The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is conducting market research to determine the availability of qualified small businesses capable of providing analysis of the cyanotoxin, microcystin, in 756 whole water samples in 2023 as 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 apply to this announcement.

All responsible sources may submit or capabilities statement detailing the ability of their service to meet the statement of work included with this announcement. PLEASE INCLUDE YOUR BUSINESS SIZE

Responses to this announcement shall only be accepted through electronic mail addressed to glewando@usgs.gov and must be uploaded and received in their entirety no later than May 9, 2023 at 1500 ES. Responses must be submitted to the email listed above. Responses submitted by other means shall not be accepted or considered.

Statement of Work

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

A. Introduction
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), California Water Science Center (CAWSC) requests analysis of the cyanotoxin, microcystin, in 756 whole water samples in 2023.

B. Background
The CAWSC is conducting an experiment in July 2023 to measure microcystin degradation rates in San Francisco Bay. Experimental vials will be spiked with microcystin and exposed to different light and salinity conditions to measure degradation rate over 3-5 days. The microcystin concentration in vials will be measured over the course of the experiment and degradation rates calculated.

C. Definitions/Applicable Documents: N/A


D. Scope.
The CAWSC requires whole-water analysis of microcystin congeners (MC-LR, MC-RR, MC-LA) by liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS).

II. WORK REQUIREMENTS

A. Technical Requirements.
¿ Samples will be analyzed by liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry
¿ Chains-of-custody for all laboratory operations, and analyses for each sample, will be fully documented.
¿ Microcystin analyses will be conducted by an expert analyst(s) who have experience with these analyses in the San Francisco Estuary (Bay-Delta) system, and experience conducting microcystin degradation experiments.
¿ Experience making measurements of microcystin degradation
¿ Use of 15N as an internal standard for QA/QC
¿ Sample preparation and extraction for analysis of total cyanotoxin concentrations using published methods.
¿ Must have limits of quantification for the three microcystin congeners at 10 parts per thousand or lower.
¿ Provide quality assurance and quality control samples including laboratory blanks, positive controls, and matrix-spike-recovery samples
¿ Individual method limits of detection will be determined for each congener from their average daily response factors.
¿ Samples can be received by the Contractor Monday through Friday
¿ Sample results provided to USGS electronically within eight (8) weeks of sample receipt.
¿ Provide consulting services to assist with data analysis and interpretation of LC-MS/MS results.

B. Deliverables.

1. Characteristics for work product described in II.A.1., identified by name and quantity.
¿ Data, including QA/QC results, will be delivered as XLSX, CSV, or TXT files. Accompanying summary PDF or PPT files can also be shared alongside the data files.

2. Delivery dates for work/product to be completed and point of delivery.
December 31, 2023


III. SUPPORTING INFORMATION

A. Place of Performance: Location of Contractor¿s facility

B. Period of Performance (expressed as number of days, must include the time necessary to test, review, and/or install the deliverable): June 1, 2023 ¿ December 31, 2023

C. Government Furnished Property (GFP): None

D. Special Considerations.

¿ The laboratory leader must have a Ph.D. in analytical chemistry with at least 10 years of cyanotoxin research experience.
¿ The laboratory must have expertise in analytical chemistry methods applied to measuring cyanotoxins in environmental water.
¿ The laboratory must have experience working with cyanobacteria and samples coming from estuaries with their complex water conditions.

Attachments/Links