The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is conducting market research to identify qualified businesses capable of providing X-ray fluorescence (XRF) scanning services for sediment samples. The primary objective is to analyze split sediment cores from lakes in California, Alaska, and Washington to differentiate between earthquake-triggered sediment flows and those caused by flooding, which is crucial for understanding earthquake hazards. This non-destructive elemental analysis will aid in enhancing the understanding of seismic activity through detailed elemental studies. Interested vendors must submit their capability statements electronically by June 13, 2025, to Anthony Berry at aberry@usgs.gov, with the potential contract lasting four months from the award date and no government property provided for the task.

140G0325Q0130_SOURCES_SOUGHT_1.docx

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is seeking market information from businesses capable of providing X-ray fluorescence (XRF) scanning services for sediment samples. This announcement aims to assist the USGS in defining its acquisition strategy and is not a commitment for contract award. Qualified vendors are invited to submit capability statements in response, specifically to carry out elemental analysis of split sediment cores from lakes in California, Alaska, and Washington. 

The XRF analysis will differentiate between earthquake-triggered sediment flows and those caused by flooding, crucial for understanding earthquake hazards. Requirements include preparing the cores for analysis and providing results within 60 days of sample receipt. The potential contract will last four months following the award. No government property is provided for this task, and all responses must be submitted electronically by June 13, 2025. This notice underscores the USGS's need for expertise in analyzing geological samples to enhance the understanding of seismic activity through detailed elemental study.

Sources Sought (Special Notice)


The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is conducting market research to determine the availability of qualified businesses capable of providing X-ray fluoresecence scanning described in the attached statement of work. This sources sought announcement is not a request for quote or proposal and the Government is not committed to award of a purchase order or contract pursuant to this announcement. The information resulting from this market research is simply for planning purposes to assist the Government in determining its acquisition strategy. The Government will not pay for any costs incurred in the preparation of information for responding to this notice.

The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 541380 ¿ Testing Laboratories and Services and associated size standard $19.0 million apply to this announcement.

All responsible sources may submit a capability statement detailing the ability of their service to meet the statement of work included with this announcement.

Responses to this announcement shall only be accepted through electronic mail addressed to aberry@usgs.gov and must be uploaded and received in their entirety no later than 06/13/2025 at 05:00AM PDT. Responses submitted by hardcopy shall not be accepted or considered.


Statement of Work

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

A. Introduction (general description of services).

X-ray fluorescence is a non-destructive elemental analysis sensitive to most elements from Aluminum to Uranium. Scans are typically performed on recovered sediment including bulk samples and sediment cores, and depending on the sample being scanned resolutions can range from 0.1mm to 10cm. The US Geological Survey, Earthquake Science Center, uses these data to differentiate earthquake triggered sediment density flows from climatic related triggers (i.e., intensive flooding), to determine fault activity and associated earthquake hazards through lacustrine paleoseismology.

B. Background

Lacustrine paleoseismology develops records of pre-historic earthquakes by using shaking induced signals in the depositional record of a lake (i.e., through the generation of sediment density flows by strong ground motion). Because both flood and earthquake induced density flows can have similar physical appearance (in terms of deposit structure and similar grain size evolution), a separate independent dataset that does not rely on sedimentological character is needed to strengthen interpretations and help reduce potential overestimation of the number of earthquakes. There are several physical mechanisms that differ between climatic and earthquake generated density flows, such as delivery of oxygenated bottom water during floods that have been shown to produce a geochemically distinct pattern in the relative abundance of specific elements (for example Mn). These differences can be identified with XRF analysis and used to differentiate flood related deposits from earthquake related deposits.

C. Scope

Purpose of the work is to obtain relative elemental abundances from split cores collected in lakes from California, Alaska, and Washington.


II. WORK REQUIREMENTS

A. Technical Requirements.

1. Work Requirements
USGS will provide the split cores for XRF analysis. If applicable, the laboratory will conduct XRF specific preparations to get split cores suitable for scanning. Approximately 10 split cores will be scanned at 1mm sampling interval for detection of `light atomic weight¿ elements (Al, Si, P, S, Cl, K, Ca, Ti, Cr, Mn, Fe), and 7 cores will be scanned at 1mm sampling interval for detection of `medium atomic weight¿ elements (Cu, Zn, Ga, Br, Rb, Sr, Y, Zr, Nb, Mo, Pb, Bi). The lab will be responsible for preparing the split cores for a successful analysis and will also provide a technician to conduct the XRF scan.

2. Criteria for acceptance of Product or Service

XRF analysis results provided within 60 days of receipt of USGS cores.


B. Deliverables.

The laboratory will provide results in the form of a table including the USGS core identification, lab identification number (if applicable), and elemental abundances down core.

Delivery dates for work/product to be completed and point of delivery.

Results will be emailed within 60 days of receipt of USGS cores.

III. SUPPORTING INFORMATION

A. Place of Performance.

Contractors¿ independent laboratory

B. Period of Performance

4 months from award date.

C. Government Furnished Property (GFP): list property and its value.

None.

D. Special Considerations.

1. Key personnel qualifications (researchers, instructors, writers, project managers, programmers, etc.)

N/A

2. Data Rights, Safety, Environment.

Data will be released in accordance with USGS data release policies.

1. Security/Privacy issues (ingress to Federal buildings, personnel clearances, computer security).
N/A






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