Agency Natural Resources Dept

Contractor University of Minn., Dept. Earth Sciences

SWIFT Contract Number 69283/3000047898

Project Name County Geologic Atlas water sample chemistry analy

Project Number (if applicable) {Empty}

Summarize purpose of the contract, including why it was necessary: This contract is for analytical work to be performed by the University of Minnesota, Department of Earth Sciences, Hydrogeochemistry Laboratory to: 1) Collect groundwater samples from sites recommended by DNR staff suspected to be very old for which radioactive isotopes of carbon are the indicators, secure analyses of same, and interpret the age and residence time of the sample analytical results; and 2) perform general chemistry analyses on groundwater samples collected by DNR Ecological and Water Resources employees. As part of the sample collection, analysis, and interpretation of groundwater samples for carbon-14 to determine residence time, the laboratory will also analyze those groundwater samples for selected cations, anions, and trace elements. In addition, to assure data comparability and consistency of all project water chemistry analytical data, the laboratory will analyze groundwater samples collected by DNR staff at additional locations for selected cations, anions, and trace elements. The laboratory will provide analytical and interpretive results to DNR in compatible electronic format.
The data and results provided by the Hydrogeochemistry Laboratory will provide age of groundwater, residence time, and interpretations in support of county geologic atlases and special studies underway at DNR.

Project Duration

Start Date Thu, 10/10/2013 - 00:00

Original end date Tue, 06/30/2015 - 00:00

Actual end date Tue, 06/30/2015 - 00:00

Did project finish on time? Yes

Total billable hours utilized (if applicable) {Empty}

Contract Amounts

Original contract: $94800.00

Amendments $0

Contract total $94800.00

Did project finish within budget? Yes

What was the funding source? General Fund, Clean Water Fund, ENRTF

Is this a sole source contract? Yes

If this was a single source contract, explain why the agency determined there was only a single source for the services (if applicable) See MMD Contract Cert #/event ID 2-1861. The Hydrogeochemistry Laboratory has specific academic research and expertise in carbon-14 sample collection and data interpretation of the chemistry and age of Minnesota groundwater. The Hydrogeochemistry Laboratory has both the expertise to conduct specialized sampling for carbon-14 as well as the specific equipment required. No other possible researcher at the USGS has the specific experience in Minnesota with age-dating techniques that Professor Alexander has. The Laboratory also provides a cost advantage for water sample analysis of parameters that is part of the carbon-14 work (analysis of cations; anions, and trace elements).
The Minnesota Department of Health or Agriculture Laboratories cannot do the carbon-14 sampling, analysis, or interpretation. Sample collection, analysis, and interpretation of carbon- 14 data could be done by the U. S. Geological Survey but at much higher cost.

Evaluator Name Jan Falteisek

Evaluator Email Address jan.falteisek@state.mn.us

Evaluate the contractor's timeliness The Hydrogeochemistry Laboratory completed sampling, analysis, interpretation, and reporting of water samples within the timeframes of the contract as specified in the contract scope of work.

Evaluate the contractor's quality The quality is consistent with the high quality of previous projects with the vendor.

Evaluate the contractor's cost The cost of specialized groundwater sampling and interpretation of analytical results is the same or less than similar work from other laboratories or organizations that offer similar services.

Evaluate the contractor's overall performance The Hydrogeochemistry Laboratory met all the terms and objectives of the contract.

Would you engage the contractor's services again? Yes

Describe any negative action taken during the duration of this contract (i.e., termination, pursuit of suspension, etc.): none

Please rate the overall experience with the contractor 4 - satisfied