Description
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Oklahoma‑Texas Water Science Center is conducting market research to identify small‑business laboratories capable of performing advanced microplastics analysis on environmental samples from Oklahoma, Texas, and Galveston Bay. The effort is a Total Small Business Set‑Aside Sources Sought notice; no contract award is guaranteed. Respondents must demonstrate in‑house capability to quantify microplastic particles down to 2 µm, conduct morphological and chemical characterization using optical, fluorescent, and Raman microscopy, and handle larger sample volumes than conventional methods. The work will cover approximately 20‑45 samples per year from 2026‑2029, with results due within 120 days of sample receipt. Submissions are limited to a five‑page capability statement emailed to the contracting officer.
• Required capabilities: particle counting, size distribution (≥2 µm), optical/fluorescent/Raman microscopy, chemical oxidation, density separation, no subsampling.
• Sample types: water, soils, sediments, biosolids from agricultural fields, wastewater treatment plants, surface waters.
• Deliverables: quantitative microplastic counts, morphological data, polymer composition, QA/QC metrics, delivered electronically (Excel & presentation).
• Timeline: analyses for each sample must be completed within 120 days of receipt; overall project spans 2026‑2029.
• Small‑business set‑aside; direct laboratory performance required; subcontracting only for non‑core tasks and must be disclosed.