Washing and Geochemical Measurements

Summary (Newest Update)

Background The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center (GEMSC) is seeking contractor support to wash, prepare, and conduct initial geochemical analyses on cuttings collected from the East Mikkelsen Bay 1 exploration well. This work is part of the Alaska Basins and Petroleum Systems (ABPS) project, which evaluates Upper Brookian petroleum systems on Alaska’s North Slope. The project aims to characterize source rock quality and reservoir properties to support evaluation of a potentially emerging petroleum play fairway in the northeastern area of the central North Slope province. The samples were obtained under an expectation that timely scientific analyses would be performed by USGS, which is essential for maintaining cooperative relationships and advancing regional energy-focused research. Work Details The contractor shall perform the following tasks: 1. Wash and prepare 248 cuttings samples collected from the East Mikkelsen Bay 1 well. 2. Conduct a pilot set of geochemical measurements on approximately 30 samples. 3. Tasks include sample intake, washing with water and soap solution, followed by organic solvent cleaning to remove drilling mud residues and oil-based contaminants. 4. Perform Total Organic Carbon (TOC) analysis using a carbon analyzer with accuracy requirements specified: ±0.15 wt% carbon for samples >3 wt% TOC shall be within 5%. 5. Analyze carbon isotopic composition using an isotope ratio mass spectrometer equipped with an elemental analyzer, ensuring accuracy within ±0.2‰ verified by reference materials and/or duplicates that bracket analytical runs. 6. Deliver a data package containing TOC results, carbon isotope results, QA/QC documentation, methods description, and sample mass records if collected. Period of Performance 6 months (183 days) after receipt of order. Place of Performance U.S. Geological Survey, 12201 Sunrise Valley Drive MS-153, Reston VA 20192. Bidder Requirements This solicitation is a Small Business Set Aside - Total (SBA). Offerors must be registered before an award can be made. Incumbent Analysis (see Incumbents section for more detail) This opportunity appears to have a confirmed incumbent, as Geosep Services holds contract 140G0121D0011-140G0123F0305 (valued at $22,050, 07/21/23–06/30/26) for “SAMPLE PROCESSING AND ANALYSIS” under the Alaska Basins and Petroleum Systems project. The prior work is closely aligned with the current requirement to wash/prepare well cuttings and perform initial geochemical measurements, and it also fits within the same USGS GEMSC laboratory services scope supporting ABPS sample processing and analysis.