Effect of Radiation Quality and Galactic Cosmic Radiation Simulation on the Risk of Carcinogenesis in an Outbred Mouse Model (HS/Npt)

NASA Johnson Space Center is seeking research services to study the effects of galactic cosmic radiation on cancer risk using outbred mouse models (HS/Npt) to better assess radiation-induced health risks for astronauts on long-duration space missions. The procurement requires a Principal Investigator to design and execute experiments involving radiation exposures at technically acceptable laboratories, including gamma irradiation, full GCR simulation (both acute and fractionated), and single-ion exposures using the seven-ion, 33-beam GCR simulation system detailed in the accompanying technical specifications. Key objectives include determining effects of radiation quality, dose, and dose rate on cancer initiation in genetically diverse mouse populations, establishing relative biological effectiveness estimates for space-relevant exposures, and providing comprehensive biobanked tissue samples with metadata for future NASA investigations. This pre-solicitation notice is strictly a request for information with no obligation for award, requiring interested parties to submit capabilities statements by September 18, 2025. The work falls under NAICS code 541715 for Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences.

No set-aside designation applies to this opportunity, making it open to all qualified contractors regardless of size or socioeconomic status. The scope involves dose coverage relevant to Mars design reference missions in the 300-450 mGy range, with radiation exposures designed to take approximately one hour using the 33-beam GCR simulation system that includes hydrogen, helium, and heavy ions at energy levels ranging from 20 to 1000 MeV/n. While no specific contract value or budget range is disclosed in this pre-solicitation phase, the comprehensive nature of the work suggests a substantial multi-year research effort involving specialized radiation facilities, extensive animal studies, tissue biobanking, and detailed reporting requirements. Optional tasks may include assessment of cardiovascular and central nervous system outcomes as well as sex-specific responses, subject to budget constraints. The research timeline appears to accommodate both interim and final reporting phases, though specific performance periods are not yet defined in this information-gathering stage.