66--CLUMPED ISOTOPE GEOCHEMICAL SAMPLES BPA
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), Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center, is soliciting proposals for a Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) for clumped isotope geochemical analyses of carbonate mineral samples. This Total Small Business Set-Aside opportunity supports GEMSC projects studying energy and minerals resources. Quotes are due April 1, 2026, at 10:00 AM Pacific Time.
Scope of Work
The contractor will perform clumped isotopic compositions (D47 and D48) and/or stable carbon (d13C) and oxygen isotopic compositions (d18O) analyses on carbonate mineral samples, including rocks, sediments, veins, or fossil specimens. Preference will be given to laboratories capable of measuring small samples (<500µg carbonate mineral powder replicates) on high-precision instruments and analyzing calcite, dolomite, and magnesite samples in-house. All work must be performed in-house at the awardee's specialized isotope geochemical laboratory within the United States, with no third-party vendors or subcontracting permitted.
Performance Standards
Measurements must be replicated on at least 3 separate analysis sessions per sample. Data must be calibrated using InterCarb ETH standards, corrected for acid fractionation, and reported according to accepted InterCarb research community standards (D47 standardized to I-CDES90). Sample-level data uncertainty must be reported as the 95% confidence interval of the mean. Deliverables, including measured data and supporting summary reports, must be sent to the USGS within 6 months (180 days) of sample shipment. Unacceptable data requires re-analysis at no cost to the government.
Contract Details
- Contract Type: Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) with firm fixed-price calls/orders.
- Period of Performance: Five years, from March 27, 2026, to March 26, 2031.
- Total Value: Not-to-exceed $49,999.00 over the five-year period.
- Set-Aside: Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5).
- NAICS Code: 541380 (Testing Laboratories and Services), Size Standard: $19.5 Million.
Evaluation Factors
Offers will be evaluated based on:
- Technical Capability: Demonstrated ability to meet PWS requirements, with preference for in-house work, small sample analysis, and magnesite analysis.
- Past Performance: Three references from academic or government institutions for similar work within the past 36 months.
- Price. Technical Capability and Past Performance, when combined, are approximately equal in importance to Price.
Key Personnel Requirements
The Principal Investigator (PI) must hold a doctorate in geochemistry or have 5+ years of experience in clumped isotope analysis with a history of high-precision publications. The primary operator/analyzer should have at least one year of experience with geologic samples, with a preference for advanced degrees.
Submission & Deadline
Quotes must be emailed to dparkin@usgs.gov by April 1, 2026, at 10:00 AM Pacific Time. Vendors must be registered at SAM.gov.