Satellite Imagery.

The United Nations is now relying on the use of satellite image technologies to ensure its mandate is carried out in the most cost-efficient manner. The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) Operational Satellite Operations Programme (UNOSAT) is the recognized centre of excellence for satellite image applications in the UN system.

UNOSAT daily receives requests from sister agencies to support with satellite imagery, including analysis and mapping.

Some of the requests are simply to furnish satellite imagery to sister agencies in field locations working with governments for territorial planning, election planning, demographics studies and more. Other requests are for support to humanitarian or human security situations, such as refugee camp mapping, earthquake damage assessments, flood monitoring, hazard mapping and damage assessments.

These typically require from smaller area detailed images to larger area courser-detail images. Many situations also require cloud-penetrating radar imagery for efficient analysis and response-support. Much time is wasted on administrative routines for ordering individual satellite images from different vendors.

Based on the above, UNOSAT has identified a need for a 24/7 satellite image multi-mission order and download system. The system would allow for direct interface by UNOSAT specialists to order the required imagery from a range of satellites, both optical and radar, archive and new tasking, and automatic notifications when scenes are ready for download.

Such a streamlined ordering and delivery system will save on average half a day and contribute to even more timely services. Easy integration of vendor-provided meta-data (data about data, such as footprint of images, expected acquisition time etc) will need to be available for inclusion in the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System (GDACS) Satellite Mapping Coordination System (SMCS) operated by UNOSAT. This contributes to improved coordination and actors on the ground will know when map products and analyses can be expected.

Image purchase needs to be based on a subscription service, whereby an account is deducted directly.  There should be no paperwork involved for individual scene purchase. Instead, monthly invoices from data provider to UNITAR/UNOSAT should be sent. The maximum financial volume for satellite imagery purchase on an annual basis is estimated to US$1M, but could also be lower. This would allow for UNOSAT to also procure imagery on behalf of sister agencies and other partners.

Some companies operate with exclusive commercial geographical zones. The selected provider(s) must have license to sell imagery to UNOSAT based in Switzerland.

The contract duration is initially for 3 years, with the possibility of extending it for an additional two-year, one year at a time at the sole discretion of the United Nations Office at Geneva.

Specific information (if any) (e.g.: pre-evaluation or pre-requisite criteria, certification, etc.):
Proposals will be evaluated on the points below:

- Archive imagery as well as tasking capability
- Access to preferred optical and radar sensors
- Cloud coverage of specific feature of interest should justify returning the image (no cost)
- Global coverage
- Dedicated ordering system
- Subscription mechanism
- Near real time availability of the data after acquisition (24 hours max after image acquisition)
- Rapid delivery/Rush service
- Image service delivery
- FTP download availability
- Automatic notifications whene scenes are ready for download
- Provision of meta-data (such as footprint of images, expected acquisition time etc) by default
- Occasional ability to view full resolution samples
- Minimum of 5 user licenses per image (United Nations agencies considered as one user)
- User license flexibility (identify, communicate  and update when needed)
- Possibility to publicise and share imagery with media in higher resolution
- Responsive customer support (answer to queries within 24 hours max)
- Monthly invoicing
- Disaster recovery (in case of data loss, image made available at no additional cost)
- Annual meeting with vendor in Geneva for operational review, new services. 

Please submit your response by returning the form [<a href="/80256EDD006B8954/(httpAssets)/99AEDDC18DEBC335C1257A2200293471/$file/final_EOI_Response_Form+V1.4_en.Rev.pdf" target="_blank">] "Expression of Interest Response Form" [</a>] duly filled in by e-mail to [<ahref="mailto://tenders@unog.ch" target="_blank">]tenders@unog.ch[</a>] or by facsimile to +41(0)22 917 00 13. Responses must be received no later than 12:00 hours, Geneva time, on 06/09/13. All responses will be kept strictly confidential.