CEFAS25-121 Request for Quotation for Hyperspectral Sensor (VNIR 400–1000 nm)

Tender description

Cefas seeks a hyperspectral imaging sensor for aerial and lab surveys to monitor coastal habitats. It must detect marine life and pollutants, include all hardware/software, be drone-compatible, and come with training, calibration, and support. The continuous and escalating pressures from climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, and the intensified utilisation of natural habitats are placing marine ecosystems under unprecedented strain. This ongoing degradation compromises the resilience of these systems, making them more vulnerable to acute shocks like marine heat waves and spills, as well as chronic stresses such as wind farm construction. The decline in ecosystem health not only threatens fisheries and other livelihoods but also hampers our capacity for carbon absorption. To effectively manage and mitigate these challenges, there is an ever-increasing demand for cost-effective and targeted environmental monitoring. Modern technologies, including drones, computer vision, and artificial intelligence (AI), are proving invaluable in enhancing monitoring capabilities while reducing the need for intensive human involvement. However, traditional visible light surveys of benthic and coastal habitats offer limited insights into the identification of flora, fauna, and pollution. In response to these limitations, there is a growing adoption of hyperspectral imagery. This technology captures significant amounts of data beyond the visible light revealing new environmental detail, surpassing the capabilities of visible light or human monitoring. Cefas requires a sensor to develop and extend its monitoring capability for coastal and benthic environments. Hyperspectral imaging is required to detect and characterise flora and fauna on land (seaweed on rocks, on beach), sea surface (plankton, algae) and underwater (benthic epifauna and flora). In addition, ideally the sensor would allow us to detect pollutants such as plastics that are characterized more in the Short-Wave Infrared (SWIR) range of spectrum. The sensor will support near‑term pilot pipelines for: (a) benthic habitat surveys (via Cefas custom built housing) and (b) aerial shoreline surveys for plastic detection, while providing a flexible platform for future applications. Scope of Requirements: Technical Requirement The Supplier will provide a complete hyperspectral infrared imaging solution suitable for both Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) operation and laboratory use, including all necessary hardware, lenses, software and accessories required to acquire, calibrate, process and export orthorectified hyperspectral data cubes. At a minimum, the proposed system will be capable of capturing data across the Very Near Infrared (VNIR) spectral range (400–1000 nm). Ideally, a drone-mountable solution would extend coverage to include VNIR, Near Infrared (NIR), and as much of the SWIR range as feasible—targeting a full spectral span of approximately 400–2700 nm. Cefas understand that drone-compatible SWIR sensors may exceed the maximum available budget (£130,000 inc. VAT). Therefore, a hybrid approach of a drone-mounted VNIR sensor, complemented by a laboratory-based (non-flyable) SWIR system is an acceptable solution. Cefas is open to alternative configurations if the Supplier can propose a more suitable option that meets the technical requirements and stays within budget. In addition, the Supplier will provide comprehensive training on implementing data processing pipelines for hyperspectral data collected from the sensor, as well as operational support for Cefas drone pilots. This support will include training sessions covering environmental conditions, target selection, and sensor configuration to ensure optimal data collection Clear documentation of all data collection and processing steps are essential. Minimum technical requirements: Spectral range: 400–1000 nm (VNIR). Spectral resolution / sampling: ≥ 300 spectral bands across the range; Suppliers must state exact band count and Full Width at Half Maximum (FWHM), ideally 5-10nm. The Supplier must specify the Signal-to-Noise Ratio of the sensor. The SNR should be ≥ 200:1 in the VNIR range (as an example). Spatial sampling: Supplier must state instantaneous field of view (IFOV) and across-track pixels; data products must include radiance and reflectance. Acquisition modality: push-broom or snapshot acceptable; Supplier must detail motion/scan requirements and artefact controls. The proposed sensor system must be fully compatible with the DJI Matrice 350 RTK drone, which is currently owned and operated by Cefas. Integration must include the DJI Skyport mount, with appropriate hardware or gimbal (if available), and seamless connection to the drone’s power and data interfaces. Suppliers must specify the expected additional power consumption of the sensor when mounted, and provide the total take-off weight of the complete RPA system including the sensor. Operational control of the sensor must be clearly described, including whether it is managed via a specialist mobile application or directly through the DJI RC Plus controller. Cefas’s preference is that the system should support configuration via DJI Pilot 2 (DJI’s official flight app) and be compatible with mission planning and terrain-following features. Preference will be given to solutions that minimise vibration, optimise payload stability, and support real-time data monitoring during flight. Laboratory operation: Supplier must provide or specify details for building a motorized stage or equivalent for line/area scanning, including appropriate lab lens. The setup must allow mounting the sensor on a darkened ‘cupboard/oblong’ with a target 4 meters away from the lenses, illuminated by a halogen lamp. Data management: onboard or tethered storage adequate for flight missions; Supplier must state typical data volumes and throughput. Environmental Considerations Unit will have a low power consumption. Unit will be designed for reuse/remanufacture and of regenerative nature to eliminate waste where possible. Consideration of how packaging will be managed. Ideally at the time of installation the supplier will remove packaging and dispose of by ethical and environmentally friendly methods. Where possible packaging is to be re-used or recycled. Consideration of life cycle assessment for the equipment. Consideration of the state operating temperature, IP rating (if applicable), weight. Software, PC, Licenses, operating systems The supplier shall provide software for acquisition, geometric correction/orthorectification, and basic analysis, with the ability to export to open formats (e.g., ENVI/GeoTIFF). Licenses must be either perpetual or multi-year (subject to budget constraints). Supplier must clearly detail license terms, including maintenance, updates, and upgrade options. Provide documented Software Development Kits (SDKs) and Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) (e.g., Python, C++) to enable custom data processing workflows, including laboratory-based and benthic applications, and automation capabilities, such as controlling lab-based sensor movement and integrating with existing systems. All SDKs and APIs must include clear documentation and examples to support implementation by Cefas technical staff. Navigation and orientation: integrated or compatible high-accuracy Global Positioning System ( GPS)/ Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) with post-processed trajectory for orthorectification. If the sensor system allows Exchangeable Image File Format (EXIF) metadata to incorporate Real Time Kinematic (RTK) positioning data from the Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA), this capability should be clearly stated. Additionally, if the system supports the use of Post-Processed Kinematic (PPK) corrections to enhance positional accuracy, this should also be specified. Full documentation of the post-processing workflow, including software used and recommended procedures, will be required as part of the deliverables during training sessions. Installation 4.1. The Supplier will provide detailed installation instructions and support in person for both RPA and lab integration. This must include mounting specification, power requirements, and configuration steps. Installation support must be included as part of the training and onboarding package. 4.2. The Supplier will provide comprehensive documentation that meets the following standards: Operational Guidance: Step-by-step guidance for all processes, including data acquisition, calibration, processing, and export of hyperspectral data. User Manuals: Full user manuals for both RPA (Remotely Piloted Aircraft) and laboratory operation, covering setup, operation, and troubleshooting. Safety & Compliance: Risk information and safety guidelines for RPA and lab use, ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and safe handling practices. Format & Accessibility: All documents must be delivered in electronic format (PDF), written in clear, professional English and suitable for both operational use and training purposes, enabling Cefas staff to implement and maintain the system effectively. Documentation: full user manuals and risk information for RPA and lab use to be provided. Ease of maintenance The Supplier shall provide a calibration package including radiometric calibration, traceable reflectance targets/panels, and certificates. The calibration method and recommended schedule must be clearly stated, and training on calibration procedures must be included as part of delivery. The Supplier will outline maintenance and update terms for the necessary components, including recommended intervals for recalibration. Parts, Consumables and Updates The Supplier will specify any consumables required for calibration or operation. The Supplier will provide details on hardware upgrade options. Training The Supplier will provide in-person training, at a suitable flying location in the Lowestoft area. The training will cover RPA mission planning, data acquisition, calibration, orthorectification, and basic analysis, and should be a minimum of 2 days. Post-processing training must cover both drone-based and laboratory-based data workflows and ideally include guidance on novel seafloor data acquisition modes. Training must be delivered to a minimum of two Cefas staff either onsite or remotely. All training requirements to be delivered by end March 2026. Warranties, Guarantees, Servicing Warranties will start from the date of training and once the goods have been tested to ensure they are in working order. A minimum warranty period of 12 months is expected. The Supplier will ideally provide some level of technical support options (remote and/or on-site), particularly within the first 12 months. Details should be provided in the response. Deliverable Dates: Contract signature is estimated as 5 January 2026. Goods: The Supplier will deliver the Goods to Cefas Lowestoft Laboratory as soon as possible following Contract signature, ideally by the end of January 2026 to allow time for the follow up training requirements. Additional Requirements: The Supplier will provide an implementation plan covering installation, acceptance testing, and training within 10 business days of delivery of Goods. All training requirements must be delivered by the end of March 2026. Please refrain from bidding if you are unable to guarantee delivery by these dates. If the awarded Supplier is unable to meet the delivery date agreed in the final Contract, Cefas reserves the right to terminate the Contract as per the Conditions of Contract. Equipment is to be delivered to: Cefas Lowestoft Laboratory, Pakefield Road, Lowestoft NR33 0HT All pricing provided must be inclusive of delivery ‘INCOTERM DDP’ if item is being imported.