68HERL26P0085- JOFOC Hyperspectral Chemical Detection System to Support ASPECT Real-Time Data Collection Platform
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), specifically the Office of Superfund and Emergency Management (OSEM) Environmental Response Team and Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Division (ERTCD), is issuing a Justification for Other Than Full and Open Competition (JOFOC) for a sole-source award to Telops USA, Inc. for a Hyperspectral Chemical Detection System. This system, the Telops Hyper-Cam Airborne Mini and Reveal Airborne Suite software, will support the ASPECT Real-Time Data Collection Platform for emergency response operations. The estimated value of this single-award Purchase Order is $1,688,800.00.
Scope of Work
The ERTCD requires a Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) chemical sensing system to accurately identify and quantify chemical warfare agents (CWAs) and toxic industrial chemicals (TICs). Key requirements include:
- Fully automated chemical analysis.
- Chemical quantification with a resolution of 1 m².
- Capability to characterize plumes between ground surface and 5,000 feet AGL.
- Integration of Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectrometer and hyperspectral imaging system functionalities.
- Robust design with reliable operations and maintenance support.
The Hyper-Cam Airborne Mini is a compact, high-performance hyperspectral imaging system designed for airborne platforms, offering gas and chemical detection, thermal mapping, real-time monitoring, and wide-area coverage for post-disaster assessment. It will replace an outdated system that is difficult to maintain and lacks manufacturer support.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Single-award Purchase Order (Sole Source)
- Estimated Value: $1,688,800.00
- Proposed Source: Telops USA, Inc.
- NAICS Code: 334511 Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing
- PSC Code: 5855 Night Vision Equipment, Emitted and Reflected Radiation
- Published Date: April 22, 2026
Justification for Sole Source
The JOFOC is issued under the authority of 41 U.S.C. 3304(a)(1) (Only one responsible source) as implemented by FAR 6.103-1. Extensive market research, including an RFI (posted October 18, 2024, closed November 1, 2024) and a Notice of Intent to Sole Source (NOI, posted December 19, 2024, closed December 31, 2024), determined that the Telops Hyper-Cam Airborne Mini is the only commercially available system that meets the EPA's COTS, field-ready, and high technology readiness level requirements for gas detection and chemical sensing. Other potential solutions identified during market research, such as the SSI Payload system, were still in development and not COTS or field-ready. Telops USA, Inc. is the sole manufacturer and seller of this product.
Additional Notes
The acquisition is expected to result in cost savings over time by reducing maintenance and repair costs associated with the current aging, customized systems. It is also anticipated to increase competition for future support services (DPDS) by standardizing on a commercially available system. The Buy American Act does not apply, as the estimated value exceeds the WTO GPA threshold.