NOAA NOS NGS Aerial Camera Systems

Statement of Need

This document outlines the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) requirement for upgrades to their existing Applanix Digital Sensor System (DSS) to enhance aerial imagery acquisition capabilities, particularly for emergency response and long-term resiliency efforts.

NOAA requires new hardware, full-service support, comprehensive maintenance, and updated software licensing for their aerial imagery systems. This includes:

• Two complete emergency response camera systems.
• Four standalone cameras.
• Associated software.
• The systems must be capable of collecting high-resolution aerial imagery for photogrammetric, bathymetric, and geospatial data.

Phase One PAS880 1st Generation System Requirements:

• One integrated RGB nadir camera (equivalent to iXM-RS280F).
• One integrated Near-Infrared (NIR) nadir camera (equivalent to iXM-RS150F).
• Four integrated RGB oblique cameras (equivalent to iXM-RS150F).
• NIR camera must support a long-pass cut-off filter of at least 830nm.
• Includes operator console, pilot display, cabling, and peripherals.
• Minimum Field of View (FOV): 40 degrees.
• Minimum Camera Cycle Time: 1 second for RGB and NIR.
• Stabilized Mount for motion stabilization.
• Field Replaceable Components.
• Integrated GNSS/IMU designed for direct georeferencing (200Hz+ data rate).
• Data Storage: Hot-swappable solid-state drive.
• Resolution: Capable of 0.25-0.50 feet at 3,500 ft AGL and 0.80 feet at 10,500 ft AGL.

Phase One PAS880 2nd Generation System Requirements:

• Four iXM-RS150F camera modules upgraded to iXM-RS250 sensors.
• Upgrade of one iXM-RS280F to equivalent of 2nd gen iXM-RS280F or iXM-RS250F nadir camera.
• One NIR camera equivalent to iXM-RS150F.
• Similar requirements for NIR filter, operator/pilot displays, FOV, cycle time, stabilized mount, field replaceable components, GNSS/IMU, data storage, and resolution as the 1st generation system.

RGB Standalone Camera Requirements:

• Four Phase One RGB iXM-RS150F Cameras (minimum 150MP).
• Minimum FOV: 40 degrees.
• Minimum Camera Cycle Time: 1 second.
• Resolution: 0.50 feet at 3,500 ft AGL and 0.80 feet at 10,500 ft AGL.

System Software Requirements:

• Mission Planning Software (user-defined GSD/altitude, flight plan types).
• Flight Line Management (editing/drawing flight lines).
• Flight Management Software (FMS) with Intervalometer and Imagery Collection functionalities.
• Real-time Monitoring and Image Quality Control.
• System Status monitoring.
• Real-time Imagery Review.

Post-Processing Software and Supporting File Requirements:

• Full System Calibration Report (System Setup, Lens Terrestrial Calibration, Camera Boresight Calibration).

• System Output Files: Raw Imagery Data (IIQ format with custom naming), GNSS/POS data, Event files.

• Band Stacking capability (RGB and NIR).

• The government intends to procure the PAS880 1st Generation System and take delivery as-is. Subsequently, the 1st Generation PAS880 will be submitted for upgrade to the 2nd Generation PAS880.

• Vendor must provide a documented and supported upgrade pathway.

• Vendor must provide written confirmation of future sensor interchangeability and compatibility.

• One full year of Platinum hardware and software maintenance, licensing, and support included upon delivery.

• Four additional option years for maintenance, licensing, and support.

• Includes support, maintenance (firmware, software), repairs, proactive shutter replacement, and replacement of consumables.

• Uptime support with on-site response or loaner equipment.

• Annual system calibration.

• Vendor must have a service center in the 48 contiguous states for timely technical issue resolution (within 24 hours).

• Provision of an equal or better replacement system or component if issues cannot be resolved on-site.

Notice of Intent to Negotiate a Sole-Source Contract

This notice indicates the government's intent to negotiate a sole-source contract with Phase One for aerial camera systems and associated software. This is due to the agency's determination that only one responsible source can meet the requirement, as per FAR 12.102. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), specifically the National Ocean Service (NOS) and National Geodetic Survey (NGS), requires these systems to maintain accurate nautical charts and support the Coastal Mapping Program.

The government requires the following Phase One camera systems and software for upgrade:

• Phase One PAS 880 1st Generation Multi-Spectral Aerial Camera Systems

• Phase One PAS 880 2nd Generation Multi-Spectral Aerial Camera Systems

• Phase One RGB iXM-RS150F Cameras (Quantity of four)

• Mission Planning and Flight Management Software

• Platinum hardware and software maintenance and licensing

• The contract type is not specified, but it is intended to be sole-source.

• Vendors who believe they can meet this requirement are invited to submit an affirmative response.

• Responses must include a written narrative statement of capability and detailed technical information.

• The deadline for affirmative written responses is May 1, 2026, by 11:00 A.M. Eastern Time.

• Responses must be submitted via email to Kirstin Bryant (Kirstin.bryant@noaa.gov) and Nicole Lawson (nicole.lawson@noaa.gov).

• The government will determine if the requirement should be opened to competition based on the responses received.

• The anticipated North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code is 333310 (Commercial and Service Industry Machinery Manufacturing).

• The business size standard for this NAICS code is 1,000 employees.

• Responses are due within 10 calendar days from the date of the notice.