US Army, CECOM Acquisition Center, Ft. Monmouth, New Jersey 07703-5008

58 -- NEAR IR SENSORS SOL DAAB07-98-R-J084 DUE 041598 POC Point of Contact -- Raymond Stefanik, Project Leader, 703-704-1307 E-MAIL: Click here to EMAIL the POC, restefani@nvl.army.mil. The US Army CECOM, Night Vision and Electronic Sensors Directorate (NVESD) is soliciting proposals in the area of near IR sensors. Efforts will be at the 6.2 level of military research and development. PROGRAM OBJECTIVES AND DESCRIPTIONS: U. S. Army CECOM, NVESD is soliciting proposals for design, development, and demonstration of solid state near IR detectors, sensors and solid state camera electronics. Phase I, lasting approximately two (2) years, will address development of a prototype near IR sensor detector array having at least a 256 x 256 element, maximum 50 mm square pixel pitch detector format and low noise readout for laboratory evaluation. The device will be a solid state staring array. The spectral passband will cover at least the 1.0 -- 1.8 micron region but need not be restricted from additional sensitivity to either higher or lower wavelengths. Prototype camera with tailored optics will allow laboratory testing of D*, NEI, MTF, spectral response, MRC, uniformity, etc. at light levels down to 1E-5 fL (2856 K blackbody distribution). Both digital and standard RS-170 analog video outputs will be provided. Phase II, lasting an additional two (2) years, will advance the technology demonstrated in Phase I by increasing the focal plane array density and improving packaging to result in a more convenient prototype sensor for field testing. Array size will increase to at least 640 x 480 elements and square pixel whose pitch will not exceed 25 mm. Low power capabilities will be addressed, with a goal to achieving 2.5 watts or less operation for the complete camera. Package size and weight will be reduced, with a goal of 750 grams or less. Cost and power drivers will be identified; cost reduction strategies will be pursued and limited producibility studies will conducted. Program Scope: The near IR sensor program is envisioned as serving the needs of a wide range of potential users and becoming an integral part of the future Digital Battlefield. Low power and small size/weight will combine to allow use by foot soldiers and vehicle drivers as well as by air crewmen. This technology supports Objective Sniper Weapon, OICW/OSCW upgrades, future driving devices, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), future multispectral goggles, and special operations. With low cost, high sensitivity and low noise, the near IR sensor could be transitioned as a Horizontal Technology Initiative (HTI) for all future vision devices. Current total funding estimates are FY98 -- $1,150,000; FY99 -- $1,400,000; FY00 -- $1,570,000; and FY01 -- $1,600,000. The Government reserves the right to make two (2) approximately equal awards under this program. GENERAL INFORMATION: Proposals are due by COB no later than 04/15/98. Evaluation criteria, in descending order of importance are: 1) -- Scientific and Technical Merit; 2) -- Experience, Personnel and Facilities; 3) -- Cost. All interested parties wanting to do business with CECOM are invited to access and receive additional data from the Business Opportunities Web page http://acbop.monmouth.army.mil Solicitation DAAB07-98-R-J084. Proposals are submitted to: Night Vision Electronic Sensor Directorate, ATTN: Raymond J. Stefanik, 10221 Burbeck Road STE 430, Fort Belvoir, VA 22060-5806 (0076)

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