imagingrfp2[1].doc

Please supply a firm bid for the following new manufacture:

One (1) – Airborne fixed wing, Dual Image Thermal Imaging System.

This system must include standard or optional equipment to meet the specifications and purchasing specifications as listed within this RFP.

Additionally, this system will include:

· Automatic tracking feature

· Laser Pointer

· Laptop Controller

· Electronic control unit

· Optical Extender

· Operator’s manual

· Shipping case

· Standard cable kit

· Operator training (up to 10 students)

· Manufacturer’s warranty. A copy of which will be provided to the State of Maine, by bidder, for evaluation if requested.

· Proposed system must be installable on Cessna 172 series aircraft by previous Supplemental Type Certificate.

· All shipping charges Bid will include installation on a Maine Warden Service Cessna 172 aircraft.

Bid will include travel and all expenses to install at a Maine facility. Bidder will completely install the system using a baggage compartment side mount for the gimbal, a swing arm mount for the operator on the left side of the fuselage with a 12-inch minimum daylight readable NVG compatible monitor. A Pilot’s 5.6-inch NVG compatible monitor and mount will be installed. A Fast Forward Video NDT 200 digital recorder will be installed.

Bidder will supply new manufacture items as listed below.

· Baggage compartment mount kit for the gimbal

· Isolation collar

· Dove tail

· 12.1-inch monitor and swing arm (NVG compatible)

· Fast forward video NDT 200 digital recorder.

· Pilot’s 5.6-inch monitor and mount. (NVG compatible)

Bidder will pay all expenses and travel to a Maine facility.

Bidder must hold, or have written authorization to an installation STC for Cessna 172 series aircraft.

Prior experience with thermal imaging system installation required.

Specifications

Platform

Thermal Imaging Sensor

Wide: 21.7° (h) x 16° (v)

Visible TV Imaging Sensor

Laser Pointer

Physical Dimensions & Weight Specifications

4.0 Influence on landing operations – The Maine Warden Service Aviation Unit’s support of Ground Unit personnel might require landings in areas that include rough terrain, up-sloping terrain, and obstacles to aircraft safety such as rocks, debris, etc. The installation of a dual-sensor package cannot impede the Aviation Unit’s options or impact aircrew decision-making when called upon to operate in such an environment. Therefore, the installation of the dual-sensor system must meet the following requirements:

4.1 At least 8” of Ground Clearance – When all required quick-disconnect mounting hardware is attached, the turret size must allow for at least 8” (measured from a flat surface) of remaining ground clearance when mounted. The Aviation Unit will not accept a requirement to modify the aircraft’s landing gear in order to meet this specification.

4.2 Stow Feature – The dual-sensor package must incorporate a stowing feature, to protect the lenses from flying debris.

5.0 Airborne Surveillance – The dual-sensor package must incorporate Fields of View (FOV) that allow for both adequate ground coverage and magnification, without sacrificing the operator’s situational awareness. To enhance the quality of evidentiary information gathered by the Aviation Unit during surveillance missions, the dual-sensor system must have the capability to display (and thereby record) aircraft position information, as supplied by the compatible on-board GPS receiver. Therefore, the dual-sensor system’s FOV must meet the following criteria:

5.1 Continuous Zoom for IR Sensor – To enhance the operator’s ability to maintain situational awareness, and to reduce workload, the system’s infrared sensor will utilize a Continuous Zoom mechanism to move smoothly between its optical Wide and Narrow Field-of-View limits. The magnification between Wide and Narrow Fields of View must be at least a 10:1 ratio and be capable of satisfactorily performing patrol, surveillance, and search mission requirements at altitudes of not less than 3000 feet AGL. The camera must be capable of utilizing an auto-focus mode to help reduce operator workload. The system shall incorporate both a fixed field of view for fast zoom position changes and the continuous zoom feature, which can be selected by the operator to accommodate different mission profiles.

5.2 GPS Interface – For evidentiary purposes, the selected dual-sensor system will display the continuously updated aircraft position (as provided from the compatible on-board GPS receiver) on the screen, and will enable this information to be recorded.

5.3 IR WFOV Ground Coverage – While in the infrared sensor’s Wide Field of View (WFOV), and at operating altitudes (1,000’-1,500’ AGL), this sensor must be able to view an area the size of 1-1½ standard city blocks wide (approximately 450’-500’ wide measured at the center of the field of view) or greater while looking down at angles of 45( or greater.

5.4 Visual-light Camera – To increase the Aviation Unit’s covert surveillance capabilities, the visual-light (TV) camera will incorporate a minimum optical zoom ratio of 18:1. and at a minimum, a 3X digital zoom. The visual light camera must be auto-focusing. The visual light camera must also incorporate low light capabilities of at least 0.2 lux.

5.5 Auto tracker – The selected dual-sensor package must incorporate an Autotracking feature to decrease operator workload, and facilitate target tracking. This feature must provide a “Scenelock”-type option for tracking while in the IR or TV sensor.

Bids must specify delivery period.

The State of Maine reserves the right to reject all bids.

Shipping: Maine Warden Service

ATTN: Charles Later

19 Village Street

Greenville, ME 04441

For questions contact: Charles Later, Chief Pilot

Maine Warden Service PO Box 551

Greenville, ME 04441

207-695-0755 charlie.later@maine.gov