Investigation of surface films as reservoir for volatile methylsiloxane SVOCs and updated phase partitioning analysis using ISS gas and particle concentration data

NASA's National Aeronautics and Space Administration Shared Services Center has issued a Special Notice for a sole source contract to investigate surface films as reservoirs for volatile methylsiloxane semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) and conduct updated phase partitioning analysis using International Space Station (ISS) gas and particle concentration data. The agency intends to award this contract to Suffolk University in Boston, Massachusetts under FAR 13.106-1(b)(1)(i) authority, having determined that Suffolk University is the sole provider capable of performing this specialized research. The procurement will utilize commercial items and services provisions under FAR Parts 12 and 13, with performance located at NASA Glenn Research Center. The contract falls under NAICS code 611430 for Professional and Management Development Training and PSC code AJ12 for General Science and Technology R&D Services.

The 13-month research project aims to generate surface partitioning coefficients, evaluate VMS chemistry and partitioning dynamics, and update gas-particle phase partitioning parameters using data from Exploration Aerosol Monitors to support future long-duration space missions including Lunar habitations and Martian transit. Interested organizations may submit written capabilities and qualifications to the identified point of contact by 12 p.m. Central Standard Time on July 21, 2025, with submissions evaluated solely to determine whether to conduct the procurement on a competitive basis. The government retains full discretion to proceed with the sole source approach regardless of responses received, and oral communications are not acceptable. Key project deliverables include presenting findings at the International Conference on Environmental Systems in July 2026 and producing a comprehensive final report, with the research led by Dr. Claire Fortenberry from the Universities Space Research Association at NASA Glenn Research Center.