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Department of the Interior, United States Geological Survey (USGS) Earthquake Science Center Request for Information (RFI): Seismic Cone Penetration Testing Services in Walla Walla Valley, WA All info... Department of the Interior, United States Geological Survey (USGS) Earthquake Science Center Request for Information (RFI): Seismic Cone Penetration Testing Services in Walla Walla Valley, WA All information submitted in response to this announcement is voluntary, the government will not pay for information requested nor will it compensate any respondent for any cost incurred in developing information provided to the Government. Materials submitted to the Government for review will not be returned. NAICS Code: 541330 - Engineering Services Product Service Code (PSC): B517 - Special Studies/Analysis- Geotechnical Period of Performance 1 April 2024 to 30 November 2024 Introduction: The Seattle Field Office of the U. S. Geological Survey Earthquake Science Center investigates potential seismic hazards related to active faulting and requests services for seismic cone penetration test (sCPT) within the Walla Walla Valley of southeastern Washington. Background: Paleoseismologists and geologists of the USGS conduct seismic hazard related studies throughout the Pacific Northwest. Recent studies have shown evidence for paleoliquefaction within late Quaternary deposits that suggest the potential for widespread and damaging liquefaction effects from future crustal earthquakes. Our goal is to better understand the liquefaction susceptibility of these deposits from a series of sCPT's in the Walla Walla Valley. The USGS does not have the capabilities to acquire this data in this region. Definitions. sCPT -seismic cone penetration test Scope: The purpose of the sCPT is to acquire standard tip resistance, friction ratio, and shear wave velocity measurements of the upper ~100 ft of the surface at ~10 sites within the Walla Walla Valley. Prospective test sites are generally located within the right-of-way along county roads on flat ground. The USGS will later provide specific site information and procure the necessary permitting. The criteria for acceptance of services will be the successful acquisition of such data, including successful reporting of the results within a standard turnaround time. Operational Details: A. Technical Requirements 1. Ensure identified sites are suitable for sCPT data collection. 2. Report the collection date, location, and elevation of all sCPTs. 3. Collect CPT tip resistance, sleeve friction, and inclination data with a maximum vertical data sampling spacing of 5 cm 4. Collect shear wave velocity data (minimum requirement of reported 2-way travel time) and horizontal offset of the seismic source at a maximum vertical spacing of 2 m. 5. SCPTs target depth is 20 m at all locations. In cases of refusal shallower than 10 m, the contractor shall attempt to replace the target location with a suitable alternative within 200 m. 6. All sCPT data must be provided digitally via a non-proprietary format, e.g. as a .csv or .txt file, in addition to a written summary report. 7. The contractor must ensure sCPT holes are sealed following testing in accordance with local and State environmental policies. B. Deliverables We require the contractor to provide a written report of the results, including site locations, names, elevations, depth of sounding, tip resistance, sleeve friction, inclination, and S-wave travel time and source offset for each completed sCPT site. A single report summarizing all sites is acceptable. A human-readable, nonproprietary format digital file (e.g., csv or txt format) of all collected data for each individual site is also required. RFI Information Requested: Interested parties are requested to submit the following: 1. Experience: Information on qualifications and experience, specifically regarding their expertise in supporting scientific missions. 2. Operational History: Examples of previous missions or projects that demonstrate experience with similar operational requirements. 3. Additional Services: Description of any additional services or capabilities that could support the USGS missions, including technological advantages or logistical support. 4. Company Information: Business size, UEI, and SAM registration status Responses and Submission Details: Submissions should be sent electronically, including all requested information and any supplementary documents, to the contact below by the specified deadline: 1. Contact: Joel Berberena, Contracting Specialist 2. Email: jberberena@usgs.gov 3. Deadline: March 7, 2024 @1200 hours Pacific Standard Time Disclaimer The USGS Earthquake Science Center will use the information gathered from this RFI to inform its acquisition strategy. Participation in this RFI does not guarantee a future contract or indicate any commitment from the USGS to pursue procurement of the described services. No contractual agreement will be entered into based on responses to this RFI.