Support for Quantification of Mineral Content in Multiphase Mineral Samples

TITLE: Support for Quantification of Mineral Content in Multiphase Mineral Samples Background: This is a SOURCES SOUGHT NOTICE to determine the availability and capabilities of potential vendors to provide consultative support in the field of quantification of mineral content in multiphase mineral samples.

History: These services have not previously been provided for the National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health (NIOSH), Spokane Mining Research Division (SMRD). The NAICS code is 541690: Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services with a Size Standard of $19.0M. Anticipated period of performance will be a six (6) month base period from date of award, with up to four (4) additional 6-month option periods.

The contract will include the following Core Requirements: Ability to prepare and analyze samples by x-ray diffraction Interpretation of x-ray diffraction patterns for multiphase mineral samples Mineralogy expertise Crystallography expertise Proficiency with GSAS II Proficiency with Jade Pro Rietveld refinement of x-ray diffraction patterns for multiphase mineral samples Analysis of standard material by x-ray diffraction to derive instrument parameters for x-ray diffractometers Experiment design to characterize concrete samples specifically addressing preferred orientation Experiment design to quantify respirable quartz in air samples Experience and ability to determine instrument parameters using a line width/position standard such as NIST SRM 660c.

Ability to use previously obtained instrument parameters to aid in completion of microstrain and crystallite size Ability to guide NIOSH in the calibration of an x-ray diffractometer for carrying out NIOSH method 7500 Ability to guide NIOSH in the use of previously obtained NIOSH method 7500 calibration to quantify respirable crystalline silica Ability to perform NIOSH method 7500, NIOSH method 600, and NIOSH method 7603. Interested parties having the capabilities necessary to perform the stated requirements may submit capability statements, along with a current listing of verifiable lab accreditations, via email to Bethany Diaz at bethany.diaz@cdc.hhs.gov. The subject line of the email MUST INCLUDE:

“Support for Quantification of Mineral Content in Multiphase Mineral Samples”. CAPABILITY STATEMENTS MUST DEMONSTRATE THE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS OUTLINED ABOVE. Please address each in order listed above. Telephone calls will not be accepted. Responses must be submitted not later than March 22, 2025 at 12:00pm (noontime) EST. Capability statements must not exceed 10 pages, excluding attachments and no less than 10 font size. Documents will not be returned and will not be accepted/reviewed after the due date.

This is not an invitation for bid, request for proposal or other solicitation and in no way obligates Office of Acquisition Services (OAS) to award a contract. The sole intent of this Sources Sought Notice is to obtain capabilities for procurement planning purposes. Please provide the following Business information: Unique Entity ID Company Name Company Address Company Point of Contact, phone number and email address Approved NAICS codes, as validated via the System for Award Management (SAM).

Additional information on NAICS codes can be found at www.sba.gov. Any potential government contract must be registered in SAM located at http://www.sam.gov.

Socio-economic categorization (e.g., small business, 8(a), HUBZone, etc.) corresponding to each approved NAICS code Current GSA Schedules appropriate to this Sources Sought, if held Current Government Wide Agency Contracts (GWACs), if held Point of Contact, phone number and email address of individuals who can verify demonstrated capabilities identified in the responses