59--Intent to Award Headwall Photonics

Headwall Photonics - Intent to Award Notice Intent to Award Notice - DOIGFBO200016 The US Geological Survey (USGS) has a requirement for integrated, high resolution, visible and near infrared (VNIR) hyperspectral cameras that have high precision GPS IMU for operations on a DOI government edition DJI Matrice 600 Pro sUAS. The USGS is aware of no other source that can provide the above. Therefore, it intends to make an award to Headwall Photonics unless it is contacted by any vendor who believes they have similar technical expertise and can provide the same product and services. Vendors are invited to contact the Contract Specialist, Tara Hough contact@example.gov no later than 12:00 PM EDT, Monday, January 27, 2020 with an affirmative answer. SOLE SOURCE JUSTIFICATION STATES THE FOLLOWING PART: The following information is provided to demonstrate the proposed contractor's unique qualifications: The Headwall Nano-Hyperspec Airborne Package is the only sensor package readily usable and available for sUAS operations on a DJI Matrice 600 Pro that meets the scientific requirement for rapid hyperspectral data collection over large areas and rugged terrain for water quality and availability studies. No other sensor package includes a VNIR hyperspectral sensor in the range of 400-1000 nanometers (nm), required for the WMA ESPD hydrologic applications; an integrated high resolution GPS IMU, required for the accurate real-time data georeferencing necessary for data analysis; and data logging speed of at least 249 Hz, required due to aircraft flight time limitations. There is not another vendor that provides a sensor package that meets these requirements at this time. Per DOI OPM-11, USGS can only operate sUAS approved for use by and purchased by DOI and all payloads and modifications require DOI approval. The only DOI- approved sUAS capable of carrying the weight of a hyperspectral sensor and available for widespread USGS use is a DOI-approved government edition of the DJI Matrice 600 Pro sUAS. To expedite DOI-approval for deployment of a VNIR hyperspectral sensor to meet immediate scientific needs, WMA has selected a sensor that the manufacturer has approved and recommended for use with the DJI Matrice 600 Pro sUAS, and which mounts on a gimbal (3- axis stabilized Ronin MX Gimbal) already approved for use by DOI. In addition, to meet current DOI restrictions on DJI Matrice 600 Pro use for IT security reasons, the hyperspectral sensor and associated GPS/IMU must be stand-alone and not require communication (transmission or receiving) with the M600 onboard computer or IMU. The sensor must be capable of set up and operations through direct connection to a software package. Flights operations with the sensor must not require use of a specific ground control software package. The sensor must store data locally during flights. These DOI operational limitations and requirements for sensors to be used with the DOI-approved M600 differ from common commercial requirements for sensors intended to be use Airborne Package, accompanying lenses and mounts fits these criteria and is approved for purchase by USGS UAS operators for use on the DJI Matrice 600 - an approved DOI UAS platform. Finally, there is not a current contract to enable USGS to purchase this product. Technology enhancement will allow new systems to be developed and become available to increase future competition naturally through a normal technology development lifecycle. The USGS will take advantage of this competitive market when new systems and technologies are available to meet requirements.