This is a Request For Information - This synopsis is for information and planning purposes only and is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government. No contract will be awarded as a result of this Sources Sought announcement. The United States Geological Survey, Office of Acquisition and Grants is soliciting information from qualified sources; the results of this announcement will be evaluated to determine if there are businesses capable of performing the proposed work.
The US Geological Survey, Office of Acquisition and Grants seeks responses from vendors that possess the capability to supply photogrammetry package that will be integrated with an already purchased stratospheric hyperspectral sensor from HySpex. The photogrammetry package consists of a high-end inertial motion unit (IMU) for high-altitude (stratosphere) UAS flights, with an in-house microelectronics solution for recording time stamped images and IMU data.
This acquisition is for accessories adapted uniquely to HySpex Mjolnir purchased by the USGS in September 2020. A high-end IMU designed to maintain accurate pointing (e.g., roll, pitch) and absolute location data for extended periods of time is required. This allows georeferencing of any imaging collected simultaneously. Vendor must have the capability to make alterations to the package to allow it to operate at the low pressure and temperatures encountered at stratospheric altitudes. Data should flow from the IMU and hyperspectral sensor into a data acquisition unit that has been designed to work at high-latitudes. POSPac software will be used to process the imagery and IMU data to output georeferenced image useable in most GIS and other image processing programs.
The components will need to perform at temperature and pressure conditions experienced in the stratosphere.
The IMU must be a low Size, weight and power to fly on-board light-weight UAS. To optimize payloads, we are looking for IMUs that meet these specifications or better:
- < 500 grams for both board and IMU
- Individual component dimensions are under 100 x 100 x 100 mm
- Dual IMUs for mounting on sensor and on GNSS-inertial board
- Higher than 50 Hz
- Temperature range for stratosphere: up to -40 to 70 degrees F
- Roll and pitch: 0.03 degrees or better resolution
- Velocity: 0.07 m/sec or better
- Power: 2-40 VDC, with 3-4 Watts max consumption
The goal of the hardware and software purchase above is to acquire very accurately georeferenced hyperspectral images that will serve the USGS National Land Imaging Program as it explores the use of stratospheric drones as national imaging assets. NASA and USFS partner Swift will integrate these elements onto their SULE drone for a test flight in summer 2021. The test flight is intended to be the first demonstration of a stratospheric, long endurance imaging program. This capability may increasingly complement satellite imagery as national image assets.
For further information, interested parties may contact the Contracting Officer, Charlan Fejarang at [email protected] by the due date, June 9, 2021 at 12:00pm PDT.

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