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

A -- ITERATIVE BIOLOGICAL CRYSTALLIZATION IN ISS MICROGRAVITY ENVIRONMENT -- ROBOTIC FLUIDS MIXING AND DISPENSING DUE 060900 POC Ed J Carrasquillo, Technical Lead, Phone (256) 544-7089, Fax (256) 544-5892, Email Ed.Carrasquillo@msfc.nasa.gov WEB: Click here for the latest information about this notice, http://nais.msfc.nasa.gov/cgi-bin/EPS/bizops.cgi?gr=D&pin=62#1-0-SD-RF IBC. E-MAIL: Ed J Carrasquillo, Ed.Carrasquillo@msfc.nasa.gov. THIS IS NOT A NOTICE OF SOLICITATION. NASA/George C. Marshall Space Flight Center is hereby soliciting comments, information and assessing the feasibility of developing a space based version of robotic mixing and dispensing systems typically used in ground laboratories for protein crystallization. This Request for Information (RFI) is being issued by NASA, George C. Marshall Space Flight Center for industry comments, statements of interest and to evaluate the feasibility of developing a space-based version of robotic mixing and dispensing systems typically used in ground laboratories for protein crystallization. Typical sample volumes for this application are in the microliter -- milliliter volume range. This system would be a component of a space-based system for performing iterative biological crystallization experiments in the microgravity environment provided by the International Space Station (ISS). Companies who have existing robotic fluids mixing and dispensing systems that may be adapted to operation in a microgravity environment are of particular interest. Based on the results of this evaluation NASA/MSFC plans to issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) for an Iterative Biological Crystallization (IBC) Robotic Fluids Mixing and Dispensing Subsystem (FMDS). An overview of the IBC concept and functional design may be viewed at the following URL: http://crystal.nasa.gov/procure/forecast/ FMDS Mixing capabilities shall include: -- Accept interchangeable solution containers for subsequent mixing and dispensing -- Provide bubble-free mixing of protein solutions in a microgravity environment -- Minimize chemical cross-contamination between individual "sample cell" conditions (protein, precipitant, buffer), with addition of system sterilization as a subsequent additional capability -- Provide for disposal of waste materials -- Enable addition of solution filtration as a subsequent additional capability FMDS Dispensing capabilities shall include: -- Provide bubble-free dispensing of proteinand precipitant solutions in a microgravity environment -- Minimize chemical cross-contamination between individual growth cells -- Dispense solutions into two or more growth cells with the same unique mixture -- Dispense protein and precipitant solutions into crystal growth cells for vapor diffusion growth, enabling separation of protein and precipitant prior to "transport mode" processing and a "quick seal" of the growth cell after dispensing -- Dispense protein and precipitant solutions into crystal growth cells for batch growth in a bubble-free manner for the entire solution -- Dispense precipitant solutions into crystal growth cells for dialysis growth -- Dispense solutions for at least 500 growth cells per iteration The IBC system is being developed in two stages, with basic capabilities ready for launch by April 2002 and subsequent additional capabilities ready for launch by December 2003. The IBC subsystems will be initially be designed to operate in an ISS EXPRESS rack accommodation with possible migration to a dedicated International Standard Payload Rack at a later date. The design lifetime of IBC components is to be five years. A complete statement of work and flight unit specifications will be provided in a RFP, at a date to be determined, if it is determined to be in the best interest of the Government. Interested firms submit in writing the following information: 1. Qualifications/Capabilities 2. Existing products or systems which may be directly applicable or adaptable to provide the capabilities stated above 3. Proposed implementation approach (optional) 4. Rough order of magnitude (ROM) costs associated with developing an IBC FMDS (optional) All responsible sources may submit the requested information which shall be considered by the agency. Responses received will be used solely for the purpose of determining whether or not to proceed with issuing the RFP. A determination by the Government not to proceed with this proposed contract, based upon responses to this notice, is solely within the discretion of the Government. This document is for information and planning purposes and to allow industry the opportunity to verify reasonableness and feasibility of the requirement, as well as promote competition. Prospective offerors are invited to submit comments or questions to: NASA, SD41/Ed Carrasquillo, Marshall Space Flight Center, AL 35812, no later than June 9 2000. In responding reference . Comments may be forwarded to Ed Carrasquillo via electronic transmission (ed.carrasquillo@msfc.nasa.gov) or by facsimile transmission at (256) 544-5892. No solicitation exists; therefore do not request a copy of the solicitation. If a solicitations is released it will be synopsized in the CBD and on the NASA Acquisition Internet Service. It is the potential offerors responsiblity to monitor these sites for the release of any solicitation or synopsis This request for information is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government, nor will the Government pay for the information solicited. Respondents will not be notified of the results of the review. Any questions regarding this announcement should be directed to the identified point of contact. The Government reserves the right to consider a small business or 8(a) set-aside on responses hereto. Posted 05/11/00 (D-SN454067). (0132)

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