Specialty Shipping & Logistics for Scientific Materials

The contract requires secure and fully documented transportation of raw and processed graphite samples from various source locations to designated processing and testing facilities, with the final destination being the USGS in Reston, Virginia. All shipments must adhere to FOB Destination terms, meaning the seller assumes responsibility for the goods until they are delivered and accepted at the specified endpoint. Chain-of-custody protocols are mandatory throughout the entire journey to ensure traceability, integrity, and security of the sensitive scientific materials. The logistics provider must maintain rigorous documentation, implement tamper-evident packaging where necessary, and comply with all regulatory standards governing the transport of geological specimens. This is a Small Business Set Aside subcontract under NAICS code 484220, categorized as a specialty shipping and logistics opportunity managed by the Department of the Interior’s Office of Acquisition and Grants. The solicitation was posted on August 5, 2026, with responses due by August 6, 2026, indicating a very narrow window for qualification and proposal submission. The nature of the work demands precision, timeliness, and a proven track record in handling scientific materials, with an emphasis on compliance, accountability, and secure transit procedures to support federal research operations. The absence of specific location details suggests that performance may be nationwide, requiring flexible logistics infrastructure capable of serving multiple origins while ensuring uniform delivery standards to Reston, VA.