NOI - 187Re/187Os analyses of sulfide minerals

Notice of Intent This is a notice of intent to solicit from a single source for the US Geological Survey, Alaska Science Center. The US Geological Survey (USGS) intends to negotiate a purchase order with AERIE LLC 187Re/187Os analyses of sulfide minerals in mineralized rocks collected by geologists. AERIE LLC is the only known source that has the required capabilities that meets the government's minimum needs.

Re-Os geochronology of sulfides is a sophisticated and specialized technique that very few labs globally are capable of conducting. There is only one technique for the analyses which requires solution chemistry followed by double spiking and analyses via negative TIMS. As a result, very few labs are capable of the analyses. Three previous contracts were awarded to AIRIE for ongoing project related work.

A recently completed award for submitted samples has generated additional questions that need follow-up analyses to fully characterize the Re- Os analyses on sulfides from the Pogo mine and nearby occurrences in interior Alaska. Further, new sites have now been sampled that will broaden our ability to distribute internally consistent datasets across a broader part of Alaska. Samples analyzed during the last contract were variably successful due to the unknown Re and common Os concentrations.

Components of these samples remain at the lab in various states of mineral separation, solution chemistry and analysis from the prior contract. These samples require additional work to fully characterize the ages, now that we have learned more about the chemistry and success from the previous contract. As a result, no other lab is capable of completing the analyses, and for internal consistence in the dataset, it is paramount that AIRE continue the analyses.

Given the ongoing collaboration with the AIRIE lab, and the consistency sample, the location of samples, and ongoing sampling work by AIRIE, AIRIE is the only lab currently capable of completing the current proposed work. 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.

The NAICS code for this action is 541380, Testing Laboratories and Services, with the associated size standard of $19M. 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 07/31/2025. Responses submitted by hardcopy or through SAM.gov shall not be accepted or considered.