NOI for noncompetitive action for LA-ICP-MS

This is a notice of intent to solicit from a single source for the USGS Wyoming-Montana Water Science Center. The US Geological Survey (USGS) intends to negotiate an Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity Contract with TrichAnalytics Laboratory for chemical analysis to characterize trace element concentrations in solids and biological tissues when sample masses are limiting of conventional methods.

Specifically, we require a non-invasive, low mass (~20 mg or less) multi-element analytical chemistry method (~30) utilizing laser ablations inductively coupled mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS). Laser ablation inductively coupled mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) has low sample mass requirements and enables direct sampling in the solid form without the need for hazardous chemicals which reduces the potential for contamination.

LA-ICP-MS will allow projects to save time by reducing the need for in-house sample preparation (lyophilization and homogenization) and the ability to employ low mass and low impact sample collection methods (the sample is not entirely consumed by analysis). It is essential that the LA-ICP-MS methods be utilized for future biological projects evaluating trace elements in aquatic environments because the accuracy of other methods is low when sample mass is limiting (less than 20mg).

TrichAnalytics Laboratory is uniquely qualified because: - They have a custom-made laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer combination that allows for microscopic analysis for characterizing trace element concentrations in a variety of biological tissues. - They have the capability to analyze for 30 elements on less than 20 mg sample mass (even a single human hair). - Their facility can analyze small mass and small volume samples. Many facilities require 50 mg minimum or more.

Many of our samples are <1 mg or less. - They create no (toxic) waste for analysis processes, which reduces the risk of contamination in the preparation processes as well as time and cost on analytical services. - Their laboratory follows a similar Quality Management System (QMS) protocol to what has been implemented across the Department of the Interior, is accredited for ISO/IEC 17025:2017 in March 2020 by the Canadian Association for Laboratory Accreditation (Accreditation No. 4196). - The method does not consume the entire sample, but only a small fraction, leaving residual sample for use by other analytical techniques or for data validation processes. - Their laboratory is willing and capable to analyze a variety of samples with a turnaround time of 2 weeks to the WY-MT WSC.

Award will be made in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 13.106-1(b) and the procedures at FAR Part 12 entitled, Acquisition of Commercial Items and FAR Part 13 entitled, Simplified Acquisition Procedures. The purpose of this notice is to satisfy the requirements of FAR Subpart 5.2. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive quotes. However, all responsible parties may submit a quotation by the closing date of this announcement which shall be considered by the agency.

No solicitation will be issued. A determination not to compete this action based upon responses received is in the sole discretion of the Government. Responses or inquiries shall only be accepted through electronic mail addressed to cjfejarang@usgs.gov and must be uploaded and received in their entirety no later than 05/24/2024 1200 PD to the Contracting Officer at cjfejarang@usgs.gov.