Development of a Portable Pulsed Standoff Ultracompact μ-Raman (SUCR) sensor

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has issued a Special Notice for the Development of a Portable Pulsed Standoff Ultracompact μ-Raman (SUCR) sensor under contract number 80NSSC895147Q. This opportunity is specifically designated for small businesses and focuses on advancing lunar mission technology. The project aims to develop a sophisticated sensor capable of analyzing lunar surface chemistry, mineralogy, and geology to support NASA's broader exploration initiatives. The contract opportunity was posted on March 3, 2025, with submissions due by March 5, 2025. The work will be performed at NASA Langley Research Center and is categorized under the Research and Development in Biotechnology NAICS code.

The primary objective of this Special Notice is to procure a space-qualifiable SUCR sensor that will reach Technology Readiness Level 6 (TRL-6) for future lunar missions, including MMPACT, CLPS, and Artemis programs. Contractors must submit their capabilities and qualifications in writing by 4:00 p.m. Central Standard Time on March 5, 2025. The opportunity is set aside exclusively for small businesses, with eligibility contingent on meeting specific technical and developmental requirements outlined in the Statement of Work. Key deliverables include developing 3-D modeling of lunar surface, producing a technological maturation report, and creating a test plan for the brassboard sensor under lunar conditions. NASA will evaluate submissions to determine whether to conduct the procurement competitively, though the final decision remains at the government's discretion. The procurement will utilize simplified acquisition procedures for non-commercial items, and oral communications will not be accepted in response to the notice.