B--Calcium carbonate Analysis IDIQ

This is a Sources Sought Notice issued by the U.S. Geological Survey’s Reston Science Acquisition Branch under the Department of the Interior to conduct market research for potential contractors capable of performing stable isotope ratio measurements on biogenic calcium carbonate materials. The notice seeks to identify qualified sources, particularly small businesses including 8(a), HUBZone, SDVOSB, WOSB, and EDWOSB entities, to support a potential Indefinite-Delivery/Indefinite-Quantity (IDIQ) contract with a base year and four one-year option periods. Respondents must demonstrate capability to simultaneously analyze δ¹⁸O, δ¹³C, and δ¹⁵N isotopes using Gas-Bench II and Thermo Flash EA - ConFlo IV instrumentation, meeting strict precision thresholds of ±0.08‰ for δ¹⁸O and δ¹⁵N and ±0.05‰ for δ¹³C. The laboratory must employ personnel with at least a Bachelor’s degree in geochemistry or a related field, with a Master’s preferred, and maintain rigorous quality control including four replicates per batch, a minimum of 5% duplicate samples, and adherence to VPDB calibration standards. All analytical data generated will become U.S. Government property, and the facility must provide scheduled access to USGS personnel for oversight and collaboration. Respondents must be registered in SAM.gov with a Unique Entity ID and must declare their small business status and socioeconomic classifications, though no formal solicitation has been issued. The notice does not constitute a commitment to award a contract, nor does it include pricing, funding ceilings, or formal contract clauses. Responses are due by May 22, 2026, and must be submitted via email to the designated point of contact, Mindie Dixon, with no page limits specified but requiring clear documentation of technical capabilities, business type, and relevant past performance.