Description
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is conducting market research to determine the availability of qualified businesses capable of providing mineral separation, LAICPMS screening, IDTIMS, and CA-ID-TIMS for geochronology services. The services are required for the analysis of tephra samples from outcrop stratigraphic sections and research cores on the North Slope of Alaska. The awardee must separate zircon from bulk tephra samples, conduct U-Pb geochronologic screening, and develop a plan to conduct high-accuracy, high-precision U-Pb geochronology. The awardee should discuss geological interpretation of the results with ABPS representatives.
Key points to consider:
* The awardee must have a demonstrable track record of producing high-quality geochronology data in peer-reviewed literature.
* The awardee must be able to reproduce ages of geochronologic reference materials to within 10^4-10^5 yrs.
* The awardee must be able to measure Th/U ratios and assess common Pb inventories in unknowns.
* The awardee must provide technical reports with measured U-Pb isotope ratios and analytical uncertainties.
* The awardee must complete the work within 180 days of receipt of samples.