Sediment sample preparation
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) Pacific Coastal & Marine Science Center (PCMSC) is seeking commercial services for Sediment and Rock Sample Preparation and Characterization. This is a Firm Fixed-Price Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) Purchase Order set aside for Total Small Businesses. The services will support environmental research in Santa Cruz, California. Proposals are due April 9, 2026.
Scope of Work
The contractor will prepare and characterize environmental sediment and rock samples, with an estimated volume of up to 560 sediment samples per year. Key tasks include:
- Sediment Samples: Freeze-drying, sieving, grinding, splitting, clean lab procedures, preparation for stable isotope analysis, archiving, and data interpretation.
- Rock Samples: Description, subsampling, preparation for X-ray diffraction and geochemical analysis, and assistance with data organization.
- General Lab Support: Performing routine lab analyses, using instrumentation (e.g., X-ray diffractor, thermogravimetric analyzer), and adhering to clean lab procedures and safety protocols.
- Experience: Contractors must have at least six months of full-time experience in a physical or life science laboratory, demonstrating proficiency in handling environmental samples without contamination, using lab instrumentation, and safe handling of hazardous materials.
- Flexibility: Work can be performed at an outside lab or at PCMSC facilities, with occasional travel for ship-based field work.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Firm Fixed-Price Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity Purchase Order, subject to the Service Contract Act.
- Period of Performance: Base period from May 27, 2026, to May 26, 2027, with one optional year extending to May 26, 2028.
- Set-Aside: Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5).
- NAICS Code: 541380 (Testing Laboratories and Services), with a size standard of $19.0 million.
- Published Date: April 2, 2026.
- Submission Deadline: April 9, 2026, by 5:00 AM Pacific Time.
Submission & Evaluation
- Submission Method: Quotes and supporting documents must be emailed to amberry@ios.doi.gov. Physical and late submissions will not be accepted.
- Evaluation Factors: Proposals will be evaluated based on Technical Capability, Past Performance, and Price. The award will be made to the responsible offeror whose proposal represents the best overall value to the Government.
- Requirements: Proposals must be firm fixed price with a full breakdown. Vendors are responsible for providing adequate information on technical expertise and past performance.
Additional Notes
Lab services will be requested on an as-needed basis with at least one-week advance notice. Products are expected within four weeks of notification. If work is performed at PCMSC, contractors will require a Federal security clearance (low-risk NACI investigation) and access will be limited to times when a federal employee is on-site. Shipping costs will be paid by the USGS, and payment requests must be submitted electronically via the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Internet Processing Platform System (IPP).