70 -- Photogrammetric Analysis System Automation

Photogrammetric Analysis System Automation Request For Information (RFI). The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) seeks information from potential commercial or academic sources with expertise in close range photogrammetry and/or computer vision that can automate NAWCAD's photogrammetric analysis system. The system must perform pose recovery as quickly and reliably as possible with minimal human intervention, while maintaining or improving upon current system accuracy. Currently, NAWCAD's photogrammetry analysis system has two major applications. In the store separation application, multiple high-speed cameras mounted on the aircraft are used to capture imagery of a store as it leaves the vicinity of the aircraft. The image data is analyzed to produce a pose trajectory (or six-degree-of-freedom (6-DOF) trajectory), and this process is required to be completed within 1 hour, and to be accurate to within - inch and - degree in yaw and pitch, and 1 degree in roll. In the ship suitability application, ground based cameras are used to capture imagery of aircraft catapults and landings to produce a pose trajectory. Due to a relatively simpler testing environment, NAWCAD requires that ship suitability results be produced in less than 2 minutes, and to be accurate to within 1 foot and 1 degree. NAWCAD is now integrating data acquisition, pose analysis, and quality assurance processes into TrackEye, a motion analysis package made by Image Systems AB, of Link'ping, Sweden, using their C++ based software development kit (SDK). NAWCAD intends to integrate the selected solution into TrackEye using the SDK. Interested parties should not feel required to have knowledge of TrackEye's SDK, but the final product must be able to be integrated into TrackEye. The proposed solution could be based on current NAWCAD practices and provide improvements/automation to the target identification and tracking components of NAWCAD's system. Alternatively, a solution could be proposed that revolutionizes the image analysis process, possibly altering the data acquisition process. Any proposed methodology should be capable of dealing with target/object occlusion and reappearance, as well as vapor trails and other environmental factors that can degrade the quality of imagery. Interested parties can request an additional information packet that includes descriptions of NAWCAD's photogrammetric processes for store separation and ship suitability, and a description of TrackEye and its SDK, by emailing the address shown below. A proposed method is not required to conform to NAWCAD's current methods of photogrammetric data acquisition, so long as the proposed system can meet NAWCAD's requirements for speed, reliability, accuracy, and integrability into TrackEye. Interested parties can assume that computer models of the surfaces of aircraft and stores as well as intermediate camera and object pose results would be available for use in their proposed solutions. Sources responding to this Request for Information (RFI) are to provide a written identification of proposed solutions via email at the address shown below. Written response requirements should include, at a minimum: 1. A description of the proposed solution. 2. Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) cost statement that identifies anticipated costs associated with requirements analysis, design, development and testing. 3. Description of the source's organization, highlighting their capability to perform the proposed task. This RFI is issued in an effort to conduct market research in a timely manner to assist in the strategic planning of the NAWCAD's Photogrammetrics Team. THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE PROPOSAL. It is a market research tool being used to determine potential, solutions and products prior to determining the method of acquisition. A formal solicitation may not necessarily result from any or all items identified in this RFI. Information provided herein is subject to change and in no way binds the Government to solicit or award a contract. However, information received as a result of this RFI may be reflected in a formal solicitation. If a solicitation is released, it will be synopsized on the Federal Business Opportunities website, located at www.fedbizops.gov. It is the potential offerors responsibility to monitor this cite for the releases of any follow-on information. This is a RFI and feedback from industry is sought for our requirements as stated in this synopsis. The Government will not pay for any information received in response to the RFI; nor will the Government compensate a respondent for any cost incurred in developing the information provided. In addition to the minimum response requirements outlined above, reponses to this RFI may include the following: (1) Comments/suggestions on the specification and overall contract approach (2) Comments on responders commerciality of its hardware. Information is requested in writing by 19 August 2005. The ROM will be used for budgetary planning purposes only. As such, it is requested that the ROM be provided by 01 August 2005. Interested sources are highly encouraged to submit an information package as well as any questions, comments or suggestion by mail to: Contracts, Attn: Darlene M. Davis, Code 251735 Bldg 588 S2, Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, 47253 Whalen Rd Unit 9, Patuxent River MD 20670-1463; by email to contact@example.gov; or by fax to +1 (555) 000-0000.