Unmanned Aircraft Sensor/Camera

Description The purpose of this announcement is to obtain market research associated with acquisition of an Unmanned Aircraft Sensor/Camera. Specifically, the United States Forest Service (USFS) is seeking interested vendors capable of providing radiometric, infrared, electro-optical/RGB Unmanned Aircraft Sensor/Camera compatible with Pixhawk/PX4 and Ardupilot command and control configurations for the Fire and Aviation Program that meet our operational requirements as identified below. REQUEST FOR INFORMATION Acquisition of radiometric, infrared, electro-optical/RGB Unmanned Aircraft Sensor/Camera compatible with Pixhawk/PX4 and Ardupilot command and control configurations. Special Notice Number: SN-XXXX-XX Agency: United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Office: Forest Service Location: National Technology and Development Program - Missoula, MT RFI Issue Date: 01/14/2023 RFI Response Date: 01/22/2023 Submittal of information: The information requested by this RFI shall be provided, in writing (hard-copy or electronic), by close of business (4:30 p.m. Mountain Time) 05/2/2023 to the following address: Background The FS has implemented a process to access availability and applicability of radiometric, infrared, electro-optical/RGB Unmanned Aircraft Sensor/Camera compatible with Pixhawk/PX4 and Ardupilot command and control configurations. The FS relies on various makes and models of UAS and sensors. Primary missions are for data collection, aerial imagery, situational awareness, and reconnaissance. It is critical for Camera /Sensor to have integral UAS connections compatible with multiple makes and models of UAS with associated configurable software. Camera/Sensor Utilization The FS utilizes cameras and sensors in conjunction with UAS for firefighting and resource management. Conditions in the field may place the camera/sensor in austere Mountainous terrain, Forested Areas, Remote Areas with reduced or no cellular coverage, high altitude areas, smokey, hot and dry to cool and humid sea level climates, performing reconnaissance missions. REQUESTED INFORMATION Vendors/contractors who respond to this Request for Information (RFI) are requested to provide all the following information in writing and in accordance with the directions below: Summary The USFS is requesting information and market research on radiometric (non-radiometric options will be considered), infrared, electro-optical/RGB Unmanned Aircraft Sensor/Camera compatible with Pixhawk/PX4 and Ardupilot command and control. The Camera/Sensor may be used in a multitude of different resources areas and missions throughout the Agency. All Camera/Sensor specifications must meet the minimum specifications spelled out within this RFI. If certain Camera's/Sensor's meet the specifications, the US Government will require demonstrations, testing and evaluation to ensure that all Camera/Sensors meet perform at the claimed specification and meet the mission needs of the USFS. It is required that vendors responding to this RFI provide proof that their product has been integrated with Pixhawk/PX4 and Ardupilot command and control configurations. This configuration shall have the Capability to set and read settings from the camera through the flight application. Prior to all contracts and procurements, all vendors and contractors shall possess a current and valid DUNS number/SAMS registry certification prior to consideration by the Agency. Said information shall precede the date of the vendor demonstration, testing and evaluation. Aside from meeting the minimum specifications below, financially unreasonable Camera/Sensors will be rejected. COMPANY INFORMATION Company name Company mailing address Company point of contact (name & title) Point of contact's telephone numbers Company's size standard for the NAICS information provided above PRICE INFORMATION All interested vendors/contractors shall provide a Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) that includes the following costs: Camera Battery if applicable Thermal Sensor Gimbal TECHNICAL INFORMATION: Interested vendors/contractors should provide Camera/Sensor information for their Make and Models that meet or exceed the following requirements: Requirements Dimensions/Weight not greater than: 76 mm x 107 mm x 102 mm (2.99 in x 4.21 in x 4.01 in) Weight: < 1.5 lbs. Thermal Camera Thermal Imager: Uncooled VOx Microbolometer FPA/Digital Video Display Formats: 640 X 512 or better Pixel Pitch: 17 um Spectral Band: 7.5-13.5 um Full Frame Rates: 30 Hz or < 9 Hz Exportable Frame Rates: <9 Hz Sensitivity (Nedt): < 50 mk@ f/1.0 Scene Range (high Gain): 640-512: -25 to 135 C Scene Range Low Gain: -40 to 550 C File Storage: Selectable MicroSD card and internal storage Photo Format: JPEG, TIFF, R-JPEG Video Format: 8 bit- MOV, MP4 14 bit-TIFF Sequence, SEQ IMAGE PROCESSING & DISPLAY CONTROL Image Optimization Digital Detail Enhancement Polarity Control (Black Hot/ White Hot) Camera produces geotagged images directly to the onboard SD card or internal storage. Color and Monochrome Palettes Capability to set and read settings from the camera through the flight application. Gimbal Angular Vibration Range: - 0.01 Mount: Detachable Controllable Range: Tilt: +30 to -90 / Pan: - 320 Mechanical Range: Tilt: +45 to -130 / Pan: - 330 / Roll: -90 to +60 Max Controllable Speed: Tilt: ? 90/s Pan: 90/s Visual Camera Sensor: 1/1.7 CMOS with ? 12 M effective pixels Lens: Prime Lense with focus at ? 8 mm, FOV of ? 57.12 42.44 Digital Zoom: 1x, 2x, 4x, 8x Photo Format: JPEG Video Formats: MOV, MP4 Video Resolution: ? 4K Ultra HD: 3840'2160 29.97p FHD: 1920'1080 29.97p Working Modes: Capture, Record, Playback Still Photography Modes: single shot, burst shooting (3/5 frames), intervals of 2,3,4,7,10,20,30 sec. Video Caption: supported Anti-flicker: Auto, 50Hz, 60Hz. Storage: MicroSD card, Min. capacity: 128 GB. UHS-3 required. Internal storage capabilities preferred, with option to save video and image capture to MicroSD card required. Supported File System: FAT 32 (? 32GB), exFAT (?32 GB) Interface: Serial, USB, Ethernet connections or Micro USB LENS AND RESOLUTION OPTIONS Thermal Lense options range: 9 mm, 13mm, 19mm, 25mm or 18, 32, 45, 69 ?640?512 FoV, iFoV N/A, f/1.25 4537 1.308 mr, f/1.25 3226 0.895 mr, f/1.1 2520 0.680 mr ?336?256 FoV, iFoV f/1.25 3527 1.889 mr, f/1.25 2519 1.308 mr, f/1.25 1713 0.895 mr, N/A Minimum Focus Distance: 3.2 cm, 7.6 cm, 15.3 cm, 30 cm Hyperfocal Distance: 1.1 m, 2.2 m, 4.8 m, 11m Hyperfocal Depth of Field: 1.1 m, 2.2 m, 4.8 m, 11m OTHER: Weather considerations: Water resistant preferred Interface: Serial, USB, Ethernet connections or Micro USB End Requirements Note: Country of origin of manufacturer and component breakdown required. You may provide any other pertinent information that may contribute to efficiencies related to this RFI that will assist the Government in developing specifications for future solicitation.