Short-Wave Infrared (SWIR) Hyperspectral Imaging System, USDA, ARS, Madison, WI
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 USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is soliciting quotations for a Short-Wave Infrared (SWIR) Hyperspectral Imaging System for its Cereal Crops Research Unit in Madison, WI. This is a Total Small Business Set-Aside acquisition, issued as a Request for Quotation (RFQ). The system is crucial for non-destructive assessment of barley malt quality traits.
Scope of Work
The primary deliverable is a Short-Wave Infrared (SWIR) Hyperspectral Imaging System (900-2500 nm) or equivalent. The system will enable simultaneous, spatially resolved spectral measurements of malt composition (protein, moisture, starch structure, β-glucans) and support high-throughput screening and predictive model development. It must integrate with existing hyperspectral imaging infrastructure (Resonon Pika XC2 stand, Spectron software) to ensure reproducibility, ease of use, and rapid deployment.
Key Requirements
- Optical: Spectral Resolution FWHM (7.7 nm), Spectral Range (1000-2500 nm), F-number (1.8), minimum 245 spectral bands, 3.06 nm spectral sampling per pixel.
- Data: Maximum Frame Rate (120 fps), 16-bit depth.
- Compliance: Made in the USA, US-based customer service, NDAA section 848 and Executive Order 13981 compliant, no components from "adversary countries."
- Performance: High signal-to-noise ratio for heterogeneous samples, detector format with approximately 640 spatial pixels or greater.
- Architecture: Pushbroom (line-scan).
- Software: Vendor-supported acquisition software with real-time preview, spectral visualization, and export of standard hyperspectral data formats.
- Integration: Turnkey or near-turnkey integration.
- Offerors must meet all specifications in Attachment 1 or provide detailed explanations for any unmet specifications.
Contract & Timeline
- Contract Type: Firm Fixed Price Purchase Order (anticipated).
- Set-Aside: Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5).
- NAICS Code: 334516 (Small Business Size Standard: 1000 employees).
- Delivery: 60 Days After Receipt Of Order (ARO) to USDA ARS Cereal Crops Research Unit, 502 Walnut St. Madison, WI 53726.
- Warranty: Standard 12 months.
- Quotes Due: April 14, 2026, at 1400 ET.
- Published Date: April 7, 2026.
Submission & Evaluation
- Quotes must be submitted via email only to shalunda.mix@usda.gov.
- Subject Line: "Quote for 1232SA26Q0437".
- Offerors must submit pricing for all items to be considered responsive.
- Evaluation will be based on the Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) criteria.
- Quotes must be held firm for 60 calendar days from the offer receipt date.