ESA Open Invitation To Tender AO8244
Open Date: 28/04/2015
Closing Date: 23/06/2015

Status: ISSUED
Reference Nr.: 15.164.04
Prog. Ref.: AURORA MREP-2 S.E.1
Budget Ref.: E/0431-01 – AURORA MREP-2 S.E.1
Special Prov.: A+CZ+I+N+PL+POR+RO+S+CH+GB+E
Tender Type: C
Price Range: KEURO
Establishment: ESTEC
Directorate: Directorate of Science & Robotic Explor.
Department: Future Missions Preparation Office
Contract Officer: Byberg, Helena
Last Update Date: 28/04/2015
Update Reason: Tender issue

To handle returned Mars samples for biological hazard assessment, whilst maintaining the science contained within them, it will be necessary to make use of remote manipulation systems to remove contaminating humans as much as possible from the process. These systems will need to be able to: – Handle the samples and sub samples (order of grams down to micro grams) – Operate in a freezer temperature (~250K), ambient or low pressure, dry nitrogen environment – Produce a minimum of contamination into the sample environment from the materials and lubricants used in their construction. – Be able to be sterilised decontaminated via a qualified process prior to installation in the containment area – Be able to operate for a minimum of 6 months with a minimum of planned servicing – Operatein a double walled isolator with minimal through wall intrusion Activity in 2 phases: 200 k? for 12 months to consolidate the requirements, provide a preliminary design iteration & trade off, description of a development program 800 k? for 24 months for design and performing breadboard testing. Procurement Policy: C(1) = Activity restricted to non-prime contractors (incl. SMEs). For additional information please go to EMITS news “Industrial Policy measures for non-primes, SMEs and R&D entities in ESA programmes”.

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