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

Amendment / Modification

This amendment (0003) to solicitation 140G022600038 modifies the following:

• Extended Quotation Due Date: The deadline for submitting electronic quotations has been extended from May 5, 2026, to May 11, 2026, at 2:30 p.m. Mountain Daylight Time.
• Added Questions and Answers: Additional and final questions and answers are provided as Attachment A2.

• The due date for quotation submission has been changed.

• Attachment A2 has been added.

• The deadline for proposal submission is extended to May 11, 2026.

• Bidders should review Attachment A2 for updated information regarding questions and answers.

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides additional and final questions and answers related to RFQ 140G0226Q0038 for LABVIEW SOFTWARE BRAND NAME OR EQUAL DEVELOPMENT/TRAINING SERVICES for the USGS, Denver Argon Geochronology Lab (DAGL).

• Question #22: Regarding the requirement for a DHS Certified Trusted Tester for 508 compliance testing, the government clarified that while all programming must be done on-site, the completed program can be provided to a Certified Trusted Tester for remote completion of the Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR).
• Question #23: In response to whether the testing requirement can be waived if a certified tester cannot be found for on-site testing, the government stated that the testing requirement cannot be waived. However, as per the answer to Question #22, the testing may be completed remotely.

These clarifications confirm that while on-site programming is required, the 508 compliance testing component can be performed remotely by a certified tester, and the testing requirement itself cannot be waived.

Amendment / Modification

• This amendment (0002) provides additional Questions and Answers as Attachment A1.

• All other terms and conditions remain unchanged.

• Attachment A1 (Questions and Answers) is newly provided.

• No changes to proposal deadlines, requirements, or evaluation factors are indicated, other than the information contained within the new Attachment A1.

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to vendor questions regarding the RFQ for LABVIEW SOFTWARE BRAND NAME OR EQUAL DEVELOPMENT/TRAINING SERVICES for the USGS, Denver Argon Geochronology Lab (DAGL).

• Experience: While experience with earth and atmospheric science laboratories is essential due to specialized instruments and workflows, equivalent expertise in other scientific laboratory environments may be considered. Equivalency evaluation is not detailed.
• Work Location: The lead developer is expected to be onsite throughout development. The computer system connected to the instrumentation is not accessible remotely.
• Software Access: Contractors will be granted access to a comparable LabVIEW package from a similar laboratory for potential reuse and adaptation, as well as the Pychron codebase.
• Hardware Details: Communication protocols and interface documentation for hardware components will be provided upon initiation of development.
• Hardware Access: Access to required hardware systems will be scheduled and limited to periods when laboratory scientists are available. Personal access to Government computer systems is not permitted.
• Data Storage: Data are expected to be accurately and reliably stored in appropriate file formats and/or database, as stated in the Performance Work Statement.
• Training: Training is required for two personnel, who should become fully capable of operating, maintaining, and updating the product. Training must be conducted in person at the laboratory.
• Lead Developer: A single lead developer must remain assigned throughout the project.
• Section 508: Contractors are not required to perform full Section 508 testing, remediation, or ongoing compliance support beyond providing an Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR/VPAT).

This document clarifies requirements related to experience, work location, software/hardware access, and personnel continuity, which may influence bidder proposals and resource allocation. It also clarifies that certain requirements (e.g., C&A, full Section 508 testing) are not applicable or are handled by the Government.

Amendment / Modification

This amendment (0001) to solicitation 140G0226Q0038, dated 04/22/2026, makes the following changes:

• Provides Questions and Answers as Attachment A.

• Revises Line Items 00010 and 00020.

• Line Item 00010: Revised to "Labview or equivalent software development services."

• Line Item 00020: Revised to "Labview or equivalent software development basic training services."

• The period of performance for both revised line items is 05/18/2026 to 05/17/2027.

• The anticipated award type for both is Firm-fixed-price.

• All other terms and conditions remain unchanged.

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to vendor questions regarding Solicitation RFQ 140G0226Q0038 for LABVIEW SOFTWARE BRAND NAME OR EQUAL DEVELOPMENT/TRAINING SERVICES for the USGS, Denver Argon Geochronology Lab (DAGL).

• Onsite Lead Developer: The lead developer is expected to be onsite throughout the development of the product, as the computer system connected to the instrumentation is not accessible remotely.
• Technical Personnel "Champion" Requirement: For the "recognized as a LabVIEW (or equivalent) champion" requirement, vendors should submit a complete technical quotation package in accordance with Evaluation Factors and Quotation Instructions.
• ICT Accessibility Requirements: Developed software must adhere to Accessibility Requirements to the extent possible. Vendors must submit a VPAT after development to document compliance. An exception to these requirements is not indicated.
• Line Item 0010 Pricing: Line Items 00010 and 00020 have been revised. Vendors shall provide a firm-fixed price for these line items, and invoices shall be billed as services have been rendered, rather than a firm-fixed monthly price.
• Solicitation Comparison: RFQ 140G0226Q0021 has been cancelled in its entirety. Vendors should use RFQ 140G0226Q0038 for responses.

Clarifications address onsite presence, documentation for technical personnel qualifications, ICT accessibility compliance, and pricing structure for specific line items. One related solicitation (RFQ 140G0226Q0021) has been cancelled.

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 DAGL requires custom automation software for mass spectrometers and peripheral hardware, as their current system is insufficient and its developer is retiring. The goal is to develop a customized LabVIEW (or equivalent) based application to automate data acquisition and control of analytical instruments.

• Development of custom automation software using LabVIEW or an equivalent environment.

• Modules for communicating with and controlling: Thermo Scientific Argus VI Mass Spectrometers, pressure gauges, ion pumps, Agilent DAQs, and Photon Machines lasers.

• Modules for data acquisition, including graphical user interfaces for sample metadata entry and run sequence execution.

• Module for data storage.

• Integration of all modules into a unified software system.

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

• Development of an accessibility conformance report (ACR) using the Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT).

• Contract Type: Firm-fixed-price.

• Period of Performance: 05/18/2026 to 05/17/2027 (for base year), with option years for maintenance support.

• Estimated Value: Not explicitly stated, but the NAICS code (541511) has a size standard of $34.0 Million.

• Submission Deadline: Close of business on May 5, 2026, 1430 MDT.

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

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

  • Factor A: Technical Capabilities
  • Factor B: Technical Personnel
  • Factor C: Past Performance

• Quotations must be clear, concise, and free of unnecessary information.

• Vendors must provide a summary (max 4 pages) addressing contact info, Factor A, Factor B, and Factor C.

• Pricing must be firm-fixed price as outlined in the Line Items Description.

• This solicitation is a Small Business Set-Aside.

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

• Size Standard: $34.0 Million.

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

• The full solicitation document (140G0226Q0038) contains all clauses and provisions.

• Questions must be submitted by April 29, 2026, 2:30 p.m. MDT.

• The period for acceptance of offers is 60 days.

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 performing contract work in specific areas of Colorado.

• Area: Colorado Counties of Adams, Arapahoe, Broomfield, Clear Creek, Denver, Douglas, Elbert, Gilpin, Jefferson, Park.
• Occupational Listing: Provides a comprehensive list of job titles, corresponding occupation codes, and their minimum hourly wage rates.
• Fringe Benefits: Indicates that fringe benefits are required and follow the occupational listing. Specific details on Health & Welfare benefits are provided at the end of the document.
• Executive Orders: Notes the applicability of Executive Order (EO) 13706 (Paid Sick Leave) and EO 13658 (Minimum Wage) for federal contractors.
• Conformance Process: Outlines the procedure for requesting additional classifications and wage rates if an occupation is not listed.

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 proposal pricing by defining the required wage and benefit rates for all covered employees. Bidders must ensure their proposed wages meet or exceed these minimums.