Sources Sought - Geochronology

Background
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is conducting market research to identify qualified businesses capable of providing geochronology services for volcanic ash samples from the North Slope of Alaska. This research is part of a multi-year effort mandated by the USGS Energy Resources Program, aimed at understanding the petroleum resource endowment of the North Slope province, particularly in light of recent significant oil and gas discoveries in Cretaceous strata.

The project is crucial for interpreting petroleum source rock geology and developing palaeoceanographic records from Cretaceous greenhouse periods.

Work Details
The awarded contractor will be responsible for:
1) Separating zircon from seven bulk tephra samples;
2) Conducting U-Pb geochronologic screening using laser-ablation inductively-coupled-plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS);
3) Developing and executing a high-accuracy, high-precision U-Pb geochronology plan using chemical-abrasion isotope-dilution thermal-ionization mass spectrometry (CA-ID-TIMS), based on screening results and in consultation with ABPS representatives.

The contractor must document successful zircon recovery and discuss geological interpretations with ABPS representatives, focusing on establishing depositional ages or maximum depositional ages for each tephra sample.

Place of Performance
The work will be performed in relation to samples collected from outcrop stratigraphic sections and research cores on the North Slope of Alaska.

Bidder Requirements
Bidders must demonstrate capabilities in mineral separation and geochronology, specifically having a track record of peer-reviewed publications related to zircon recovery from tephra samples. They should also have experience with LA-ICP-MS and CA-ID-TIMS methodologies.

Incumbent Analysis (see Incumbents section for more detail)
This opportunity appears to have a confirmed incumbent, as Geosep Services is the awardee under USGS GEMSC laboratory services IDIQ (140G0121D0011, $242,410, 07/01/21–06/30/26) and multiple closely related task orders/contracts. Prior work includes mineral separation and U-Pb geochronologic analysis of zircons (including detrital zircon U-Pb analysis) with sample processing for USGS Alaska petroleum geology initiatives, which aligns with the current requirement to separate zircon from tephra samples and perform LA-ICP-MS screening followed by high-accuracy CA-ID-TIMS U-Pb dating.