Inactive

SOURCES SOUGHT: This is a SOURCES SOUGHT NOTICE. The U.S. Geological Survey is conducting a MARKET SURVEY to determine the interest and capability of any firm eligible to compete under NAICS code 5413... SOURCES SOUGHT: This is a SOURCES SOUGHT NOTICE. The U.S. Geological Survey is conducting a MARKET SURVEY to determine the interest and capability of any firm eligible to compete under NAICS code 541380 Testing Laboratories with a Small Business Size of $16.5M for an anticipated upcoming requirement for Periphyton and Water Sample Phytoplankton Identification and Analysis Services. Note: There is a similar requirement posted on DOIGFBO220040. You can only respond to one of the announcements; to either DOIGFBO220040 posting or this DOIGFBO220041 posting. Responding to both announcements will result in a rejection. The Central Midwest Water Science Center (CMWSC) has a requirement for periphyton and water sample phytoplankton identification and analysis services related to the Next Generation Water Observing Systems¿ (NGWOS) Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) Algal Community element. Specifically, this element requires the identification and enumeration of periphyton and phytoplankton samples preserved with glutaraldehyde from the Illinois River. Phytoplankton (drifting algae) and periphyton (benthic algae) are a major source of primary production in aquatic systems and can be significant contributors to the food web in large river systems. However, under certain conditions specific species can produce toxins that are harmful to both wildlife and people. Toxin production has been occurring more frequently in many freshwater ecosystems, but the occurrence of toxin producing species and drivers of toxin production are not well understood, especially in rivers. The Illinois River has experienced several toxic algal blooms in recent years and there is ongoing work by USGS and partners to investigate the drivers of these occurrences. CMWSC requires species identification and enumeration of taxa and picoplankton in the Illinois River from 50 glutaraldehyde preserved phytoplankton and 45 periphyton samples per year over the next five years. We require a trained and experienced taxonomist using research-grade compound microscopy that includes an analysis of the picoplankton community, estimates of species biovolume, volume, and surface area, and reports diversity indices and summary statistics. Identification should include permanent archival slide mounting of soft algae that maintains fluorescence and permanent Naphrax slides for periphyton diatoms identification. We expect that the organism will be identified to the lowest possible taxonomic level. The ability to provide picoplankton analysis of the submitted glutaraldehyde preserved periphyton and phytoplankton samples without the necessity of submitting separate samples is necessary. The taxonomist should have experience identifying and enumerating periphyton and phytoplankton samples using the most current references, keys, and publications. Previous experience working with riverine phytoplankton and periphyton (especially within the Illinois River region and watershed) is preferable. THIS IS NOT A SOLICITATION. ALL COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH PROVIDING INFORMATION AS REQUESTED BY THIS SOURCES SOUGHT NOTICE SHALL BE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE CONTRACTOR. Submission is voluntary. A scope of work will be provided with any solicitation that may be issued. The Government is not required to issue a solicitation. Responses to this announcement are requested from (A) SBA certified Small Business HubZone firms; (B) Small Business firms certified by a Small Business Administration (SBA) district or regional office for participation in the 8(a) program; (C) Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned small Business firms; (D) Small Businesses; (E) Women Owned Small Businesses; and (F) Large Businesses. In response to this announcement, please indicate your firm's socioeconomic status (e.g. small business, service-disabled veteran-owned, women owned, HUBZone, etc.) This information will assist the Government in determining how small businesses can fit into the acquisition strategy. Any information submitted is voluntary. If sufficient interest and capability is not received from firms in categories (A) through (E) above, any solicitation may be issued as unrestricted without further consideration. Interested business firms shall submit (1) NAME, ADDRESS, and PHONE NUMBER OF THE FIRM (including an active SAM Registration); (2) a CAPABILITY STATEMENT including (a) RECENT (within the last three fiscal years) RELEVANT (similar projects to this requirement) performance history (identify the name of the owner and their point(s) of contact with telephone and fax numbers, e-mail addresses; and (b) in what capacity (e.g., prime, subcontractor etc.) they performed the work; and (3) their SIZE STATUS, (4) Active SAM Registration. All responses must be submitted NLT April 28, 2022, at 12:00 PM ED Time via e-mail to: isuryaty@usgs.gov This is NOT a Request for Proposal (RFP) or Invitation for Bid (IFB) and does not constitute any commitment by the Government. Responses to this sources sought notice will be used by the Government to make appropriate acquisition decisions. All interested sources must respond to future solicitation announcements separately from responses to this market survey. Any solicitation that may be issued will be posted on the Federal Business Opportunities website and no paper copies will be provided. If a solicitation is released, in order to receive an award your company must have a DUNs number and be registered on-line at the System for Award Management (SAM). You will also be required to provide your small business status information either via the RFP or the On-line Representations and Certifications (ORCA) also located at the SAM website before an award to your company can be made. Your on-line ORCA registration will cover any/all of your offers to the Federal Government, and only needs updated annually.