UMESC WATER SAMPLE ANALYSIS
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, is seeking quotes for Water Sample Analysis services for its Upper Midwest Environmental Science Center (UMESC). This is a Combined Synopsis/Solicitation (RFQ) for commercial services, requiring analyses of wastewater and drinking water samples. The opportunity is a Total Small Business Set-Aside. Quotes are due by 5:00 P.M. ET on February 11, 2026.
Scope of Work
The contractor will provide comprehensive testing and analytical services for various water samples. This includes:
- Wastewater Samples: Analysis for Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), Total Suspended Solids (TSS), Phosphorous, Ammonium, Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), and Total Organic Carbon (TOC).
- Drinking Water Samples: Analysis for coliform bacteria, inorganic compounds, Synthetic Organic Compounds (SOC), and volatile organic compounds (VOC). All analyses must be performed by a laboratory certified by the State of Wisconsin for municipal effluent discharge testing. The contractor is responsible for adhering to specified sample holding times, providing all necessary materials (kits, preservatives, bottles), and ensuring next-day shipment of samples to their lab (if not in La Crosse, WI), covering all associated shipping costs.
Contract & Timeline
- Contract Type: Firm Fixed Price (FFP) Purchase Order
- Period of Performance: A base year (March 11, 2026 – March 10, 2027) with four (4) one-year option years and one (1) six-month option year, potentially extending through September 10, 2031.
- Set-Aside: Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5)
- NAICS Code: 541380 - Testing Laboratories
- Size Standard: $19.0 million in average annual receipts
- Published Date: January 23, 2026
- Questions Due: 5:00 P.M. ET on February 4, 2026
- Quotes Due: 5:00 P.M. ET on February 11, 2026
Submission & Evaluation
Offerors must submit quotes and questions electronically via email to Beth Wilson at bwilson@usgs.gov. Quotes will be evaluated based on the following factors, in order of importance, with technical merit significantly more important than price:
- Distance from UMESC Facility (laboratory location)
- Past Performance (minimum of three references for water testing contracts within the last 5 years, each valued at least $5,000)
- Qualifications (personnel experience and certifications)
- Price Award will be made to the responsible offeror whose offer is most advantageous to the Government.
Eligibility
Offerors must include their Unique Entity ID (UEI) number and be current and active in the System for Award Management (SAM) at www.sam.gov to be eligible for award.
Additional Notes
This acquisition is conducted under FAR Part 12 (Acquisition of Commercial Products and Commercial Services) and FAR Part 13 (Simplified Acquisition Procedures). The USGS is committed to green purchasing and environmentally preferable contracting.