TraitFinder DualScan including PlantEye F600 system   2

THIS IS A Request for Information announcement only. This notice does not constitute a commitment by the Government. All information submitted in response to this announcement is voluntary, and the Government will not pay for information requested nor will it compensate any respondent for any cost incurred in developing information provided to the Government.

The USDA-ARS Adaptive Cropping Systems Laboratory (ACSL), Beltsville, Maryland, requires a contractor to provide TraitFinder DualScan including PlantEye F600 system field-portable high-throughput plant phenotyping system. The system must be capable of automated, high quality 3D multispectral imaging required for scientific research needs to obtain simultaneous measurements of red, green, blue, and near-infrared wavelengths coupled with laser-detected canopy structure. This system must be mobile and capable of scanning both indoor environments with variable natural light (greenhouses), consistent artificial light (walk-in growth chambers) and also be rugged enough to be used in outdoor environments (field). The system must be sized such that it will be able to maneuver among ACSL's facilities in the greenhouse and walk-in Conviron BDW 120 chambers. The system must also be height-adjustable such that it can be used to measure a variety of crops including soybean, wheat, potato, rice, turfgrass, and cacao seedlings, either on the ground or raised on benchtops. The contractor must provide data collection and processing software as well as firmware updates.

II. Requirements

The following are minimum specifications and performance criteria for the unit:

High resolution (sub 1mm) spectral resolution 3d point cloud LIDAR scanner.

Dual angled, cross-calibrated overhead scanners to increase 3d canopy coverage and reduce shading effects.

Manufacturer calibrated, onboard LED scanning to ensure measurements can be performed under any light environment, including darkness.

Imaging camera captures RGB and near-infrared, enabling calculation of vegetation indices.

System operational temperature range from 0 to 50 degrees Celsius.

Weather resistance rated sensors and frame.

Capable of integrating with portable battery/generator for field deployment.

Manual and automatic spectral acquisition capabilities.

Mobile rack mount capable of height adjustment, scaled to fit in existing BARC experimental infrastructure.

Ruggedized system to enable deployment in both indoor and outdoor environments.

Onboard data processing and analytical software which already post-processes spectra and point clouds into usable plant phenology, physiology, biochemical, structural traits.

As part of its market research, USDA ARS is issuing this RFI notice to determine if there exist an adequate number of qualified interested contractors capable of providing the requirement. The Government may use the responses to this RFI for information and planning purposes. This RFI is only for the purpose of identifying potential sources as part of USDA ARS market research. No Request For Quote (RFQ) exists; therefore, do not request a copy of the RFQ. Responses to this RFI are not quotes on which USDA ARS can issue any contract. This RFI is issued for information and planning purposes only and does not itself constitute an RFQ. The Government does not intend to make an award based on responses to this inquiry. All information received in response to this RFI notice marked ""Proprietary"" will be protected and handled accordingly. Interested parties are responsible for adequately marking proprietary or competition sensitive information contained in their response. Responses to the RFI will not be returned. Responders are solely responsible for all expenses associated with responding to this Inquiry. USDA ARS will not pay for information received in response to this Request. Do not submit pricing information in response to this Request. Please send responses with the subject heading: TraitFinder DualScan including PlantEye F600 system to falcon.albino@usda.gov by 07/27/2022.