Development of Nanomaterial-Based Methane Sensors

NASA's Shared Services Center has published a Special Notice for the sole source procurement of nanomaterial-based methane sensors from SORBINA LLC, located in Mesa, Arizona. This procurement falls under NAICS code 541690 for Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services and will be conducted using FAR Part 12 and Part 13 procedures for commercial items and services. The contract is specifically for developing advanced gas sensors using nanomaterials capable of detecting methane at parts-per-billion sensitivity levels in carbon-rich environments. The performance period is established for one year, running from September 15, 2025, to September 14, 2026, with work to be performed at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center. NASA has determined that SORBINA LLC is the only source capable of providing these specialized sensors under FAR 13.106-1(b)(1)(i).

The primary objective of this procurement is to develop in situ gas sensors for detecting trace amounts of methane in extraterrestrial environments, specifically to address scientific questions about habitability and the origin of life on Mars and other planetary bodies. Key tasks include researching and synthesizing nanomaterials such as ZIF-8 and copper-doped ZIF-8, conducting material characterization through BET analysis, and collaborating with NASA GSFC teams to fabricate sensing devices. Interested organizations may submit capability statements and qualifications in writing to Shanna Patterson at Shanna.l.Patterson@nasa.gov by 7:00 AM Central Standard Time on August 14, 2025. The government will evaluate submissions solely to determine whether the procurement should be conducted competitively, though the final decision remains at NASA's discretion. The sole source justification is based on the unique expertise of Dr. Shuguang Deng, SORBINA LLC's owner, in designing and synthesizing metal-organic frameworks that enable the required high-sensitivity methane detection capabilities.