Technical Consultant - Potash Mining Consultant
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 United States International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) is soliciting proposals for a Technical Consultant - Potash Mining Consultant. This Total Small Business Set-Aside opportunity requires a subject matter expert to conduct due diligence on a greenfield potash mining project in Argentina. The consultant will analyze a Preliminary Feasibility Study (PFS), 3D Seismic results, and pilot plant design. Quotes are due by June 3rd, 2026, at 10:00 AM ET.
Scope of Work
The consultant's primary responsibilities include:
- PFS Analysis: Conduct a thorough, independent analysis of the PFS, identifying weaknesses, unrealistic assumptions, data gaps, methodological flaws, or overly optimistic conclusions. Challenge conclusions not supported by evidence or industry practice, and validate wellfield capital and operating cost inputs for mineral extraction.
- Pilot Plant Design Review: Review and validate the pilot plant design, identifying key issues, infrastructure needs, and potential flaws.
- 3D Seismic Interpretation: Review and interpret 3D Seismic results, providing an objective opinion.
- Stakeholder Interaction: Interact with stakeholders to gather necessary information.
- Feedback & Recommendations: Provide feedback to study authors for potential incorporation and identify additional geotechnical and engineering studies needed for pilot plant advancement.
Contract & Timeline
- Contract Type: Firm-fixed-price.
- Period of Performance: A base period of ten (10) weeks from award, with work commencing when PFS and 3D Seismic documents become available (expected mid-July).
- Submission Deadline: Quotes must be submitted via email to the Contracting Officer and Contract Specialist by Wednesday, June 3rd, 2026, at 10:00 AM ET.
- Published Date: May 21st, 2026.
Eligibility & Evaluation
- Set-Aside: Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5).
- NAICS Code: 541330 (Engineering Services), with a size standard of $25.5 million.
- Experience: Contractors must possess 10+ years of consultancy experience in potash projects and 10+ years in the broader mining or fertilizer sectors. This experience can be firm or employee-based.
- Submission Requirements: Technical qualifications and experience should be submitted in Word or PDF. Price quotes must be in a Microsoft Excel file, detailing labor categories, rates, hours, and total costs.
- Evaluation Criteria: Award will be based on best value to the government, considering 1) demonstrated technical capabilities and 2) price.
Additional Notes
Work will primarily be performed remotely or at the contractor's facility in Washington, DC. Travel to the project site in Argentina may be required, subject to DFC approval and on a cost-reimbursement basis. The contractor must meet DFC security requirements and obtain a Public Trust clearance. Inquiries regarding this solicitation must be submitted by Thursday, May 28th, 2026, at 10:00 AM ET.