ISOTOPE 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), under the Department of the Interior, has issued a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for Isotope Analyses. This opportunity seeks specialized services for whole-rock samarium-neodymium, uranium-lead, and rubidium strontium isotope analyses of igneous rock samples. The analyses will support critical mineral studies, arc magmatism, copper porphyry formation, and the Earth MRI mission. Quotations are due by April 10, 2026.
Scope of Work
Contractors will be required to perform Sm-Nd, U-Pb, and Rb-Sr isotope analyses on 25 surface whole rock samples provided by the USGS. These samples are pulverized and may include garnet separates. A key deliverable is a comprehensive report detailing elemental and isotopic compositions of Sm, Nd, U, Pb, Rb, and Sr, along with analytical techniques, data reduction methods, and uncertainties. Regular communication with the USGS regarding progress and any complications is also required. A critical personnel requirement is a lead isotope geochemistry expert with a Ph.D. and at least 5 years of experience, relevant publications, and affiliation with an internationally recognized laboratory.
Contract Details
- Type: Request for Quotation (RFQ) for commercial products/services.
- Period of Performance: April 15, 2026, to April 14, 2027.
- Set-Aside: Full and Open Competition.
- NAICS Code: 541990 (All Other Professional, Scientific and Technical Services) with a size standard of $19.5M.
Submission & Evaluation
- Quotations Due: April 10, 2026, at 1700 PD.
- Questions Due: April 06, 2026, at 1700 PD.
- Submission Method: Via email to tracy_huot@ios.doi.gov.
- Evaluation Factors: Award will be made to the responsible offeror whose proposal is most advantageous to the Government, considering price and other factors. Corporate experience and experience of key personnel, capability (technical and capacity), and past performance are considered more important than price.
- Eligibility: Offerors must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM).
Additional Notes
The solicitation incorporates various provisions and clauses by reference, including those related to commercial items and SAM registration. Digital data transfer is acceptable, and any excess powdered samples should be returned to the USGS.