FLGS-3 GONIOMETER

The Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) intends to negotiate a contract on the basis of Other Than Full and Open Competition IAW 10 USC 2304(c)(1), only one responsible source. NRL will negotiate with Spectra Vista Corporation, 29 Firemen’s Way, Poughkeepsie, New York 12603 for a Field Portable Spectroradiometer System with FLGS-3 Goniometer. NRL conducts research in the field of hyperspectral remote sensing. An important research area in hyperspectral remote sensing is the change in the measured reflectance of an object or area when viewed from different angles. This is known as the Bidirectional Reflectance Distribution Function (BRDF). The required field goniometer is the only effective way of measuring BRDF. NRL will use this instrument to measure and develop BRDF spectral libraries for characterizing battlespace environments; the goniometer instrument will be required to operate in field conditions and cover the necessary spectral range needed for the development of these libraries. NRL requires a goniometer that meets or exceeds all of the specifications with those of the Spectra Vista HR 1024 system. This field goniometry is a unique instrument and is the only one in the marketplace that currently meets the required specifications capable of collecting the data NRL needs to further its ongoing research program(s). The spectrometer must be lightweight (3.3 kg); self contained and can be controlled remotely. It has a spectral range of 350-2500 nm and it has a spectral sampling bandwidth of less than or equal to 1.5 nm in the range 350 to 1000 nm, less than or equal to 3.8 nm in the range 1000 to 1890 nm and less than or equal to 2.5 nm in the range 1890 to 2500 nm to meet the accuracy requirements needed for the development of NRL’s BRDF spectral libraries. The systems’ spectral resolution must be less than or equal to 1.5 nm in the range 350 to 1000 nm, less than or equal to 3.8 nm in the range 1000 to 1890 nm and less than or equal to 2.5 nm in the range 1890 to 2500 nm. It is the only commercial spectrometer that combines all of these features and the required spectral features, which are necessary to measure the full directional effect in reflectance. In addition, the HR 1024 is the only full range spectrometer that is not made with a short, fragile fiber optic cable. This is a critical design feature, as in a goniometer configuration, the spectrometer must ride in a track configuration over a large distance (a track of large radius), making the use of a fiber optic cable impractical. The automation allows a full range of directional measurements to be made in 20 minutes. This capability is necessary to minimize the effect of changing solar angles, independent of the spectrometer movement. The HR 1024 goniometer design has a central pivot that reduces the effect of self shading, enabling measurements to be made over a larger range of angles. This is also necessary to capture the full range of directional effects. The HR 1024 goniometer can be broken down into sections, which can be fit into standard cases, for ease of transportation and are light enough to be carried by hand. This is necessary to allow NRL personnel to carry out measurements in remote sites without transportation infrastructure. The size and weight of the goniometer system (spectrometer and track) are also unique in terms of the total size and weight requirement, allowing the system to be easily used by a team of 1-2 people, which is a requirement and asset for NRL small research team. Other business opportunities for NRL are available at our website http://heron.nrl.navy.mil/contracts/rfplist.htm.