What the buyer needs
AI summaryThe U.S. Geological Survey requires detrital zircon U/Pb, Hf, and T/REE analyses for rock and modern sediment samples. The contractor must perform nondestructive LA-MC-ICPMS geochronologic analyses using laser spot diameters of ≤30 micrometers, deliver single-grain age data and associated isotope ratios, and meet strict quality standards for age reproducibility. Services require analytical staff with at least a Master's degree in detrital zircon geochronology. The agency intends to award a sole-source contract to the University of Arizona LaserChron Lab. However, other vendors with similar technical expertise who can provide the required services may submit an affirmative response. Vendors must contact the Contract Specialist via email no later than 1:00 PM EDT on November 4, 2026. Deliverables and reports must be completed within one to three months of each order, and total work per purchase request shall not exceed one year.
Scope of work
- Conduct U-Pb geochronologic analysis for 100 to 300 zircons per sand or sandstone sample
- Perform up to 600 or more U-Pb analyses per sample upon request to characterize detrital age populations
- Measure trace/rare earth elements (T/REE) and Hf isotopic concentrations using laser ablation on optimal zircon grains
- Perform single shot laser ablation with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer measurements
- Deliver U-Pb and Pb-Pb ages, corresponding isotope ratios, analytical uncertainties, and error correlations
- Deliver Uranium and Thorium concentration measurements in a formatted Excel spreadsheet
- Provide locations of each analysis via annotated BSE maps or data files
Minimum qualifications
- Contractor staff must hold at minimum a M.S. with expertise in analytical geochemistry and continental tectonics
- Demonstrate reproducibility of 238U/206Pb and 206Pb/207Pb ratios for geochronologic reference materials of better than 3%
- Ability to employ nondestructive geochronologic methods consuming depth of ~15 microns and diameter <=30 microns per zircon
Documents to include with your response
- Formatted Excel spreadsheet with single grain ages, isotope ratios, uncertainties, and U and Th concentrations
- Annotated BSE maps or data files showing analysis locations
How to submit
- Method
- Instructions
- Contact Contract Specialist Miranda Blankenship via email
Incumbent and award research
No incumbent history found for this requirement. The notice does not cite a current contract, and no earlier award from this buying office matches it.
Market context
Awards in the same category (Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services). This is not this requirement's award history.
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