NASA/ARC has a requirement for a field-portable X-ray Diffraction (XRD) /X-rayFluorescence (XRF) instrument use during NASA geological expeditions intended as analogsto a Mars mission. The instrument will have characteristics similar to the Marsinstrument: a 2 theta resolution of 0.3 degrees or better, a 2 theta range of 5-55degrees or more, X-ray peak resolution of better than 230 eV at 5.9 KeV. The instrumentwill utilize powdered mineralogical samples sieved to 150 microns, in quantities of<50 mg. We will use this instrument in combination with others for a variety of Mars-and Moon- analog field expeditions, including the AMASE expedition to Svalbard, Norway,the Scarab/RESOLVE campaign on Mauna Kea, HI, and various field campaigns utilizing theAmes K-10 rover. The objective of the purchase will be to use the XRD/XRF instrument toperform a robotic field experiment in Svalbard, Norway and other places that are analogsto the MSL '09 Mars Science Laboratory Mission as well as upcoming lunar missions.The instrument is required by 7/29/08 in order to be sent along with other equipment forthe Svalbard, Norway AMASE expedition. There will be extended interactions with thevendor during instrument assembly, to ensure that the final product meets specifications,and that the instrument is acceptably ruggedized for extended field use under extremeconditions. The XRD/XRF should be able to be checked aboard passenger flights as standard luggage(Weight: Less than 15 Kg; Size: Small enough to be shipped as checked baggage oncommercial passenger flights - suggested 48.5X39.2X19.2cm, which fits into a paddediM2720 StormTM case for checking on passenger airline flights).NASA ARC intends to purchase this item from Inxitu Inc., 2551 Casey Ave Suite A, MountainView CA 94043-1135. Inxitu Inc. is the only known responsible source for a field-portableX-ray Diffraction/X-ray Fluorescence instrument that meets all of the above requirements.NASA/ARC intends to purchase a commercial item using FAR Part 12 and the procurement willbe conducted under Simplified Acquistion Procedures set forth under FAR Part 13.Interested organizations may submit their capabilities and qualifications to perform theeffort in writing to [email protected] not later than 12:00 p.m. PST on July 18,2008. Such capabilities/qualifications will be evaluated solely for the purpose ofdetermining whether or not to conduct this procurement on a competitive basis. Adetermination by the Government not to compete this proposed effort on a full and opencompetition basis, based upon responses to this notice, is solely within the discretionof the government.Oral communications are not acceptable in response to this notice.All responsible sources may submit an offer which shall be considered by the agency.An Ombudsman has been appointed. See NASA Specific Note B.Any referenced notes may be viewed at the following URLs linked below.

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