Solid Phase Adsorption Toxin Tracking Samples

This is a Sources Sought Notice only. This is not a request for proposal, but a survey to locate potential sources. This Sources Sought does not constitute an Invitation for Bids, Request for Proposals or a Request for Quotations, and is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government to issue an order or otherwise pay for the information solicited, nor is it a guarantee of a forthcoming solicitation or contract. It is for market research purposes only. Respondents will not be notified of the results of the evaluation.
The purpose of this Sources Sought Notice is to gain knowledge of interest, capabilities, and qualifications of various members of industry, to include the Small Business Community: Small Business, Section 8(a), Historically Underutilized Business Zones (HUB-Zone), Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB), Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB), and Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business (EDWOSB). The Government must ensure there is adequate competition among the potential pool of responsible contractors. Small business, Section 8(a), HUBZone, SDVOSB, WOSB, & EDWOSB businesses are highly encouraged to participate.
NAICS Code 541380 Testing Laboratories
NAICS Size Standard $19 Million
Subject Sources Sought
Point of Contact Mindie Dixon - mindie_dixon@ios.doi.gov
Objective - To find sources that are qualified to meet the supplies/services as listed below. Note that the specific requirements are subject to change prior to the release of any solicitation.
The USGS Office of Acquisitions and Grants is conducting market research to identify sources capable of providing Perform microcystin, anatoxin and saxitoxin cyanotoxin analysis on 70 Solid Phase Adsorption Toxin Tracking (SPATT) samples for the LMG WRD Maurepas project using methods capable of detecting congeners and quantification
Specifications:
Scope: This service applies directly to the Maurepas water-quality research concerning the potential for harmful algal blooms in response to the planned diversion of 2,000 cubic feet per second of nutrient-rich Mississippi River water into Maurepas beginning in 2027. In addition to other water-quality parameters measured by USGS, this activity will establish baseline data of pre-diversion conditions for HAB events.
Objectives: To have 70 SPATT samples analyzed for freshwater cyanotoxins and results delivered to the USGS representative.
Tasks: The vendor will analyze 70 SPATT samples for microcystin, anatoxin, cylindrospermopsin and saxitoxin congeners with varying detection limits using the published LC/MS/MS method. SPATT samplers will be deployed and collected from Maurepas Swamp in Louisiana by USGS staff. The SPATT samplers will be maintained in labelled bags and kept frozen until an appropriate number of SPATTs have been accumulated, then they will be shipped frozen to the lab for extraction and analysis. The laboratory has been used previously by USGS projects for similar analysis and was found to have good results, timely processing, and good QA/QC.

Technical Specifications: Algal toxin analysis through a tandem mass spectrometry and liquid
chromatography and QA/QC, based on established methods within the peer-reviewed literature. Use of
chemical standards for microcystin congeners (LR, RR, LF, LW, YR, LA, LY, and D-Asp-Dhb MC-RR) as well as anatoxins, cylindrospermopsin and saxitoxins produced by cyanobacteria. All standard curves and analysis must be based on approved cyanotoxin standards.

Deliverables: Reporting for the analysis as stated above extraction and analysis of 70 SPATT samplers for 4 freshwater cyanotoxins (microcystin, anatoxin, cylindrospermopsin saxitoxin) and their main congeners .

Special requirements: Due to the chemical sensitivity of anatoxins, saxitoxins, cylindrospermopsin and microcystin toxins, knowledge of how to handle and analyze the toxins as demonstrated through peer-reviewed literature or government reports. Data must be provided to the USGS in a format that can prepared for archiving in ScienceBase, including metadata on the QA/QC procedures as noted in previous USGS data reports using analytical results from this laboratory.

Period of Performance 1 base year with 4 option years

Responses: All interested parties should notify this office via e-mail by posted date. Responses shall include:
(I)To what extent each of the specifications can be met.
(II) Include your type of business (i.e. commercial, academia), whether your organization is classified as a large or small business. If a small business, you must also list any small disadvantaged status you hold [HUBZone, 8(a), Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB), Women Owned Small Business (WOSB), Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business (EDWOSB), etc.].
(III)Experience/ performance through the description of completed projects. If an authorized distributor/reseller provide relevant documentation.

Your company must have a UEI number and be registered on-line at the System for Award Management (SAM). You will also be required to provide your small business status information either via the Online Representations and Certifications also located at the SAM.gov website before an award to your company can be made. Your on-line registration will cover any/all of your offers to the Federal Government and only needs updated annually.
Responses to this source sought notice will be used by the Government to make appropriate acquisition decisions. All interested sources must respond to future solicitation announcements separately from responses to this market survey. Any solicitation that may be issued will be posted on the SAM.Gov. It is the responsibility of potential responders to monitor the site for additional information pertaining to this announcement.