4K x 4K Hybrid Silicon CMOS Sensor Chip for JMAPS Program

The Naval Research Laboratory intends to negotiate on other than full and open competitive basis with both Teledyne Imaging Systems (TIS) and Raytheon Vision Systems (RVS) for the award of two separate contracts. Under both prospective contracts, the contractors shall provide Hybrid Silicon CMOS visible imaging sensor chip assemblies that are sensitive over the 450 - 900 nm spectral band. The SCAs must operate at a temperature of 193K with a mean dark current of less than 1 electron/pixel-sec. At this temperature the SCAs must achieve average quantum efficiencies of greater than 80% over the 700-900 nm spectral band. The SCAs will be used for astrometric measurements and therefore fill factors of greater than 95% with highly uniform response are required. The SCAs must also have the ability to have small groups of pixels read at frame rates as high as 5 Hz without interfering with the operation of the remainder of the array, which may be required to operate at frame rates as low as 0.002 Hz. The capabilities of the two contractors rely on the use of fabrication processes proprietary to each vendor. Each has its own proprietary devise designs, semiconductor processing techniques, and bump bond hybridization processes unique to the small pixel size are employed in the fabrication of these assemblies. The fact that engineering grade, prototype and flight quality SCAs must be delivered within 12 months of contract award, a date that is driven by a system launch schedule precludes the development of other sources. The development of the technology for these imaging chips has been funded in large part by another government agency to develop the capability required by the JMAPS program. To achieve delivery within budget and schedule allowances the government requires continuity of the prior development efforts. At least $10M has been invested by the government at each of the suppliers over the past 4 years. A similar funding level and time would be required to develop additional sources, with no guarantee that the vendor would be successful. The time frame alone makes this an untenable approach. There are strict requirements for the delivery dates stated herein, and any delay would have a severe cost impact on the rest of the program, which is currently projected to cost ~$150M. Even a one year delay in the program would cost ~$15M and likely put the entire mission in jeopardy of being canceled. All responsible sources may submit a capability statement, proposal, or quotation, which shall be considered by the agency. The government does not intend to use FAR Part 12, Acquisition of Commercial Items. Other business opportunities for NRL are available at the following website: