Rock Drilling for Research

Location:	Iowa
Posted:	Oct 10, 2025
Due:	Oct 21, 2025
Agency:	Iowa State University
Type of Government:	State & Local
Category:	A - Research and development
Solicitation No:	18500
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Bid Information

Type	Request for Proposal - Sealed
Status	Issued
Number	18500 (Rock Drilling for Research)
Issue Date & Time	10/10/2025 03:15:00 PM (CT)
Close Date & Time	10/21/2025 03:00:00 PM (CT)
Question Cut Off Date	10/16/2025 03:00:00 PM (CT)
Notes	Please be aware that this is an extensive bid. All Suppliers are cautioned to allow ample time for the submittal of RFP responses well before the due date time requirement. Bids must be submitted via the eBid system. The University is seeking a qualified and experienced supplier to provide drilling services in support of a geochemical research initiative. The project entails drilling rock cores at up to ten distinct locations to obtain subsurface samples for geochemical analysis. Each borehole is anticipated to reach depths of approximately 75 to 100 feet, totaling an estimated 1,000 feet of drilling across all sites. Drilling will occur on a combination of public and private lands located throughout Dubuque County and northeastern Jackson County, Iowa. Detailed site information will be provided to the selected supplier upon award of the contract. The primary objective of this project is to enhance the geological understanding of the Elgin Member in the Dubuque area. Previous investigations based on surface outcrop samples have revealed elevated levels of critical minerals, including rare earth elements (REEs). However, these studies were limited due to the restricted surface exposure of the Elgin Member. Subsurface drilling and core sampling are essential to accurately assess its thickness, distribution, and mineral enrichment.