Hyperspectral Imaging Systems; microHSI 410 SHARK & microHSI410)

The Beltsville Agricultural Research Center (BARC), Environmental Microbial & Food Safety Laboratory (EMFSL), a component of the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) under The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), intends to issue on a sole source basis a fixed-price purchase order for the following: Hyperspectral Sensors; MicroHS2520 Shark & MicroHS1410 Sensor manufactured by Corning in accordance with FAR Part 13.106 under simplified acquisition procedures to the following source; Corning Netoptix located in Keene, NH. This proposed award is being conducted under the authority of FAR 6.302-1, only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements. The associated North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Code is 333314; small business size standard is 500 employees. Justification: EMFSL requires compact hyperspectral imaging systems for food safety and environmental monitoring research. The suggested items; line-scan hyperspectral sensors are the only known sensors available that are suitable for fast moving and positioning for rapid food and environment monitoring. EMFSL requires sensors that are not bulky and heavy like traditional hyperspectral sensors because they cannot be used to develop compact and/or handheld systems. As such, the suggested items are made using a unique miniature solid block monolithic spectrograph design to make the smallest and lightest research-grade line-scan hyperspectral sensors on the market. Compared to other hyperspectral sensors, the required items which have similar spatial and spectral ranges and resolutions, are much smaller (5.4"3.4"2.8" for microHSI 410 SHARK and 5.0"2.5"2.4" for microHSI 410) and lighter (1.5 lb for microHSI 410 SHARK and 1.0 lb for microHSI 410). THIS NOTICE OF INTENT IS NOT A REQUEST FOR QUOTES However, it is a market research tool being used to determine the availability and adequacy of potential sources. A determination by the Government not to compete this requirement based on responses to this notice is solely at the discretion of the Government. Vendors that believe they can provide the aforementioned items are invited to submit substantiating documentation in writing. The government will consider all responsible sources received by the due date. Written responses must contain sufficient documentation to establish a bona-fide capability to fulfill the requirement. If no written responses are received, a purchase order will be issued without further notice.