R--Mojave Desert Soil Sample Work

The Department of the Interior, U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), Western Ecological Research Center Las Vegas Field Station has a requirement for qualified laboratory services to analyze the presence of heavy metals, solvents, and associated chemistry of soil samples collected throughout the Mojave Desert. This project is one portion of an integrated research program on the habitat quality of the Threatened desert tortoise (Gopherus agasszii) in the western Mojave Desert of California. The goal of the project is to quantify the habitat of desert tortoises in relation to the condition of the tortoises. Our work includes quantifying habitat with respect to annual and perennial vegetation parameters (e.g. cover, production species composition, chemical composition, variability), soil characteristics (e.g. parent material, texture, soil type), environmental conditions (e.g. air temperature, soil temperatures, precipitation), physiognamy (e.g. slope, aspect, roughness, elevation), and anthropogenic factors (e.g. roads, trash, utility corridors, environmental contamination etc.). In addition, we will assess physiological condition and potential early physiological reactions of tortoises in relation to their habitats and environmental conditions including an analysis of the gene expression of tortoise exposure to stressors, and potential reduced immuno-competency. In order to quantify potential heavy metals, solvents, compounds, and contaminants present in the soil, we are requesting qualified laboratory services to analyze 165 soil samples collected throughout the Mojave Desert. The Two tests below shall be performed on each sample for a total of 330 tests. Description of Services: This is a contract with specific tasks. This requested laboratory should have the ability to conduct the following tests: 1). Using methods specified by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA NRCS), analyze soil and plant samples collected from Mojave desert habitats for the presence of heavy metals including iron, manganese, molybdenum, zinc, cobalt, beryllium, nickel, chromium, hexavalent chromium, mercury, lead, copper, aluminum, and cadmium. **Desired detection level for heavy metals is one part per million 2. Using methods specified by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA NRCS), analyze soil and plant samples collected from Mojave desert habitats for organic compounds such as Total polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, dioxins, perchlorates, petroleum hydrocarbons, total explosive constituents such as ones that include dinitrotoluenes, Nitrobenzenes, Nitroglycerin, Radioactives: Cesium 137 or Cobalt 60 or Strontium 90, and pesticides: Total Organal Chlorine and Total Organal Phosphates. ** Desired detection level for organic compounds is one part per billion The EPA and USDA NRCS standards can be referenced with the following manual: Soil Survey Laboratory Methods ManualRebecca Burt, EditorSoil Survey Investigations Report No. 42, Version 4.0November 2004 This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in FAR Subpart 12.6, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; proposals are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued. The solicitation number is G11PS00692 and is issued as a Request for Quotation (RFQ). The solicitation and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in affect through Federal Acquisition Circular (FAC) 2005-53, effective 04 August 2011. This requirement is subject to the information in the attached =BFInstructions, Statement of Work, and Clauses.=BF As well, see solicitation RFQ Standard Form 18 with list of the Contract Line Items. All delivery for completed service is =BFto be determined.=BF Please submit your proposal/quote to reflect the amount of time it will take to analyze and deliver the analyses from the time that you receive the samples. The Government anticipates award of a commercial, Firm-Fixed Price type contract. All firms must be registered in the Central Contractor Registration (CCR) database at www.ccr.gov, as well as, the Online Representations and Certifications Application (ORCA) to be considered for award. Please contact the Contract Specialist, in writing, by email at contact@example.gov, with any questions. Questions are due no later than 5:00pm PST on 12 August 2011. This requirement is unrestricted business size. The applicable North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code is 541380, Testing Laboratories =BF Size Standard for Small Business is $12M. Interested parties can submit they=BFre quote/proposal via Electronic means through E-Mail to contact@example.gov