NASA Solicitation: Experimental Planetary Astrobiology Studies With Laser Mass Spectrometry
Synopsis – Jun 18, 2015
General Information
Solicitation Number: NNG15549887L
Posted Date: Jun 18, 2015
FedBizOpps Posted Date: Jun 18, 2015
Recovery and Reinvestment Act Action: No
Original Response Date: Jul 02, 2015
Current Response Date: Jul 02, 2015
Classification Code: A — Research and Development
NAICS Code: 541690
Contracting Office Address
NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center, Code 210.Y, Greenbelt, MD 20771
Description
NASA/GSFC has a requirement for expertise support for ongoing research and development activities in the area of laser mass spectrometry investigations of planetary astrobiology.
Requirements
Support LITMS design by developing and analyzing new capabilities on comparable instrumentation, including use of both prototype and commercial time-of-flight mass spectrometers (TOF-MS) and ion trap mass spectrometers (ITMS), such as: a. negative ion spectra b. MS/MS product ion spectra c. low/moderate mass/inorganic measurements (< 100 Da) Estimated LOE: 20 days
Support LITMS characterization and optimization by comparing spectra from selected Mars analog samples between Mars-ambient laser desorption sampling, through a capillary/valve inlet, and vacuum TOF-MS sampling, from identical samples.
This includes the following: a. Assess operational methods to optimize the analysis of trace organic compounds in key mineral phases, such as phyllosilicates, sulfates, chlorates, etc. in each case b. Assess differences in desorption, ionization, and fragmentation patterns for different available pulsed laser sources. Estimated LOE: 30 days
Support H2OSHI through development of apparatus such as the Laser Impact Mass and Energy Spectrometer (LIMES) to examine the synthesis and processing of organic compounds formed in laser simulated impacts in various planetary atmospheres.
This includes the following: a. Support the basic laser ablation experiment on LIMES and related instrumentation b. Characterize starting materials on mass spectrometer instruments c. Suggest and carry out experiments to isolate organics processes under various conditions, such as through preparation of 13C-spiked starting materials Estimated LOE: 25 days
Participate in periodic meetings as they relate to the tasks, testing, and deliverables specified in this SOW. LOE is incorporated in the above requirements.
For all work conducted at GSFC, all operations will observe training, security, and safety requirements as setforth by GSFC.
NASA/GSFC intends to purchase the items from C&E Research, Inc pursuant to Far 13.106 for the acquisition of supplies or services determine to be reasonably available from one source. C&E has unique expertise in the setup and testing of pulsed laser ablation experiments of the type to be used in the H2OSHI project, in particular the ability to define protocols that unambiguously isolate various fragmentation and neutralization effects un high-energy pulsed laser ablation of planetary materials, which is critical to understanding the H2OSHI mass spectral results.
The Government intends to acquire a commercial item using FAR Part 12.
Interested organizations may submit their capabilities statement to perform the effort in writing to the identified point of contact not later than 2:30 p.m. local time on July 2, 2015. Such statements will be evaluated solely for the purpose of determining whether or not to conduct this procurement on a competitive basis. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed effort on a full and open competition basis, based upon responses to this notice, is solely within the discretion of the government.
Oral communications are not acceptable in response to this notice.
All responsible sources may submit an offer which shall be considered by the agency.
NASA Clause 1852.215-84, Ombudsman, is applicable. The Center Ombudsman for this acquisition can be found at http://prod.nais.nasa.gov/pub/pub_library/Omb.html .
Point of Contact
Name: Kathi Thomas
Title: Purchasing Agent
Phone: 301-286-4963
Fax: 301-286-5373
Email: katheryn.a.thomas@nasa.gov
