SIF Newsletter - June 18, 2021
Greetings from Hot and Sunny California!
Open and Returning to “Normal”
On June 15, California relaxed state COVID guidelines; the SIF Team is eager to see campus’s response to this news. In the meantime, we’re open and analyzing samples. We have some restrictions in place, mostly affecting local researchers. Our revised sample submission protocol will remain in effect.
Sadly, two technicians, Lyndi Low and Edward Sung, left the SIF Team during the pandemic. We currently have limited bandwidth for sample preparation tasks, and turnaround time for some analyses has been affected. The turnaround times on our website are accurate.
Price Changes Beginning in July
With increased supply costs and impacts from the COVID pandemic, the SIF has adjusted analytical service prices for the first time since 2017. Samples received by July 2, 2021, will be charged at present rates. All projects quoted with a written Estimate will be honored for their valid timeframe. All samples received starting July 6 will be billed at the new rates.
The SIF, UCD administrative offices, and campus mail services are closed on weekends and on July 5 for Independence Day Holiday. FedEx and UPS will deliver shipments when the mailroom re-opens on July 6.
Updated Payment Process
This past February, the SIF revised its invoice process to require payment for services rendered before data files are delivered. This change was initiated to reduce overhead costs associated with SIF accounting services.
All projects now require proof of payment, such as credit card payment, a validated purchase order, or EFT transaction details, prior to data delivery. We are working to ensure minimal impact to turnaround times, and the change does not affect how sample charges are calculated nor our ability to address any client concerns.
Clients are welcome to contact us, sif@ucdavis.edu, with concerns.
Biogenic Carbonates
Reduced staffing through the pandemic affected our ability to prepare biogenic carbonates for analysis. Through a collaboration with the UC Davis Analytical Lab, we are again accepting biogenic carbonates.
The Analytical Lab may also be able to assist researchers requiring other preparatory services. Please note that, although partnering with the SIF in support of sample preparation, the Analytical Lab is a separate campus facility with their own sample submission and billing process.
Thank you! The past 15 months have been a challenging and, sometimes, painful time. The SIF Team is glad to be emerging into a happier, more stable, and easier future. We are grateful for the support of our researchers. We hope that you and your families are well and that science goes on!