SATPC0039130 TAB 04 4 SOW.pdf

Statement of Work for International Space Station (ISS) Aerosol Passive Sampler Analysis

NASA Glenn Research Center, Cleveland, OH 07-01-2025

Background Aerosol Samplers Re-flight is a recently repeated flight experiment which will require specialized analysis of the returned samples. The data from the resulting analyses are the sole science outcome of the experiment. Therefore, the laboratory providing the analytical services must have a proven track record and the appropriate equipment and expertise to maximize the science results. Sampling will include the use of 8 Passive Samplers (PAS). There are five samples on each Passive Sampler (total 40 samples).

Scope of Work – Task Description

1) Screen each sample using light microscopy and/or scanning electron microscopy to determine if it is suitable for more detailed analysis.

2) Provide information on general characteristics of each sample (e.g., general loadings, fibers, large particulate, metallic particulate, etc.).

3) Examine samples to see if particles are suitable for computer-controlled scanning electron microscopy (CCSEM), high-resolution electron microscopy and/or Raman spectroscopy analysis.

4) Based on information obtained, some samples may warrant a more detailed manual analysis of selected particles using demonstrated relocation techniques.

5) Perform CCSEM individual particle analysis for appropriate samples (particles >100 nm), provide particle distributions (number and mass) and concentrations (e.g., particles/cc).

6) Characterize particles on Passive samples in a manual fashion using a high-resolution field emission scanning electron microscope with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) capabilities to provide images and spectra of various particle types, including secondary electron (SE) and backscattered electron (BSE) imaging.

7) Provide Raman spectroscopy characterization of individual particles collected on the Passive samples.

8) Provide a summary of analytical results including a description of analytical methodology employed in the analysis of each sample.

Past and Relevant Experience The Laboratory shall have the following experience:

1) Demonstrated experience in performing detailed microscopic analysis of particulate matter collected with the passive deposition samplers.

2) Demonstrated ability to relocate particles within the same instrument and other instruments.

3) Experience and capability to perform CCSEM and modify CCSEM software as needed for application specific analytical requirements with images and spectra reviewable in a seamless manner in relation to the overall sample on an off-line computer.

Required Equipment The laboratory must have, at a minimum, the following capabilities and associated equipment:

1) Microscopes and Spectroscopy techniques:

a. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with secondary electron (SE) and backscattered electron (BSE) imaging and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) capabilities.

b. High-resolution scanning electron microscopy (HR-SEM) with SE imaging, BSE imaging, and EDS capabilities.

c. Computer-controlled scanning electron microscopy (CCSEM) with the ability to store images and spectra of analyzed particles.

i. Particle images and spectra must be able to be reviewed in a seamless manner in relation to the overall sample using an off-line database.

ii. Data must be able to be processed to provide particle distributions (number and mass) and concentrations (e.g., particles/cc).

iii. In-house capability to modify CCSEM software as needed for applicationspecific analytical requirements.

d. Raman spectroscopy with library matches for identification.

e. Demonstrated ability to relocate particles within the same instrument and other instruments. Examples include, but are not limited to:

i. SEM → HR-SEM → Raman

ii. CCSEM → HR-SEM

iii. CCSEM → Raman

iv. Raman → SEM → HR-SEM

Oversight of Analysis Task Analytical methodology for each sample shall be determined based on discussions with NASA Principal Investigator.

Period of Performance Analysis shall take place in the period between receipt of the samples from ISS (date TBD) and December 30th, 2026.

Deliverables The deliverables for this contract consist of electronic copies of micrographs from microscopic analysis and any other data generated from analytical methods (delivered via large file transfer or alternate method). A final report shall be delivered containing summaries of analytical results including descriptions of analytical methodologies employed in the analysis of each sample.

Funding The funding for these analytical services, data, and reporting shall be $53,000.