Carbon Dioxide Removal by Ionic Liquid Sorbent for Mobility

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration Shared Services Center (NASA/NSSC) has issued a Special Notice for a Carbon Dioxide Removal by Ionic Liquid Sorbent for Mobility (CDRILS-M) technology contract. The notice indicates NASA's intent to potentially issue a sole source contract to Honeywell International Inc. for developing advanced carbon dioxide removal technologies for the Mars Exploration EMU (mxEMU) spacesuit life support system. The opportunity is classified under NAICS category 334511 for Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing. This special notice represents a significant technological advancement in NASA's ongoing efforts to improve carbon dioxide management systems for space exploration missions. The procurement will utilize commercial item acquisition procedures under Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Parts 12 and 13.

The primary objective of this Special Notice is to evaluate potential competitive alternatives to the proposed sole source contract with Honeywell International Inc. Interested organizations are invited to submit their capabilities and qualifications in writing to the designated point of contact, Cara Craft, by 1 p.m. Central Standard Time on February 27, 2025. The 7-month effort requires developing alternative sorbents and operating configurations for carbon dioxide removal, with key performance targets including volumetric uptake rates exceeding 20 g/L/hr and hollow fiber contactor uptake rates above 875 kg/hr/m3. Contractors will be expected to analyze approaches meeting mxEMU requirements, down-select 2-4 approaches for experimental evaluation, conduct testing, and estimate size/weight/power metrics. The ultimate goal is to provide a non-venting EVA capability with trace contaminant removal, improved serviceability through liquid sorbent replacement, and compatibility with vehicle Environmental Control and Life Support Systems (ECLSS).