Stage 2 - Biosecurity Remote Sensing Project

As the South East Queensland (SEQ) fire ant infestation covers an area greater than 400,000 ha, the National Red Imported Fire Ant Eradication Program (the Program) requires a cost effective and accurate means to survey vast areas for the presence of the red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta; fire ant).

Previously remote sensing activities utilised the Red, Green and Blue (RGB); Near Infrared (NIR); and thermal wavelengths to detect fire ant mounds. Through the provision of research and development services, the Program aims to determine whether these previously used wavelengths are in fact best suited to identifying fire ant mounds or if the use of other wavelengths, in addition to or as an alternative, will provide more accurate results.

The requirements for services are separated into the following three distinct, yet highly interdependent activities.

1. Broad Scale Remote Sensing Surveillance – provision of a broad scale fire ant remote sensing surveillance solution to cost effectively and accurately survey in excess of 400,000 ha with the use of helicopters and/or fixed wing aircraft.
2. Targeted Remote Sensing Surveillance – provision of a targeted fire ant remote sensing surveillance solution to effectively, efficiently and accurately survey particular areas of interest with the use of UAV or other appropriate technology.
3. Imagery Analysis / Detection Algorithm - development of an image analysis and fire ant mound detection algorithm(s) to analyse the imagery collected by the broad scale and targeted remote sensing solutions.

For detailed information on the specific goods / services sought under this tender, please review the attached documents.

For reference to the technical specifications of the previous remote sensing solution, please refer to Appendix A of these Contract Details.
The Supplier is to comply with the Biosecurity Aviation Safety Policy, set out in Appendix B of these Contract Details.