DESCRIPTION OF THE REQUIREMENTUSFWS intends to procure Labortory Services for Radioncarbon Analysis This is not a request for quotations. NAIC Code 541990. PSC R506. This sole source justification document pertains to laboratory services for 11 Accelerator Mass Spectrometry 14C dating (AMS 14C dating) for 11 samples. The project requires that we obtain these services from a laboratory that produces reliable results in a reasonable time frame. SUPPORTING INFORMATION ISO/IEC 17025 Accreditation: ISO/IEC 17025 is the main standard used by testing and calibration laboratories. The ISO/IEC 17025 standard itself comprises five elements that are Scope, Normative References, Terms and Definitions, Management Requirements and Technical Requirements. The two main sections in ISO/IEC 17025 are Management Requirements and Technical Requirements. Management requirements are primarily related to the operation and effectiveness of the quality management system within the laboratory. Technical requirements include factors which determine the correctness and reliability of tests and calibrations performed in laboratory. Since the standard is about competence, ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation is a formal recognition of a demonstration of a laboratory's competence. BETA Analytic, Inc.: BETA Analytic is an accredited ISO/IEC 17025:2005 testing laboratory operating in conformance with ISO 9001:2008 management system requirements. It has demonstrated both the technical competency and management system requirements necessary to consistently deliver technically valid test results. These standards are universally recognized as the highest level of quality attainable by a testing laboratory. Beta Analytic is the only ISO 17025-accredited radiocarbon dating laboratory. As such, all analyses are provided through the combined examination of professional staff, not students or interns who are necessarily distracted with other priorities. This is an important criterion to ensure accurate results. EFFORTS TO LOCATE OTHER SOURCESOur partner in this project (the University of Alaska Fairbanks) has many years of experience working with radiocarbon dating laboratories, and has never found a laboratory that provides more reliable results than BETA Analytic. Past use of labs that lack ISO 17025 Accreditation has resulted in unacceptable turnaround times and unreliable results (dates). An internet search for ISO 17025 Accredited radiocarbon dating labs (conducted July 12, 2011) confirms the lack of other laboratories with this level of competence. All responsible source may submit a capability statement, proposal or quotation which shall be considered by the agency. Responses must be received by 4:00 PM Alaska Standard Time on 02 September 2011 to
[email protected]. Questions or concerns may be directed to Almeda Gaddis (907) 456-0355.