The Development of Diffractive Filter Array (DFA) for Hyperspectral Diffractive Imaging Spectrometer (DRISM) Application

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Langley Research Center (LaRC) has a requirement to develop the Diffractive Filter Array (DFA) optical device that meets the requirements for the hyperspectral Diffractive Imaging Spectrometer (DRISM) configuration for implementation in Stratospheric Aerosol and Gas Experiment (SAGE IV) instrument for the Hyperspectral Planetary Imaging Explorer (HyperPIX) project demonstration. This development includes design model, fabrication, and characterization of the DFA component, as well as developing spectral imaging reconstruction algorithm. The final size of the developed DFA shall be compatible with the specifications for a single port on the filter wheel used by SAGE IV.

NASA Langley Planetary Instrument Concepts for the Advancement of Solar System Observations (PICASSO) program supports the development of spacecraft-based instrument, systems and components that would enhance or enable new science and technology for future planetary missions. The HyperPIX project proposal submitted by NASA LaRC Engineering Directorate was competitively selected for award by the NASA Planetary Exploration Science Technology Office (PESTO) under the PICASSO 2024 solicitation. The University of Utah was identified as a team member within the selected proposal to perform the following tasks:

1. DFA Surface Model for Final Design: Conduct the DFA design for the DRISM application using surface modeling to identify the required microstructure in the form of a periodic unit cell structure.

        2. DFA Fabrication: Use the optimized DFA design parameters, resulting from the updated device model, to fabricate the                        actual DFA, while ensuring the fabrication meets the specifications for the DRISM configuration in the SAGE IV setup

        3.  DFA Surface Inspection and Characterization: Inspect and characterize the DFA surface after fabrication.

        4.  DRISM Calibration for Model Update: Install the fabricated DFA into the SAGE IV filter wheel to form the DRISM                                 configuration.Test and calibrate the DRISM using collimated sources and a point source available at LaRC.

        5.  Image Reconstruction: Develop and perform image reconstruction algorithm to solve for the hyperspectral image to                           produce multiple spectral images using the provided interferogram images under different conditions.

        6.   These tasks will be concluded with final reports and delivery of three DFA filters.

        NASA LaRC intends to issue a sole source contract to acquire the services from the University of Utah under the authority                permitting other than full and open competition implemented by FAR 6.302-1, Only one responsible source and no other                    supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements. 

         The Government does not intend to acquire a commercial item using FAR Part 12.   

         Interested organizations having the required capabilities necessary to meet the above requirement shall submit a capability               statement of no more than 5 pages indicating the ability to perform all aspects of the effort.  All responses shall be submitted             electronically via NASA’s Box at https://nasagov.app.box.com/f/c53bb3752d4b4f49b503adacc5dfaef7 to Sha Tucker and                   Tamer Refaat not later than 3:00 PM Eastern Standard Time on June 18, 2025.

          Such capabilities/qualifications will be evaluated solely for the purpose of determining whether or not to conduct this                          acquisition on a competitive basis.  A determination by the Government not to compete this acquisition on a full and open                  competition basis, based upon responses to this notice, is solely within the discretion of the Government.

           NASA Clause 1852.215-84, Ombudsman, is applicable. The Center Ombudsman for this acquisition can be found at :                       https://www.hq.nasa.gov/office/procurement/regs/Procurement-Ombuds-Comp-Advocate-Listing.pdf