Extraterrestrial Molecular Indicators of Life Investigation (EMILI) RF Electronics System

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration Shared Services Center (NASA/NSSC) has issued a Special Notice for the Extraterrestrial Molecular Indicators of Life Investigation (EMILI) RF Electronics System. The notice indicates NASA's intent to issue a sole source contract to the Regents of the University of Michigan for developing specialized RF electronics. This procurement will be managed by NASA/NSSC, with performance to be conducted at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center. The contract is classified under NAICS code 541715 for Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. The opportunity is being pursued under the authority of Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 13.106-1(b)(1)(i), which allows for non-competitive procurement when a single source is determined to be the sole provider.

The primary objective of this Special Notice is to develop an Engineering Test Unit (ETU) with a novel ion inlet system for capillary electrophoresis-electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, potentially supporting future planetary missions. Interested organizations may submit their capabilities and qualifications in writing by 12 p.m. Central Standard Time on March 24, 2025. The government will evaluate these submissions solely to determine whether to conduct the procurement on a competitive basis, with the final decision remaining at the government's discretion. The contract aims to achieve a technology readiness level (TRL) 6 and requires developing compact RF power supply modules for ion guides with specific technical specifications. Eligible contractors should focus on minimizing size, weight, and power (SWaP) while ensuring compatibility with laboratory and planetary environmental conditions. The performance period is set from March 1, 2025, to February 28, 2026, with a focus on advancing instrument design for potential future Ocean World missions.