RFI-Critical Mineral Investigation of Texas Cores

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for supplies or services. It requests vendors to furnish quotations to the issuing office.

• The specific details of the required supplies or services are "See Attached RFI For Details".

• The Period of Performance is from 04/01/2026 to 04/15/2026.

• Not explicitly stated, but implied to be a contract for supplies or services.

• Quotations must be submitted to the issuing office (Block 5a) on or before 04/15/2026 at 1700 ED.

• The document states that this is a request for information and quotations furnished are not offers.

• It does not commit the Government to pay any costs incurred in the preparation of the submission.

• The RFQ is marked "IS NOT A SMALL BUSINESS SET-ASIDE".

• The "IMPORTANT" section provides crucial context for vendors regarding the nature of the request and submission requirements.

• Additional provisions and representations may or may not be attached.

Request for Information (RFI)

This RFI is issued by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) to conduct market research regarding the identification of critical mineral deposits along the Texas Coast. The goal is to assess the availability and technical capability of vendors to analyze sediment cores for critical minerals. This effort supports BOEM's National Offshore Critical Mineral Inventory (NOCMI) and aligns with executive orders promoting the exploration and development of offshore critical mineral resources.

• Travel to Austin, TX, and Boca Raton, FL, to collect samples from 159 stored cores.

• Identify and collect a minimum of 2 samples per core, in consultation with BOEM geologists.

• Conduct elemental/mineralogical analyses on collected samples, including basic testing and potentially more specialized processing to separate heavy minerals.

• Perform grain size analysis using Laser Particle Size Analysis (LPSA).

• Analyze samples for elements relevant to the final 2025 List of Critical Minerals.

• Determine sample provenance, composition, and recoverability.

• Responses must be identified by RFI No. DOIMFBO260003.

• A cover letter is required, including company name, SAM.gov UEI, address, contact information, business size and eligibility, SAM registration status, pricing information (optional), and recommended NAICS codes.

• A ten (10) page limit applies to the response.

• Responses should be submitted to bradford_kelly@ios.doi.gov.

• BOEM may conduct one-on-one exchanges with potential vendors based on responses.

• This RFI is for market research purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation or commitment to award a contract.

• Costs incurred by vendors in response to this RFI will not be reimbursed.

• Vendors should indicate their business size and eligibility under U.S. Government socio-economic programs.

• The document includes appendices with maps and tables detailing core locations and identifiers.