B--Chemical Analyses of soil and plant samples

The U.S. Geological Survey, through the Office of Acquisition Grants within the Department of the Interior, is conducting market research to identify qualified laboratories capable of performing chemical analyses of soil and plant samples for ongoing scientific research. This sources sought announcement, identified by solicitation number 140G0326Q0151 and NAICS code 541380, is not a solicitation for proposals or quotes and does not obligate the government to award a contract. The primary objective is to assess industry capability and inform future acquisition planning. Respondents are requested to submit a capability statement detailing their ability to meet the technical requirements outlined in the attached Statement of Work, with submissions accepted exclusively via email to yangzhideng@usgs.gov and must be received no later than July 1, 2026, at 12:00 PM PST. The work involves analyzing approximately 5,100 soil and plant samples annually, typically delivered in batches of 100 to 500 samples, requiring comprehensive testing for nutrients, minerals, organic matter, salinity, pH, carbon, nitrogen, and trace elements using validated laboratory methods. Soil analyses include parameters such as CEC, particle size, carbonate content, mineralizable nitrogen, and ICP total elements, while plant analyses cover macronutrients, micronutrients, and total carbon and nitrogen. Results must be delivered as email reports that clearly correlate each analytical value with the lab work order, sample ID, and lab ID, and must be provided to the technical liaison within three months of sample receipt. Any statistical outliers identified by USGS scientists must be re-analyzed. The laboratory director must hold an advanced degree in soil chemistry and plant nutrition with demonstrated experience analyzing desert soils, and all testing must occur at a facility adhering to established quality assurance protocols. No government-furnished property will be provided, and there are no specified delivery terms, pricing structures, or evaluation criteria since this is strictly a market research activity.