Synopsis - Jun 28, 2013

General Information

Solicitation Number: RFI-ZP13 Posted Date: Jun 28, 2013 FedBizOpps Posted Date: Jun 28, 2013 Recovery and Reinvestment Act Action: No Original Response Date: Jul 12, 2013 Current Response Date: Jul 12, 2013 Classification Code: 99 -- Miscellaneous NAICS Code: 333314

Contracting Office Address

NASA/George C. Marshall Space Flight Center, Procurement Office, Marshall Space Flight Center, AL 35812

Description

Instrument Development for In Situ Dating Instrument for Mars 2020 mission

NASA, George C Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) is hereby soliciting information for potential sources for the Instrument Development for In Situ Dating Instrument for Mars 2020 mission Acquisition.

Following the announcement of the Mars 2020 rover mission in November 2012, NASA MSFC is seeking information regarding development of a potential in situ dating instrument to be flown on the rover. In accordance with FAR 15.201(e), the information requested is for planning purposes only and is not intended to bind the Government. This is a Request For Information (RFI) issued for information and planning purposes. It does not constitute a Request For Proposal.

Absolute dating of planetary samples is an essential tool to establish the chronology of geological events, including crystallization history, magmatic evolution, and alteration. NASA MSFC has developed a breadboard for the Potassium (K) - Argon Laser Experiment (KArLE), whose main objective is to conduct in situ potassium-argon dating. The experimental concept measures K using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS), Ar using mass spectrometry, and images the sample using optical cameras. Public presentations on the KArLE concept can be found at http://planetary.msfc.nasa.gov/KArLE.html

See the article here:

NASA RFI for In Situ Dating Instrument for Mars 2020 Mission