NASA Solicitation: Mars Organic Molecule Analyzer – Mass Spectrometer

Synopsis – Nov 29, 2011

General Information

Solicitation Number: NNG12407232R
Posted Date: Nov 29, 2011
FedBizOpps Posted Date: Nov 29, 2011
Recovery and Reinvestment Act Action: No
Original Response Date: Dec 15, 2011
Current Response Date: Dec 15, 2011
Classification Code: 66 — Instruments and laboratory equipment
NAICS Code: 541712 – Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)

Contracting Office Address

NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center, Code 210.M, Greenbelt, MD 20771

Description

NASA/GSFC has a requirement for the Mars Organic Molecule Analyzer (MOMA) a joint NASA and European Space Agency (ESA) instrument comprised of two, complementary mode mass spectrometers: a gas chromatograph mass spectrometer (GC-MS) and laser desorption mass spectrometer (LD-MS). The GC-MS and LD-MS are located in the Analytical Science Drawer carried by a Mars Rover known as ExoMars.

The major objective of this effort is the detection of organics in Martian soil and rock samples, advancing astrobiology understands of the possibility of life on Mars. This includes the possibility of identifying the chiral nature and isotopic composition of samples, where identification of organic matter takes place. The role of the contractor for this effort include modifications to existing flight hardware, fabrication, manufacturing and integration of the four electronics modules essential to the operation of the MOMA-MS instrument. These four modules are: the Power Supply Module (PS) in the MEB, Control Module (CTL) in the Secondary Electronics Box (SEB) and the Radio Frequency (RF) Electronics. This effort consists of the engineering development and practical application of engineering development activities for the production of the electronics that control and power the MOMA mass spectrometer (MOMA-MS) instrument.

NASA/GSFC intends to issue a Request for Proposal number NNH12407232R on a sole-source basis to Space Physics Research Laboratory (SPRL) at the University of Michigan.

SPRL has unique knowledge and extensive experience in the fabrication, manufacturing and testing of mass spectrometry electronics require to support the delivery of spaceflight-qualified electronics. The components that have undergone initial design and development by the University of Michigan during the MOMA-MS Pre-Phase A and Phase A activities are proprietary, they would not be able to be disclosed to any new source. This knowledge cannot be replicated by another company without incurring significant duplicated costs and unacceptable delays in fulfilling the Agency’s obligations to its International Partners by insuring completion of the integrated MOMA-MS instrument. SPRL highly trained technicians and engineers are required to fabricate the mass spectrometer instrument.

The authority is Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 6.302-1 (a)(2)”when the supplies or services required by the agency are available from only one responsible source, or, for …NASA….from only one or a limited number of responsible sources, and no other type of supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements, full and open competition need not be provided for.” Pursuant to 10 U.S.C. 2304(d)(1)(B), services may be deemed to be available from only one source for the provision of highly-specialized services when it is likely that award to any other source would result in unacceptable delays or cost in fulfilling the Agency’s requirements.

Interested organizations may submit capability statements to perform the effort in writing to the identified point of contact not later than 4:30 PM. local time on December 15, 2011. Capability statements will be evaluated solely for the purpose of determining whether or not to conduct this procurement on a competitive basis. Based upon responses to this notice a determination by the Government not to compete this proposed effort on a full and open competition basis is solely within the discretion of the government.

Capability statements may be forwarded to wanda.b.moore@nasa.gov via electronic transmission or facsimile transmission (fax number: 301-286-0794). Oral communications are not acceptable in response to this notice.

All responsible sources may submit their qualifications which shall be considered by the agency.

An Ombudsman has been appointed. See NASA Specific Note “B”.

Any referenced notes may be viewed at the following URLs linked below

Point of Contact

Name: Wanda B. Moore
Title: Contract Specialist
Phone: 301-286-3722
Fax: 301-286-0794
Email: wanda.b.moore@nasa.gov