HYPERSPECTRAL IMAGING FLIGHTS FOR GLERL
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 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), specifically the Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory (GLERL), intends to award a sole source purchase order to Aerial Associates Photography Inc. for hyperspectral imaging flights. These flights are crucial for detecting and mapping harmful algal blooms (HABs) in Lake Michigan, Lake Erie/Lake St. Clair, and Lake Huron. This is a presolicitation notice, and firms believing they can meet the government's requirements must submit documentation by April 9, 2026.
Scope of Work
This requirement is for non-personal services involving hyperspectral imaging flights utilizing a specially equipped aircraft. The primary objective is to detect and map harmful algal blooms (HABs) across specified areas of the Great Lakes. These flights are federally mandated under HABNRCA Legislation (SL 1254; PL 115-423) to monitor HAB growth and toxicity. The vendor must be equipped and prepared to fly on short notice due to the unpredictable nature of algal blooms.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Presolicitation (Intended Sole Source Purchase Order)
- Authority: FAR 6.103-1
- Period of Performance: Date of award to December 30, 2026
- Set-Aside: None (No Set-Aside)
- NAICS Code: 541360 (Geophysical Surveying and Mapping Services)
- Response Due: April 9, 2026, 6:00 PM ET
- Published: March 26, 2026
Sole Source Justification
NOAA's determination is based on Aerial Associates Photography Inc. being the only source capable of performing the required flights. They possess a modified aircraft specifically equipped to mount the government's hyperspectral data imager and are prepared for short-notice deployments essential for monitoring HABs.
Evaluation
This notice is not a request for competitive proposals. Submitting firms' documentation will be evaluated solely to determine if the procurement can be conducted on a competitive basis. The government retains discretion regarding the decision to proceed non-competitively. Oral communications are not accepted.
Additional Notes
No solicitation package is available at this time. Interested parties should contact Jamie Rosales at jamie.rosales@noaa.gov for further information or to submit substantiating documentation.