RFI for Airborne Stand-Off Chemical Sensor

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Contract Opportunity

The US Environmental Protection Agency is requesting information for the following Airborne Stand-Off Chemical Sensor Equipment:

The chemical sensing requirements for EPA’s aerial emergency response asset are unique and specific. The technology needs to be capable of identifying and quantifying chemical warfare agents (CWAs) and toxic industrial chemicals (TICs) at limits of detection in the range of environmental and human health impact levels (AEGL 1 concentrations). The chemical identification, concentration estimates, and geolocation data must be processed and transmitted to users on the ground in near real-time (
The system also must be robust and have reliable operations and maintenance support from the manufacturer to ensure the longevity and reliability of the program. The system should include both an FTIR and a hyperspectral imaging system in the infrared spectrum. It must be designed to work from an aerial platform, which requires a very sensitive detection system and advanced processing methods to differentiate the infrared spectrum of gas clouds from the terrestrial background. The system must be able to be mounted on an aerial platform and should include a stabilization and/or vibration dampening capability. It is essential that the system has undergone multiple field tests of gas detection in an aerial platform showing that it can meet the above requirements. The chosen system will be fielded as an emergency response asset, and as such a high priority will be placed on commercial off the shelf systems that have an established user community and a high technology readiness level.

*****************UPDATE: Questions & Answers and a Request for Information (RFI) Extension *******************************************

This request for information (RFI) has been extended from Monday October 28th to Friday, November 1st, 2024. This notice will close at 5:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time on Friday, November 1st, 2024. Date for the receipt of responses is being extended for additional time to address question and answer received during the (RFI) notice. Any responses to additional question(s) after this update will be at the discretion of the government.

This is a Request for Information (RFI) Notice and is for market research purposes only. THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL, QUOTATION, OR BID. NO SOLICITATION IS CURRENTLY AVAILABLE. All interested and capable qualified offerors or quoters are encouraged to reply to this market survey with narratives and/or capabilities statement(s); information such as brochures and other industry information.

Please include the following information in your response/narrative: (1) Company name, address, point of contact information (email, telephone, etc.), and GSA Contract Number, if applicable; (2) Identification and verification of the potential offeror's business status (i.e. Large, Small, HubZone, 8(a), Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned, and/or Women-Owned Business); (3) A narrative regarding a thorough review of the description identified above and discussion of the ability to meet EPAs needs; (4) Any questions outlined above that need to be further defined, and addressed.

This is NOT a solicitation and does not constitute any commitment by the Government. Responses to this Request for Information (RFI) notice will be utilized by the Government to make appropriate acquisition decisions. This RFI will close on Friday, November 1st, 2024. If you have any questions, please contact Mary Doherty, Contracting Specialist, at Doherty.mary@epa.gov.

Questions and Answers received during the initial RFI period is listed below:

Q1: There are quite a few different chemicals that can be analyzed using Hyperspectral Imaging above 1700nm. Does this requirement need chemical analysis from 1700nm to 2000nm?
A1: The spectral ranges most useful for chemical identification for our purposes are in the 3-5 µm range and the 8-12 µm range.

Q2: Can you please advise what regional EPA office location will be purchasing/deploying this instrument?
A2: The Headquarters Acquisition Division, out of the D.C. office, uses this RFI to conduct market research for upcoming and potential procurements.

Q3: Can you clarify whether an IR reflectance imaging spectrometer (900-2500nm or similar) is required alongside the FTIR system?
A3: The system needs to be capable of imaging chemical plumes that have spectral signatures in the mid and long wave infrared regions.

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