[NASA OSMA]. NASA’s Office of Safety and Mission Assurance (OSMA), in partnership with the Science Mission Directorate (SMD), is seeking applicants for a newly established external Tiger Team named Mars Forward Operational Risk and Contamination Evaluation (M‑FORCE).
M-FORCE Objectives
- Conduct a comprehensive assessment of planetary protection contamination risks associated with Mars exploration
- Leverage more than 60 years of atmospheric and surface data to update the foundational assumptions and calculations used in planetary protection protocols
- Play a critical role in advancing NASA’s forward‑contamination risk posture for future Mars Category III orbiter and Mars Category IVa landed missions
- Focus on refining NASA’s understanding of harmful contamination risks using a performance‑based, probabilistic approach rooted in technical, biological and environmental modeling
- Review and analyze historical and current scientific models that inform Mars contamination probability, including weather patterns, surface transport mechanisms and habitability factors
- Evaluate the effectiveness of existing prelaunch biological cleanliness practices and protocols, as established by the Viking mission and applied to subsequent Mars missions
- Reassess threshold ranges for the probability of contaminant release, survival and growth under Mars conditions, utilizing the latest scientific data and methodologies
NASA is seeking highly motivated Subject Matter Experts from academia, industry, national laboratories and the broader planetary science and engineering communities to serve on this Tiger Team. An honorarium will be provided for external participants in recognition of their expertise and time commitment (in compliance with the rules of their institution).
These experts will work collaboratively to refine and update contamination risk parameters, contributing their domain-specific insights to the assessment process. M-FORCE will engage in regular meetings, an in-person working group, data review sessions and collaborative analysis to ensure comprehensive coverage of relevant scientific inputs.
M-FORCE outputs will include a detailed report outlining the parameters, rationale and updated threshold ranges for contamination probability on Mars and a briefing summarizing key findings and recommendations for NASA decision makers. The final report will be published to inform ongoing and future Mars planetary protection efforts.
The M-FORCE Tiger Team has a three-month project timeline estimated to run from September to November 2026.
Application Instructions
Individuals interested in being considered for the M‑FORCE Tiger Team are invited to submit a one‑page bio-sketch outlining relevant expertise, past experience and anticipated contributions to the team.
Please send your bio-sketch to Dr. Nick Benardini, NASA Planetary Protection Officer, and Dr. David J. Smith, Program Scientist, at HQ-PPR@mail.nasa.gov no later than Friday, Sept. 11, 2026.
This call aims to cast a wide net to identify the most capable contributors to this high‑visibility effort supporting NASA’s forward‑contamination policy evolution. Please share this announcement with colleagues both inside and outside of NASA who may be interested in participating.
If you have questions or require clarification, please reach out directly to Nick Benardini or David J. Smith.
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