NGA releases new RFI for rugged wide field of view optics

On September 28, the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency posted a request for information for rugged wide field of view optics (HM0476-17-Rugged_Wide_Field_of_Views_Optics). Responses are due by 2:00 p.m. Eastern on October 31.

The National Geospatial-lntelligence Agency (NGA) is seeking information on new compact optics that can be used across wide fields of view and multiple observable spectral bands under a variety of environmental conditions, including extremes of temperature, humidity, and atmospheric pressure.

Background and Scope:

Current materials and fabrication methods are capable of producing novel, compact, high transmissivity, and rugged optics at low cost with minimal performance degradation over time.  NGA is interested in methods currently in use and emerging optics manufacturing techniques, capable of producing rugged, optical grade materials that are tolerant to harsh conditions (e.g., extremes of temperature, humidity, and/or atmospheric pressure).

NGA is interested in any fabrication method (including but not limited to blank cutting/grinding/polishing, multi-optics designs, additive manufacturing, or 3D printing) capable of producing wide field of view (170⁰ x 2⁰ minimum, 180⁰ x 180⁰ desired) optics of various size ranges (i.e. diameter 2m) as well as information on the transmission losses of the fabricated optical materials across spectral bands.

NGA is also interested in the materials that comprise the optics, including bonding agents and coatings.

Full information is available here.

Source: FedBizOpps