Isotope Analysis of Atmospheric Trace Gases

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is a combined synopsis and solicitation (RFQ) for isotope analysis support services for the Global Monitoring Laboratory (GML) in Boulder, CO. The government is procuring these services as a commercial item using simplified procedures.

• Isotope analysis of multiple atmospheric trace gases.

• Measurement of volatile organic compounds in atmospheric air samples.

• Services are to be performed in accordance with Attachment 1 - Performance Work Statement (PWS).

• Contract Type: Single award, indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract with firm-fixed price task orders.

• Period of Performance: Base period from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2031. Option periods are not specified (NONE).

• Minimum Contract Amount: $15,000.00

• Maximum Contract Amount: $8,000,000.00

• Offer Due Date: May 12, 2026, 10:00 AM MT.

• Submission Method: Electronic submission to anthony.eubanks@noaa.gov and remo.dela-cruz@noaa.gov with the subject line "QUOTATION for 1305M326Q0110 Isotope Analysis".

• Evaluation Factors: The award will be made to the responsible quoter whose acceptable quotation provides the Best Value to the Government. Evaluation will be based on three factors of equal importance (when combined): Technical Capability and Approach, Past Performance, and Price.

• Questions Due: May 5, 2026, 10:00 AM MST.

• This acquisition is unrestricted.

• Recommended small business subcontracting goals are provided: SB (47.69%), SDB (5%), SDVOSB (5%), WOSB (5%), HUBZone (3%).

• Attachments referenced include: Attachment 1 - Performance Work Statement (PWS) and Attachment 2 - Pricing Schedule.

• Offerors must be registered in SAM.gov.

• The winning vendor must be registered in CPARS within 30 days of contract award.

Statement of Work (SOW) / Performance Work Statement (PWS)

This Performance Work Statement (PWS) outlines the requirements for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Global Monitoring Laboratory (GML) Global Greenhouse Gas Reference Network (GGGRN) to procure analysis of isotopic ratios and radio carbon from atmospheric air samples and reference standards.

• Isotope Analysis: Provide quality-controlled isotope analysis of atmospheric trace gases from air samples and reference standards. This includes:

  • Stable isotopes of Carbon Dioxide (CO₂), including δ¹³C and δ¹⁸O, with specific reproducibility requirements (± 0.02 ‰ for carbon, ± 0.05 ‰ for oxygen).
  • Radiocarbon (¹⁴C) of Carbon Dioxide (CO₂), requiring cryogenic extraction, graphitization, and AMS ¹⁴C measurement with a repeatability of 2% or better.
  • Radiocarbon (¹⁴C) of Methane (CH₄), involving purification, conversion to CO₂, graphitization, and AMS ¹⁴C measurement with a precision of ≤ 4 ‰.
  • Stable isotopes of Methane (CH₄), including δ¹³C and δD, with reproducibility requirements (± 0.08 ‰ for carbon, ± 2 ‰ for hydrogen).
  • Triple oxygen isotope ratios of Carbon Dioxide (∆¹⁷O), with reproducibility of ± 0.01 ‰.

• Delivery of Samples: Samples will be transported from GML to the contractor's facility. Transportation costs beyond a five-mile radius of the GML facility are the contractor's responsibility. Sample containers must be returned to NOAA within 50 calendar days.

• Data Management and Traceability: Ensure traceability to international reference materials, provide processed results and quality-controlled revisions digitally, and participate in intercomparison exercises.

• Scientific Interpretation: Provide interpretation of high-precision measurements for Radiocarbon (¹⁴C) of CO₂ and CH₄, Stable isotopes of CO₂ and CH₄, and Mole fractions of Nitrous Oxide (N₂O). This includes time series analysis, gradient analysis, and estimation of emissions and removals.

• Measurements: Specific reproducibility and precision targets are defined for each isotope analysis.

• Long-term Performance: Must be demonstrated based on past performance with control cylinders.

• Deliverables: Quality-controlled results for measurements are due less than 10 calendar days after quality control. Scientific interpretation deliverables include graphical and written summaries, with preliminary analyses completed within two weeks of initial request.

• Meetings: Twice-monthly meetings are required to discuss upcoming and past analysis needs.

• Not explicitly stated in this section, but implied to be ongoing throughout the period of performance.

• Samples are collected globally as part of NOAA GML's Global Greenhouse Gas Reference Network.

• Contractor must coordinate with NOAA GGGRN for data sharing.

• Contractor performance will be assessed based on measurement and scientific interpretation criteria.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a pricing schedule template that bidders must use to submit their quotations. It outlines the specific gas isotopes and related services for which pricing is required.

• Gas Descriptions: Lists specific items such as 'Stable isotopes of Carbon Dioxide (CO2)', 'Radiocarbon (14C) of Carbon Dioxide (CO2): Extraction Only', 'Radiocarbon (14C) of Carbon Dioxide (CO2): Extraction and Measurement', 'Radiocarbon (14C) of Methane (CH4)', 'Stable isotopes of Methane (CH4)', and 'Triple oxygen isotope ratios of carbon dioxide (D17O)'.
• Unit of Measure: Specifies 'Each' for all items.
• Estimated Quantity: Provides estimated quantities for each gas description, noted as being for evaluation purposes only and not indicative of future government requirements.
• Ordering Periods: Includes columns for Unit Price and Total Price for five distinct ordering periods.
• Grand Total: A section for the overall total price.
• Instructions: Bidders are instructed to only fill in cells highlighted in green. The sheet will automatically calculate the Total Evaluated Price. All Unit Prices must be inclusive of transportation charges. Bidders must verify the accuracy of their calculated numbers before submission.

This pricing schedule is critical for bidders to accurately quote their prices for the specified gas isotopes and services. Bidders must carefully follow the instructions, fill in the designated green cells, and ensure all costs, including transportation, are included in their unit prices. The estimated quantities are for evaluation purposes, and bidders should focus on providing competitive unit prices across the potential ordering periods.