Carbon dioxide removal by ionic liquid system for mobility (cdrils-m)

NASA's Johnson Space Center is seeking industry partners to develop the Carbon Dioxide Removal by Ionic Liquid System for Mobility (CDRILS-M), an advanced CO2 and humidity control technology for the Mars Exploration Extravehicular Mobility Unit (mxEMU). This system will provide continuous CO2 and humidity control using liquid sorbent technology, offering non-venting EVA capability, trace contaminant removal, and improved serviceability for Mars exploration missions. The requirement involves comprehensive research and development tasks including aging studies for membrane contactors and ionic liquid systems, optimization of contactor configurations, materials compatibility studies, and development of a two-person CDRILS system. NASA is particularly interested in responses from small businesses of any socioeconomic category, and all interested companies must provide capability statements demonstrating their ability to meet the requirement along with at least one past performance reference of similar complexity and magnitude. The government is considering this for a sole source award to a known source, but encourages responses from any potentially capable industry partners. The capability statement response deadline is July 28, 2025.

This procurement is not designated for any set-aside program, and NASA has identified a known source for potential sole source award, though the specific incumbent contractor name is not disclosed in the notice. The contract builds upon previous work from CDRILS contract #80MSFC18C0045 and involves evaluating government-furnished equipment including a Calnetix blower and Suit Water Membrane Evaporator. The period of performance extends through November 15, 2026, with contractors required to provide all materials, tooling, test equipment, and labor necessary for the project. Key deliverables include monthly status reports, a final test report, work plan reviews, and Systems Requirements Review documentation. The ultimate objective is to create a reliable CO2 removal system with a three-year operational duration that will integrate with the vehicle's Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS) to enhance mission efficiency and reduce maintenance requirements for future Mars exploration missions.