHED WITH THE PDF VERSION OF THE RFQ".

• Clarification on RFQ word attachment.

• Reinforces that all terms and conditions are within the PDF version of the RFQ.

• No changes to proposal deadlines, requirements, or evaluation factors are indicated by this amendment. Vendors should ensure they are referencing the correct RFQ document and its associated terms and conditions.

Amendment / Modification

This amendment (0001) to solicitation 140G0226Q0021, dated 04/21/2026, serves to include the correct Wage Determination in PDF format.

• The primary change is the inclusion of the correct Wage Determination.

• No changes to proposal deadlines, requirements, or evaluation factors are indicated by this amendment. Bidders should ensure they are using the most current Wage Determination provided.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a U.S. Department of Labor Wage Determination (No. 2015-5419, Revision No. 31) for the Service Contract Act. It establishes the minimum wage rates and fringe benefits required for various occupations in Colorado, specifically for the area including Adams, Arapahoe, Broomfield, Clear Creek, Denver, Douglas, Elbert, Gilpin, and Jefferson counties.

• Lists numerous occupational codes and titles.
• Provides the minimum hourly wage rate for each occupation.
• Indicates that fringe benefits are required and follow the occupational listing.
• Includes notes on Executive Orders related to paid sick leave and minimum wage for federal contractors.
• Details vacation and holiday pay provisions.

This document is crucial for bidders to understand the minimum labor costs associated with performing services under a federal contract in the specified geographic area. It directly impacts the pricing strategy and overall cost proposal for any opportunity requiring services covered by the Service Contract Act in this region.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation is a Request for Quotations (RFQ) for LabVIEW software brand name or equal development/training services for the USGS Denver Argon Geochronology Lab (DAGL). The effort aims to develop customized automation software modules using LabVIEW or an equivalent environment to enable hardware automation, data acquisition, and storage for mass spectrometers and peripheral hardware. The project also includes training laboratory staff on the software.

• Development of custom software modules for hardware automation and data acquisition using LabVIEW or an equivalent environment.

• Modules to control Thermo Scientific Argus VI mass spectrometers, pressure gauges, ion pumps, Agilent DAQs, and Photon Machines lasers.

• Creation of graphical user interfaces for sample metadata entry and live instrument feedback.

• Development of modules for data storage and export.

• Integration of all modules into a unified software system.

• Training for laboratory personnel on the programming environment, software development, and maintenance.

• The complete solution must be user-friendly and accessible to lab personnel.

• Source code must be version-controlled and stored in USGS DAGL GitLab repositories.

• Contractor must provide an accessibility conformance report (ACR) using the Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT).

• Contract Type: Firm-fixed-price.

• Period of Performance: The base period is from 05/18/2026 to 05/17/2027. Option Year One is 05/18/2027 to 05/17/2028. Option Year Two is 05/18/2028 to 05/17/2029.

• Estimated Value: Not explicitly stated, but the contract type is firm-fixed-price.

• Proposal Submission Deadline: Close of business on 05/05/2026.

• Submission Method: Electronic quotations only, submitted via email to lisa_williams@ios.doi.gov.

• Evaluation Criteria: Lowest Priced, Technically Acceptable (LPTA).

  • Factor A: Technical Capabilities (demonstrated experience in developing custom software for instrument automation).
  • Factor B: Technical Personnel (qualifications and experience of the lead developer).
  • Factor C: Past Performance (at least two references for similar work within the past five years).

• Questions Deadline: E-mailed to the Contracting Officer by 2:30 p.m. MDT on April 29, 2026.

• This solicitation is a Small Business Set-Aside.

• NAICS Code: 541511 (Custom Computer Programming Services).

• Size Standard: $34.0 Million.

• Vendors are required to be registered and active in the System for Award Management (SAM).

• The Government will provide a computer, necessary hardware, and a license for the programming environment.

• Contractors must comply with all applicable Federal, State, and local laws, executive orders, rules, and regulations.

• Payment requests must be submitted electronically through the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Invoice Processing Platform System (IPP).

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation seeks a contractor to develop a custom software solution for the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Denver Argon Geochronology Lab (DAGL). The goal is to automate the operation of mass spectrometers and peripheral hardware using a graphical programming environment like LabVIEW. This effort includes developing new software modules, the overall application architecture, and training laboratory staff for ongoing maintenance.

• Develop custom automation software modules using LabVIEW or an equivalent environment.

• Create modules for communication and control of Thermo Scientific Argus VI Mass Spectrometers, pressure gauges, ion pumps, Agilent DAQs, and Photon Machines lasers.

• Develop graphical user interfaces for sample metadata entry and run sequence execution.

• Implement modules for data acquisition, storage (files/database), and export.

• Integrate all modules into a complete, user-friendly software solution.

• Train laboratory staff on the software's construction, use, and maintenance.

• Source code must be version-controlled and stored in USGS DAGL GitLab repositories.

• The solution must comply with ICT Accessibility Requirements per Revised Section 508 and IPv6 standards.

• The contract is for commercial products and commercial services.

• The total duration, including options, shall not exceed three (3) years.

• Quotations must address Technical Capabilities (Factor A) and Technical Personnel (Factor B).

• Technical Capabilities require documented experience in scientific instrument automation software development.

• Technical Personnel requires a lead developer with specific experience in earth/atmospheric science labs, federal IT environments, and LabVIEW certification.

• Past Performance (Factor C) will be evaluated based on customer satisfaction and performance risk, requiring at least two references.

• Award will be made to the lowest-priced, technically acceptable quotation.

• Key deadlines: Questions due April 13, 2026; Quotations due April 17, 2026.

• Not explicitly stated as a set-aside, but standard small business representations are required.

• The government will provide a computer, necessary hardware, and a software license.

• All software development must occur onsite at the Denver Federal Center.

• Contractors must comply with all applicable Federal, State, and local laws, including IT security requirements and Section 508 accessibility standards.

Sources Sought Notice

This notice is for market research purposes to identify parties interested in and capable of supporting the US Geological Survey (USGS) Denver Argon Geochronology Lab (DAGL) with the development of customized automation software. The goal is to create a new software solution for the automated operation of mass spectrometers and associated peripheral hardware, replacing an outdated and unsupported system. This is NOT a solicitation, RFP, RFQ, or IFB.

• Develop an overall application architecture for the automation software.

• Program custom automation software using a commercially available environment (e.g., LabVIEW).

• Train DAGL laboratory staff in the construction, use, and maintenance of the software.

• Create modules for communication with and control of Thermo Scientific Argus VI Mass Spectrometers, pressure gauges, ion pumps, Agilent DAQs, and Photon Machines lasers.

• Develop a graphical user interface for sample metadata entry.

• Create modules for data acquisition, including a graphical user interface for run sequences and live instrument feedback.

• Develop modules for data storage (files and/or database).

• Integrate all modules into a complete solution with a graphical user interface.

• The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code is 541511 (Custom Computer Programming Services) with a size standard of $34.0 Million.

• Interested parties must provide a tailored capability statement addressing their ability to meet the requirement.

• Firms must specify their business type (e.g., ISBEE, small business, 8(a), HUBZone, SDVOSB, or other than small business).

• Provide a point of contact, SAM.gov Unique Entity ID (UEI), and confirmation of active registration in SAM.

• Responses are due by March 12, 2026, at 2:30 p.m. Mountain Daylight Time (MDT).

• Inquiries will only be accepted via email to lisa_williams@ios.doi.gov.

• The government will evaluate responses to determine if the requirement may be set-aside for small businesses or procured through full and open competition.

• All information submitted is voluntary and will not be compensated.

• Submitted materials will not be returned.

• Respondents will not be notified of the results of the evaluation.

• Telephone inquiries will not be accepted or acknowledged.