B -- ROCK SAMPLE ANALYSES

2026-11-03

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 geochronologyLu - Hf isotopic analysis for select detrital zircon samplesSupporting services include : Mineral separationBackscattered Electron ( BSE ) imagingCathodoluminescence ( CL ) imagingDetermination of zircon ages and isotopic ratiosThe requirement includes analysis of : 19 fluvial detrital zircon samples9 fine - grained volcanic tephra samplesThe 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 analysisConduct simultaneous Lu - Hf isotopic analysis using split - stream techniquesUtilize 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 workflowsAll 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 .

California

2026-05-10