Mars organic molecule analyzer - mass spectrometer

Added: Nov 29, 2011 1:46 pm NASA/GSFC has a requirement for the Mars Organic Molecule Analyzer (MOMA) a jointNASA and European Space Agency (ESA) instrument comprised of two, complementary mode massspectrometers: a gas chromatograph mass spectrometer (GC-MS) and laser desorption massspectrometer (LD-MS). The GC-MS and LD-MS are located in the Analytical Science Drawercarried by a Mars Rover known as ExoMars. The major objective of this effort is the detection of organics in Martian soil and rocksamples, advancing astrobiology understands of the possibility of life on Mars. Thisincludes the possibility of identifying the chiral nature and isotopic composition ofsamples, where identification of organic matter takes place. The role of the contractorfor this effort include modifications to existing flight hardware, fabrication,manufacturing and integration of the four electronics modules essential to the operationof the MOMA-MS instrument. These four modules are: the Power Supply Module (PS) in theMEB, Control Module (CTL) in the Secondary Electronics Box (SEB) and the Radio Frequency(RF) Electronics. This effort consists of the engineering development and practicalapplication of engineering development activities for the production of the electronicsthat control and power the MOMA mass spectrometer (MOMA-MS) instrument.NASA/GSFC intends to issue a Request for Proposal number NNH12407232R on a sole-sourcebasis to Space Physics Research Laboratory (SPRL) at the University of Michigan. SPRL has unique knowledge and extensive experience in the fabrication, manufacturing andtesting of mass spectrometry electronics require to support the delivery ofspaceflight-qualified electronics. The components that have undergone initial design anddevelopment by the University of Michigan during the MOMA-MS Pre-Phase A and Phase Aactivities are proprietary, they would not be able to be disclosed to any new source.This knowledge cannot be replicated by another company without incurring significantduplicated costs and unacceptable delays in fulfilling the Agencys obligations to itsInternational Partners by insuring completion of the integrated MOMA-MS instrument. SPRLhighly trained technicians and engineers are required to fabricate the mass spectrometerinstrument. The authority is Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 6.302-1 (a)(2)when the supplies orservices required by the agency are available from only one responsible source, or, for...NASA.from only one or a limited number of responsible sources, and no other type ofsupplies or services will satisfy agency requirements, full and open competition need notbe provided for. Pursuant to 10 U.S.C. 2304(d)(1)(B), services may be deemed to beavailable from only one source for the provision of highly-specialized services when itis likely that award to any other source would result in unacceptable delays or cost infulfilling the Agencys requirements. Interested organizations may submit capability statements to perform the effort inwriting to the identified point of contact not later than 4:30 PM. local time on December15, 2011. Capability statements will be evaluated solely for the purpose of determiningwhether or not to conduct this procurement on a competitive basis. Based upon responsesto this notice a determination by the Government not to compete this proposed effort on afull and open competition basis is solely within the discretion of the government. Capability statements may be forwarded to wanda.b.moore@nasa.gov via electronictransmission or facsimile transmission (fax number: 301-286-0794). Oral communicationsare not acceptable in response to this notice. All responsible sources may submit their qualifications which shall be considered by theagency. An Ombudsman has been appointed. See NASA Specific Note "B". Any referenced notes may be viewed at the following URLs linked below