B--ROCK SAMPLE ANALYSES

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is conducting market research to determine the availability of qualified businesses capable of providing the services described below for rock sample analyses. This Sources Sought notice is issued for informational and planning purposes only and does not constitute a request for quotations or proposals. The Government is not committed to award a purchase order or contract as a result of this announcement. Information received will be used solely for planning purposes to assist the Government in determining an appropriate acquisition strategy. The Government will not pay for any costs incurred in responding to this notice.

The USGS GMEG- Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center requires specialized analytical services for:
High-number, high-throughput U-Th-Pb zircon geochronology
Lu-Hf isotopic analysis for select detrital zircon samples

Supporting services include:
Mineral separation
Backscattered Electron (BSE) imaging
Cathodoluminescence (CL) imaging
Determination of zircon ages and isotopic ratios

The requirement includes analysis of:
19 fluvial detrital zircon samples
9 fine-grained volcanic tephra samples

The volcanic samples contain extremely fine-grained zircons (potentially as small as 10 microns), requiring highly specialized laser spot size capability and extraction methods. Additionally, the requirement involves high-throughput, high-N analytical capability.
Interested sources must demonstrate the capability to:
Perform high-throughput, high-N zircon U-Th-Pb analysis
Conduct simultaneous Lu-Hf isotopic analysis using split-stream techniques
Utilize advanced instrumentation (e.g., LA-ICP-MS systems capable of split-stream analysis such as Neptune/Element2 or equivalent)
Extract and analyze zircon crystals from extremely fine-grained volcanic samples (10 microns)
Provide integrated imaging (BSE and CL) and analytical workflows

All responsible sources may submit a capability statement, including relevant experience and/or technical specifications, demonstrating their ability to meet the requirements outlined in this notice.

Responses to this notice shall be submitted via email only to victor_nuno@ios.doi.gov and must be received in their entirety no later than April 22, 2026 at 12:00 PM Eastern time. Responses submitted by hardcopy or through the SAM.gov portal will not be accepted or considered.