693JJ925RQ000073 Draft SOW.pdf

SECTION C - DESCRIPTION / SPECIFICATIONS / STATEMENT OF WORK

(DRAFT)

C.1 ACRONYMS

ACOR Alternate Contracting Officer’s Representative COR Contracting Officer’s Respresentative CPTI Contractor Purchased Test Items COR Contracting Officer’s Representative DOT Department of Transportation FAR Federal Acquisition Regulation FMVSS Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard NHTSA National Highway Traffic Safety Administration NPRM Notice of Proposed Rulemaking OVSC Office of Vehicle Safety Compliance QA/QC Quality Assurance/Quality Control TP Test Procedures

C.2 BACKGROUND

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is an operating administration of the United States Department of Transportation (DOT), and its mission is to save lives, prevent injuries, and reduce economic costs associated with motor vehicle crashes. As part of its mission to reduce fatalities and injuries caused by motor vehicle crashes, NHTSA promulgates Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS). Manufacturers of motor vehicles and items of motor vehicle equipment are required to certify that each product they sell in the United States meets the requirements of all applicable safety standards. NHTSA’s Office of Vehicle Safety Compliance (OVSC) is charged with determining whether manufacturers meet the applicable safety standards. This contract effort will enable the agency to meet its mission by assuring that motor vehicles meet the requirements of FMVSS No. 116, Motor vehicle brake fluids.

FMVSS No. 116 establishes minimum performance requirements for motor vehicle brake fluid designed for use in hydraulic motor vehicle brake systems. The purpose of FMVSS No. 116 is to reduce failures in the hydraulic braking systems of motor vehicles which may occur because of the manufacture or use of improper or contaminated fluid. The requirements for compliance testing of motor vehicle brake fluid include testing such components to the test requirements of FMVSS No. 116 as specified in TP-116-04.

The purpose of this Contract is to procure testing services, inspection services, and reports so that the Government can determine whether brake fluids comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 116.

C.3 DEFINITIONS

Test Items – Refers to the fluids used in hydraulic brake systems of motor vehicles, containers for these fluids, and the labeling of the containers for these fluids.

Government Furnished Test Items (GFTI) – Refers to test items owned or acquired by the Government and subsequently provided to the Contractor for use in the performance of the contract. The government is the owner of all GFTI.

Contractor Purchased Test items (CPTI) – Refers to test items purchased by the Contractor for use in the performance of the contract. Title to CPTI vests with the government.

Non-Conforming Test – Refers to a Contractor-performed test that does not comply with applicable Office of Vehicle Safety Compliance (OSVC) test procedure (TP) requirements and contract requirements applicable to that test. Refer to Section H.2 for instructions on how non-conforming tests are to be handled.

Test Passed – Refers to testing that the Contractor conducted successfully and the test item being tested met the FMVSS standards.

Test Failure – Refers to testing that the Contractor conducted correctly, but the test item being tested failed to meet the FMVSS standards. Refer to Section F.8, for instructions on how test failures are to be handled.

C.4 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

The services under this contract are necessary to assist the Government in its enforcement efforts for Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No.116, Motor vehicle brake fluids.

The Contractor shall furnish the necessary qualified technical personnel, facilities, materials, equipment, and services to perform the procurement, receipt, inventory, inspection, testing, reporting, storage, and disposal of the GFTI or items purchased by the Contractor as CPTI.

The Contractor shall provide additional information specific to the tests conducted for NHTSA, including, but not limited to: test data, photos, video, details about the test set up, test observations, details about the test item configuration, etc.

Subcontracting is not permitted under this contract with the exception of calibration services as required under this contract. Subcontracting of tests or any portion of a test is NOT permitted (Section H.9).

C.5 KICK OFF MEETING

Within two (2) weeks of the effective date of the contract, the Contractor shall participate in a Kickoff meeting with the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR), Contracting Officer (CO), and other NHTSA staff. The Kickoff meeting shall take place via teleconference. This meeting will be approximately two hours in length. The Contractor shall make a brief presentation of their understanding of the contract requirements. After the presentation, the parties shall discuss basic contract requirements, including the schedule for testing and deliverables.

C.6 PRELIMINARY DOCUMENTS

*Within four (4) weeks of the effective date of the contract, the Contractor shall provide one copy of the following documents:

• Contractor Test Procedure for each Enforcement Test;

• Checklist for conducting each Enforcement Test;

• Calibration procedure for instrumentation per the requirements stated in the OVSC Test

Procedure (TP-116-04). Guidelines for setting up and maintaining a test instrumentation calibration system are described in ANSI/NCSL Z540-1-199, Calibration Systems Requirements. All measuring and recording instruments and standards shall be calibrated by the Contractor, or by a commercial facility at the Contractor’s expense, against a higher order standard at periodic intervals not exceeding twelve (12) months;

• A list of measurement and test equipment used for enforcement testing; the list shall provide the following information for each item of measurement and test equipment:

1. Manufacturer name;

2. Model number;

3. Function of the item;

4. Calibration interval.

The Contractor shall not begin testing until all preliminary documents have been reviewed and approved by the COR.

Any problems associated with the above documents must be resolved with the COR prior to the start of testing.

Copies of the above documents shall be submitted electronically via email, unless otherwise specified by the COR.

*Contractors should provide the preliminary documents as soon as possible after the start of the contract. Once approval of the preliminary documents has been provided, the Contractor may begin testing immediately consistent with the other terms of the contract.

C.7 PROCURING TEST ITEMS – CPTI SERVICE CHARGE

The Contractor shall procure test items, CPTI, in accordance with the terms of a Delivery Order.

Each delivery order that includes CPTI will identify the brake fluids’ type and quantity, amount of fluid required, and estimated cost. The Contractor shall place the order for each CPTI in accordance with the timeframe specified in Section F.4, Performance Milestones and Deliverables, after receipt of a delivery order.

The Contractor shall complete all transactions required to purchase the CPTI, including but not limited to:

• Placing the purchase order for the CPTI with the suggested manufacturer/vendor, if a suggested manufacturer/vendor is identified;

• Providing the manufacturer/vendor with special order/instructions as needed;

• Inspecting the CPTI when received and resolving deficiencies or any identified issues with the supplier. Deficiencies may include damage in transit, missing info/parts, etc.

• Paying the manufacturer/vendor for the brake fluid ordered once any deficiencies have been resolved.

The Contractor shall notify the COR of all purchase orders placed as well as receipt of the purchased test items in accordance with the timeframes specified in Section F.4. The Contractor shall retain all documents for each CPTI until disposition instructions are provided by the COR.

The CPTI identified in the delivery order is subject to change by the NHTSA COR provided that

(1) the cost for the test item does not exceed the funds available for procuring the CPTI and that

(2) the Contractor has not begun fulfilling the order.

The cost of obtaining the CPTI charged to the government will equal the actual cost paid by the Contractor to the brake fluid manufacturer/vendor for the test items (plus any associated shipping and handling costs, as applicable) along with the firm-fixed price service charge identified in the price schedule. The procurement of multiple containers of same (brand, type) brake fluid from a single manufacturer, shall incur a single service charge. The Contractor’s invoice shall include copies of the brake fluid’s manufacturer/vendor’s invoice(s).

Title to CPTI will vest with the government.

C.8 RECEIVING AND INSPECTING TEST ITEMS

The Contractor shall verify that the CPTI and GFTI delivered were not damaged in transit or show evidence of mishandling during shipment (e.g., test items were properly secured for shipping; test items are the correct type and quantity ordered; etc.). The Contractor shall document any discrepancy or damage identified, e.g., incorrect/incomplete items, and notify the Government. The parties will determine the appropriate steps to replace CPTI and GFTI damaged in transit.

In the event of discrepancies or damage related to the CPTI and GFTI received, the Contractor shall ensure that the manufacturer/vendor resolves any issues. The Contractor shall return items to the manufacturer/vendor, if required, and shall ensure that the manufacturer/vendor provides correct replacement items in return to the Contractor.

C.9 STORAGE/DISPOSING AND INVENTORY/SECURITY OF CPTI/GFTI

C.9.1 Storage/Disposing

All CPTI and GFTI shall be stored and disposed at no additional cost to the Government. The Contractor shall store all CPTI and GFTI until receipt of disposition instructions from the Government. Typically, disposition instructions will be provided by the COR via e-mail after all testing, inspection and acceptance of the final test reports for a delivery order has been completed.

Test items which have “failed” compliance requirements, and also any unused test items identical to test items which have “failed” compliance requirements, shall be stored by the Contractor until the end of the contract term or two years, whichever is longer. Storage of test samples for this period of time shall be at no additional cost to the Government.

Upon direction by the COR and in preparation for disposal, the Contractor shall dispose of materials in accordance with local environmental laws; ensure the test items are not used in motor vehicles, at no additional cost to the Government.

C.9.2 Security of Test Items and Data

The Contractor shall provide security measures to protect GFTI or CPTI during the entire testing and storage periods. Theft or damage not due to testing, and acts of vandalism must be reported to the COR immediately after discovery. The Contractor may be held responsible for the repair or replacement of any GFTI or CPTI that is damaged or missing.

C.10 TESTING

C.10.1 Enforcement Tests

There is one type of enforcement test required, but uses different requirements, depending on if the fluid is a DOT 3, 4 or 5 brake fluid (For example, a container with DOT 3 brake fluid would be tested to each of the requirements as applicable, and would only be subject to the DOT 3 requirement on each test). For each brake fluid test ordered, it will include testing to each and every requirement as applicable.

A description of each test is provided below.

• Equilibrium reflux boiling point (ERBP) (per S5.1.1); Refers to a brake fluid that is tested according to S6.1, for which the ERBP shall not be less than the following value for the grade indicated:

(a) DOT 3: 205 °C. (401 °F.).

(b) DOT 4: 230 °C. (446 °F.).

(c) DOT 5: 260 °C. (500 °F.).

• Wet Equilibrium reflux boiling point (wet ERBP) (per S5.1.2); Refers to a brake fluid that is tested according to S6.2, for which the wet ERBP shall not be less than the following value for the grade indicated:

(a) DOT 3: 140 °C. (284 °F.).

(b) DOT 4: 155 °C. (331 °F.).

(c) DOT 5: 180 °C. (356 °F.).

• Kinematic viscosities (per S5.1.3); Refers to a brake fluid is tested according to S6.3, for which the kinematic viscosities in square millimeters per second at stated temperatures shall be neither less than 1.5 mm2/s at 100 °C. (212 °F.) nor more than the following maximum value for the grade indicated:

(a) DOT 3: 1,500 mm2/s at minus 40 °C. (minus 40 °F.).

(b) DOT 4: 1,800 mm2/s at minus 40 °C. (minus 40 °F.).

(c) DOT 5: 900 mm2/s at minus 40 °C. (minus 40 °F.).

• pH Value (per S5.1.4); Refers to brake fluid, except DOT 5 SBBF, which has been tested according to S6.4, the pH value shall not be less than 7.0 nor more than 11.5.

• Brake Fluid Stability (per S5.1.5) High-temperature stability; Refers to a brake fluid that has been tested according to S6.5.3. for which the ERBP shall not change by more than 3 °C. (5.4 °F.) plus 0.05° for each degree that the ERBP of the fluid exceeds 225 °C. (437 °F.).

Chemical stability; Refers to a brake fluid, except DOT 5 SBBF, that has been tested according to S6.5.4, for which the change in temperature of the refluxing fluid mixture shall not exceed 3.0 °C (5.4 °F.) plus 0.05° for each degree that the ERBP of the fluid exceeds 225 °C (437 °F.).

• Corrosion (per S5.1.6); Refers to a brake fluid that has been tested according to S6.6—

(a) The metal test strips shall not show weight changes exceeding the limits stated in Table I found in the standard.

(b) Excluding the area of contact (13±1 mm. (1⁄2 ±1⁄32 inch) measured from the bolt hole end of the test strip), the metal test strips shall not show pitting or etching to an extent discernible without magnification;

(c) The water-wet brake fluid at the end of the test shall show no jelling at 23 ±5 °C (73.4 ±9 °F.);

(d) No crystalline deposit shall form and adhere to either the glass jar walls or the surface of the metal strips;

(e) At the end of the test, sedimentation of the water-wet brake fluid shall not exceed 0.10 percent by volume;

(f) The pH value of water-wet brake fluid, except DOT 5 SBBF, at the end of the test shall not be less than 7.0 nor more than 11.5;

(g) The cups at the end of the test shall show no disintegration, as evidenced by blisters or sloughing;

(h) The hardness of the cup shall not decrease by more than 15 International Rubber Hardness Degrees (IRHD); and

(i) The base diameter of the cups shall not increase by more than 1.4 mm. (0.055 inch).

• Fluidity and Appearance (Low temperature) (per S5.1.7): Refers to a brake fluid that has been tested according to S6.7, at the storage temperature and for the storage times given in Table II in the standard —

(a) The fluid shall show no sludging, sedimentation, crystallization, or stratification;

(b) Upon inversion of the sample bottle, the time required for the air bubble to travel to the top of the fluid shall not exceed the bubble flow times shown in Table II; and

(c) On warming to room temperature, the fluid shall resume the appearance and fluidity that it had before chilling.

• Water Tolerance (per S5.1.9); Refers to a brake fluid that:

(a) At low temperature. When brake fluid is tested according to S6.9.3(a)—

(1) The fluid shall show no sludging, sedimentation, crystallization, or stratification;

(2) Upon inversion of the centrifuge tube, the air bubble shall travel to the top of the fluid in not more than 10 seconds;

(3) If cloudiness has developed, the wet fluid shall regain its original clarity and fluidity when warmed to room temperature; and

(b) At 60 °C. (140 °F.). When brake fluid is tested according to S6.9.3(b)—

(1) The fluid shall show no stratification; and

(2) Sedimentation shall not exceed 0.15 percent by volume after centrifuging.

• Compatibility (per S5.1.10); Refers to a brake fluid that:

(a) At low temperature. When brake fluid is tested according to S6.10.3(a), the test specimen shall show no sludging, sedimentation, or crystallization. In addition, fluids, except DOT 5 SBBF, shall show no stratification.

(b) At 60 °C. (140 °F.). When brake fluid is tested according to S6.10.3(b)—

(1) Sedimentation shall not exceed 0.05 percent by volume after centrifuging;

and

(2) Fluids, except DOT 5 SBBF, shall show no stratification.

• Resistance to Oxidation (per S5.1.11); Refers to a brake fluid that has been tested according to S6.11—

(a) The metal test strips outside the areas in contact with the tinfoil shall not show pitting or etching to an extent discernible without magnification;

(b) No more than a trace of gum shall be deposited on the test strips outside the areas in contact with the tinfoil;

(c) The aluminum strips shall not change in weight by more than 0.05 mg./sq.

cm.; and

(d) The cast iron strips shall not change in weight by more than 0.3 mg./sq. cm.

• Effect on SBR Cups (per S5.1.12); Refers to a set of brake cups that have been subjected to brake fluid in accordance with S6.12—

(a) The increase in the diameter of the base of the cups shall be not less than 0.15

mm. (0.006 inch) or more than 1.40 mm. (0.055 inch);

(b) The decrease in hardness of the cups shall be not more than 10 IRHD at 70 °C.

(158 °F.) or more than 15 IRHD at 120 °C. (248 °F.), and there shall be no increase in hardness of the cups; and

(c) The cups shall show no disintegration as evidenced by stickiness, blisters, or sloughing.

• Stroking Properties (per S5.1.13); Refers to a brake fluid that has been tested according to

S6.13—

a) Metal parts of the test system shall show no pitting or etching to an extent discernible without magnification;

b) The change in diameter of any cylinder or piston shall not exceed 0.13 mm.

(0.005 inch);

c) The average decrease in hardness of seven of the eight cups tested (six wheel cylinder and one master cylinder primary) shall not exceed 15 IRHD. Not more than one of the seven cups shall have a decrease in hardness greater than 17

IRHD;

d) None of the eight cups shall be in an unsatisfactory operating condition as evidenced by stickiness, scuffing, blisters, cracking, chipping, or other change in shape from its original appearance;

e) None of the eight cups shall show an increase in base diameter greater than 0.90 mm (0.035 inch);

f) The average lip diameter set of the eight cups shall not be greater than 65 percent.

g) During any period of 24,000 strokes, the volume loss of fluid shall not exceed 36 milliliters;

h) The cylinder pistons shall not freeze or function improperly throughout the test;

i) The total loss of fluid during the 100 strokes at the end of the test shall not exceed

36 milliliters;

j) The fluid at the end of the test shall show no formation of gels;

k) At the end of the test the amount of sediment shall not exceed 1.5 percent by volume; and

l) Brake cylinders shall be free of deposits that are abrasive or that cannot be removed when rubbed moderately with a nonabrasive cloth wetted with ethanol.

• Fluid Color (per S5.1.14); Refers to a Brake fluid or hydraulic system mineral oil, which shall be of the color indicated:

DOT 3, DOT 4, and DOT 5.1 non-SBBF—colorless to amber.

DOT 5 SBBF—purple.

Hydraulic system mineral oil—green.

C.10.2 Test Procedures

The Contractor shall perform all the work in accordance with the testing requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 116, “Brake Fluids” and TP-116-04; “Laboratory Test Procedure for FMVSS 116, “Motor Vehicle Brake Fluids” dated April 22, 2005. The OVSC Test Procedure TP-116-04 is attached (Section J) and is incorporated into this contract. The testing procedures specified in FMVSS No. 116 and TP-116-04, will be referred to hereinafter as the “OVSC Test Procedure”.

Any test procedures used by the Contractor which are “in-house” procedures or which are different from the OVSC Test Procedure as defined above, will be referred to hereinafter as “Contractor Test Procedure.”

Any issue with the test procedures prescribed herein must be presented to the COR for discussion and resolution prior to conducting a test. The Contractor shall notify the COR by email of any issue with the test procedures, e.g., question, apparent conflict or ambiguity.

Failure to agree on a resolution shall be resolved in accordance with the Disputes Clause of the contract.

C.10.3 Deviation from OVSC Test Procedures

The Contractor shall conduct testing only in accordance with the approved test procedures (i.e., OVSC Test Procedure and Contractor’s Test Procedure) and the applicable FMVSS and shall notify the COR, in advance, if any deviation from the approved test procedures are necessary.

The Contractor shall receive approval from the COR prior to initiating any deviations from the test procedures. The COR is authorized to approve and require deviations from approved test procedures as long as that deviation does not affect the prices stated in this contract.

C.11 MEASUREMENT AND TEST EQUIPMENT

All measurement and test equipment and standards used in the performance of services under this contract shall be labeled with the following information:

• Date and place of last calibration;

• Date of next scheduled calibration;

• Name of technician or commercial business performing the calibration;

• Full scale measurement range;

• Accuracy and tolerance over the entire measurement range or within the range used for testing.

Accuracy and tolerance of measured values shall be indicated on all charts, graphs, tracings, data printouts, and other hard copy output of test measurements and results.

The Contractor shall maintain records which show the traceability of calibrated measurement and test equipment to standards maintained by the National Institute of Standards and Technology.