B--Cosmogenic radionuclide dating of rock fragments and sediments

This is a Request for Information. The U.S. Geological Survey, Earthquake Science Center, Pasadena, CA, has a requirement for cosmogenic radionuclide dating of rock fragments and sediments, including sample preparation and accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) measurement. The lab determines the in situ abundance of a specific nuclide in the quartz component of a geologic sample. The nuclides targeted are 10Be (beryllium) and 26Al (aluminum). The laboratory is to perform the sample preparation as well as AMS measurement of both 10Be and 26Al, including: crushing and grinding of clast or sand-sized particles; quartz separation and purification; chemical extraction of BeO and Al2O3; and target preparation. The requirement is to analyze 19 samples for both nuclides. Established QA/QC procedures for sample preparation and peer-reviewed documentation of analytical success for both nuclides in small abundances are required. In particular, the lab should achieve background ratios of 1x10-15 or less for both nuclides. The North American Industry Classification (NAICS) Code is 541380. Laboratory testing. The size standard is $15.0 million dollars. This sources sought notice is for informational purposes only and shall not be considered a solicitation, obligation, or commitment by the Government. No contract will be award as a result of this sources sought announcement. The United States Geological Survey, Office of Acquisition and Grants is soliciting information from qualified sources; the results of this announcement will be evaluated to determine if there are businesses capable of performing the proposed work. Firms with expressed interest and capability are encouraged to respond by August 21, 2017. All questions and submissions in response to this notice must be submitted electronically via email to Cheryl Ciccarelli [email protected]