ISOTOPE ANALYSIS FOR T, OTHER DISSOLVED GASES, AND Sr

NOTICE OF INTENT- Analyses for Tritium, Dissolved Gases (Noble Gases, Methane, Carbon Dioxide, Chlorofluorocarbons, Sulfur Hexafluoride; Anions and Strontium Isotopes (in Water, Dust, and Plant Samples for Trace Elements) This is a notice of intent to solicit from a single source. The purpose of this notice is to satisfy the requirements of FAR Subpart 5.101(a)(1) and FAR 5.2. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive quotes.

However, all responsible parties may submit a capability statement 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 U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), Utah Water Science Center (UT WSC) intends to award an Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract to University of Utah, Department of Geology and Geophysics, at the Dissolved and Noble Gas Service Center and at the University of Utah ICP-MS Metals and Strontium Facility for analytical services providing reproducible, high-quality measurements of tritium ( 3H) and dissolved gases including noble gases, methane (CH4), carbon dioxide (CO2), chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), and sulfur hexafluoride (SF6).

Tritium concentrations in association with dissolved gases are used to characterize groundwater systems. Data continuity is a vital component of UT WSC projects. As such, all analyses performed for tritium requires using the helium-ingrown method to ensure detections limits of at least 0.01 tritium units, and dissolved gases from samples collected in either copper tubes or diffusion samples (noble gases).

UT WSC also requires the same vendor to analyze water samples for anions and strontium isotopes ( 87Sr/86Sr), and water, dust and plant samples for trace elements (Li, Be, B, Na, Mg, Al, K, Ca, Sc, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Rb, Sr, Y, Mo, Cd, Sb, Cs, Ba, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Yb, Lu, Pb, Th, U).

The turnaround times for these analyses must be within 15 days of sample delivery for anions and trace elements in water samples and within 60 days of sample delivery for strontium isotopes. UT WSC requires the same vendor to perform all analyses above based on the necessity of inter-comparability for different projects that share the common goal of bettering the economic development in the arid west. University of Utah is the only vendor known to USGS that can fully meet the requirement.

Award will be made in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 13 entitled, Simplified Acquisition Procedures, FAR 13.106-1(b)(1), and the procedures at FAR Part 12 entitled, Acquisition of Commercial Items. Responses or inquiries to this notice of intent shall only be accepted through electronic mail addressed to jongjoco@usgs.gov and must be uploaded and received in their entirety no later than April 14, 2025 no later than 0900 Hours Eastern. Responses submitted by hardcopy or any web portal shall not be accepted nor considered.