68--Rhodamine Water Tracer Dye IAW Salients FY26 REQ# 15761 SPECIAL ORDER # S26016
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, issued a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for Rhodamine WT Water Tracer Dye. This acquisition was a Total Small Business Set-Aside for the procurement of 1,000 lbs of specialized dye for water flow analysis. The solicitation closed on April 2, 2026, and the opportunity is now listed as an Award Notice. No awardee details are provided in the current notice.
Scope of Work
This opportunity sought the procurement of 1,000 lbs of Rhodamine WT liquid dye, suitable for water flow analysis and tracing in rivers and streams. The dye was intended for the USGS Kansas Water Science Center.
Key Requirements & Deliverables
Offerors were required to provide Rhodamine WT Liquid Dye meeting specific salient characteristics:
- Certification: National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) certified.
- Composition: Pure dye content of 20% by weight.
- Physical Properties: pH of 10.8 (10% solution), specific gravity of 1.15 – 1.16 g/ml at 25° C, completely miscible in water.
- Chemical Classification: Xanthene Dye, color index Acid Red 388, CAS no. 37299-86-8.
- Appearance: Dark red liquid.
- Safety: Must be non-toxic and non-carcinogenic.
- Packaging: Non-contaminating, chemically compatible, 5-gallon containers with handles, leak-proof, and pressure resistant. Containers were to be adequately packed and palletized for safe arrival, with clear labeling.
- Delivery: Required within 30 days after receipt of order to USGS Kansas Water Science Center, 1217 Biltmore Drive, Lawrence KS 66049.
Contract Details
- Type: Request for Quotation (RFQ)
- Set-Aside: Total Small Business Set-Aside (100%)
- NAICS Code: 325130 (Size Standard: 1050 employees)
- Product/Service Code: 6810 (Chemicals)
- Solicitation Number: 140G012600083
Submission & Evaluation
Offers were due by April 2, 2026, at 11:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time. Evaluation was based on technical compliance and price, with technical compliance and past performance being equal in importance to price. The government intended to award to the responsible offeror whose conforming offer was most advantageous.
Status Update
This opportunity is currently listed as an Award Notice as of May 13, 2026. The submission period for quotations has closed.