SATPC0041901 Tab 06 BNJ..pdf
PDF 139 KB Posted
- Attached to
- Shadow Chaser: infrared camera for stellar occultations Federal contract opportunity
- Solicitation number
- 80NSSC26938932Q-1
About this file
This is a NASA Shared Services Center Recommendation and Determination to Solicit from One Source or Brand Name justification document dated March 15, 2017 (Version 2.0).
NASA is seeking to procure an astronomical infrared camera through a brand name justification with Andor/Oxford Instruments. The requirement is for a C-RED 2 camera capable of high-speed imaging (300-1,000 frames per second) with low noise performance (<1,000 electrons per second), near-infrared wavelength capability (0.9-1.5 microns), and cooling to -40°C. The camera must feature minimal overhead between exposures (less than 0.1% of exposure time), external GPS triggering capability, and high-speed computer interface. The estimated performance or delivery date is October 18, 2026. The justification indicates that market research determined the C-RED 2 is the only product meeting the specified technical requirements for the astronomical instrument designed to observe stellar occultations. The document identifies that competing brands would likely be unable to meet performance specifications, and alternative manufacturers lack support for professional astronomical applications. The technical justification was signed on August 26, 2026, though personnel names, titles, and office information are redacted in the document.
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Other files for this federal contract opportunity
| File | Type | Posted |
|---|---|---|
| SATPC0041901 Tab 04 4 SOW..pdf | ||
| SATPC0041901 Tab 10 RFQ Open Market Template (2).pdf |
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Text version
Page 1 V2.0 3-15-2017
NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION
NASA SHARED SERVICES CENTER
RECOMMENDATION AND DETERMINATION TO SOLICIT FROM ONE SOURCE
OR BRAND NAME
PICK ONE
Sole Source:
☐ I recommend that NASA, NASA Shared Services Center negotiate with Vendor Name only for Enter Supply or Service to be procured. The total estimated cost of this effort is Enter Dollar amount and the estimated period of performance or lead-time for delivery is Date.
OR
Brand Name Justification:
☒I recommend that NASA, NASA Shared Services Center negotiate with only with vendors who can provide the subject band name from Andor for an astronomical infrared camera. The total estimated cost of this effort is and the estimated period of performance or lead-time for delivery is 2026/10/18.
This recommendation is for the acquisition of supplies or services determined to be reasonably available from only one source/only one manufacture. Competition is impractical for the following reasons (please answer the questions below):
1. What are the reasons for soliciting only the suggested source/suggested brand name? Please provide the unique characteristics of the items or services along with the supporting rationale and the market research performed to substantiate your reason for the suggested source/brand name.
We are building an astronomical instrument designed for observing stellar occultations. To that end, we need a camera capable of high-speed (300-1000 fps), low-noise (<1000 elections per second), near-infrared (0.9-1.5 microns) observations, with low cooling capability (-40 C). It must have very low overhead, meaning the time between subsequent exposures is less than 0.1% of the exposure. It must also be able to be externally triggered from a GPS and have high-speed interface with a control computer.
From our market research, we have determined the C-RED 2 from Andor/Oxford Instruments is the only product that meets these specifications. The C-RED 2 is a professional astronomical camera and Andor has support for our astronomical use case.
2. What is the impact to the government if another vendor/brand is used? Include any dollar, schedule, or compatibility impacts if possible.
Another brand will likely be unable to perform to the desired specifications. Furthermore, other manufacturers of similar cameras do not support professional astronomers and may be unable to help with our use case.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS:
8/26/2026
Technical User Name Date
Title
Office
File details come from the government source that posted it. Updated .