A--JPL MARS EXPLORATION PROGRAM TECHNOLOGY ANNOUNCEMENT FOR A CORER/ABRADER TOOL BRASSBOARD

The Jet Propulsion Laboratory/California Institute of Technology (Caltech/JPL), operating under a prime contract with the NASA, announces its intent to solicit technology development of a corer/abrader tool brassboard in support of the Mars Exploration Program. INTRODUCTION - NASA is currently planning an aggressive program of robotic exploration missions to Mars. The Mars Exploration Program (MEP) is a science-driven, technology-enabled effort to characterize the solid planet and its atmosphere, its geological history, its climate and the processes that may provide insight into climate change on Earth; to determine what resources it might provide for future exploration; and to search for evidence of extinct or extant life on Mars. The MEP missions will also support data collection and technology demonstrations critical to planning and carrying out future missions to Mars. The Mars Technology Program (MTP) provides technology to the Mars missions. This technology announcement for a corer/abrader tool brassboard is being developed under MTP to be used by future Mars missions including, but not limited to, the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) 2009 Mission. WHO MAY PROPOSE? This Technology Announcement (TA) is open to educational institutions; Nonprofit, nonacademic organizations (i.e., a private or government supported research lab, university consortium, museum, observatory, etc.); Industry; NASA Centers including JPL; Other government agencies (i.e., any non-NASA, U.S. federal executive agency, national laboratory or federally funded research and development center (FFRDC); and any Non-U.S. organizations (on a no-exchange-of-funds basis with capabilities and interest to conduct advanced technology development). WEBSITE - Starting on or about July 23, 2004 the TA will be available electronically via the Internet at: http://acquisition.jpl.nasa.gov/rfp/TAME2680 RESPONSES - All responses and/or questions concerning this TA shall be put in a formal, written request to JPL, 4800 Oak Grove Drive, Attn: Anthony Sherrill, Subcontracts Manager, Non-Flight R&D Group, Mail Stop 201-203, Pasadena, California 91109-8099. Notice of intent to propose is due on or before August 3, 2004. The proposal due date is August 27, 2004. Responses and/or questions may also be submitted via E-mail to: contact@example.gov