Science objective: we propose a fundamental assessment of the suitability for radioisotopic dating of common evaporite minerals found on mars.
Ended Grant For Research Awarded Last action
- Contract number
- 80NSSC22K0108
- Awardee
-
Southwest Research Institute UEI PB11V1KH3KV4
- Awarding agency
-
Shared Services Center
National Aeronautics and Space Administration
- Obligated
- $472,745
Award facts
- Contract value 100% obligated
- $472,745.00 Current and potential, with all options
- Completion date 100% complete
- Current and potential, with all options
- Contracting staff
- NAICS code
- Not on record
- PSC
- AJ11 General Science And Technology R&D Services; General Science And Technology; Basic Research
- Set-aside
- No set-aside
- Competition
- Full and Open Competition Basic Research
- Pricing
- Other
- Place of performance
- San Antonio, TX 78238, USA
Award details come from SAM.gov/FPDS.
Transactions
| Action | Obligated | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Other Administrative Action | $0 | |
| Other Administrative Action | $0 | |
| Funding Only Action | $174,922 | |
| Funding Only Action | $164,564 | |
| Original award | $133,259 |
About this award
Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) has been awarded a $472,745 research grant by a civilian federal agency through a Shared Services Center, with an ultimate completion date of October 14, 2026. The grant supports fundamental scientific research to assess the suitability of radioisotopic dating techniques for common evaporite minerals found on Mars. SwRI will conduct this assessment by studying terrestrial analogs of Martian evaporites collected from well-characterized stratigraphic deposits, with the objective of determining which mineral phases most completely equilibrate with surface water and can reliably record the timing of their aqueous history. This research directly supports NASA's Mars exploration objectives by developing methodologies that will be essential for interpreting isotopic data from Martian samples and guiding future sample collection operations on the planet.
The research addresses a critical knowledge gap in understanding Mars's habitability history, specifically when and for how long the planet maintained surface water—a period that may have supported microbial life. By evaluating the fidelity of various evaporite minerals in recording their aqueous histories through radioisotopic measurements, SwRI will provide the analytical framework necessary to properly interpret any evaporite samples returned from Mars. The institute's multidisciplinary capabilities in scientific research and its extensive experience conducting planetary science investigations for NASA make it well-suited to advance this fundamental research in astrobiology and planetary geology. No set-aside designation was used in this award, allowing SwRI to compete in a full and open competition.
Quick answers
Who was awarded contract 80NSSC22K0108?
80NSSC22K0108 was awarded to Southwest Research Institute by Shared Services Center (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) on October 15, 2021.
How much is contract 80NSSC22K0108 worth?
The government has obligated $472,745 on 80NSSC22K0108.
Was contract 80NSSC22K0108 competed?
The extent of competition for 80NSSC22K0108 was full and open competition.
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