LOW-TEMPERATURE ASHER

This is a Sources Sought Notice only. This is not a request for proposal, but a survey to locate potential sources. This Sources Sought does not constitute an Invitation for Bids, Request for Proposals, or a Request for Quotations, and is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government to issue an order or otherwise pay for the information solicited, nor is it a guarantee of a forthcoming solicitation or contract. It is for market research purposes only. Respondents will not be notified of the results of the evaluation.

The purpose of this Sources Sought Notice is to gain knowledge of interest, capabilities, and qualifications of various members of industry, to include the Small Business Community: Small Business, Section 8(a), Historically Underutilized Business Zones (HUB-Zone), Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB), Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB), and Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business (EDWOSB). The Government must ensure there is adequate competition among the potential pool of responsible contractors. Small business, Section 8(a), HUBZone, SDVOSB, WOSB, & EDWOSB businesses are highly encouraged to participate.

NAICS Code: 334516 ANALYTICAL LABORATORY INSTRUMENT MANUFACTURING

NAICS Size Standard: 1,000 Employees
Sources Sought Closing Response Date: Four (4) Calendar days after posting.

Contact Point: Rafael Anderson, rlanderson@usgs.gov

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center (GEMSC), Energy Resources Program (ERP), seeks to procure a Low-Temperature Plasma (PE-100) Benchtop Plasma Etching System. This system will replace a 47-year-old Low-Temperature Dry Asher (LTA 504). The PE-100 features a benchtop aluminum vacuum chamber and a PC-based control system, including a laptop with Plasma Etch software for automatic operation, process sequencing, and multiple recipe storage. It will be used to remove organic material from samples before analysis with an X-Ray Diffractor, ensuring accurate quantitative analysis of mineral abundances in organic-rich samples, a critical function of the X-Ray Diffraction Prep Lab.

Responses: All interested parties should notify this office via e-mail within the posted date. Responses shall include:
(I) To what extent each of the specifications can be met.
(II) Include your type of business (i.e. commercial, academia), whether your organization is classified as a large or small business. If a small business, you must also list any small disadvantaged status you hold [HUBZone, 8(a), Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB), Women Owned Small Business (WOSB), Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business (EDWOSB), etc.].