NA_&_K_CHEM_FIRE_EXTINGUSIHING_STNDS_SOW.docx

RFQ 70Z02319QMSE08600

STATEMENT OF WORK

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (DHS)

U.S. COAST GUARD (USCG)

COMMERCIAL REGULATIONS & STANDARDS DIRECTORATE (CG-5PS)

STATEMENT OF WORK (SOW)

FOR

DEVELOPMENT OF SODIUM AND POTASSIUM CHEMICAL FIRE EXTINGUISHING STANDARDS

1.0 GENERAL

1.1 BACKGROUND

The Commercial Regulations & Standards Directorate (CG-5PS) of the United States Coast Guard (USCG) is responsible for the approval of fire protection equipment carried on U. S.-flagged vessels and for the development and maintenance of the standards and regulations that form the basis for those approvals. As part of that process, the USCG aids in the development of standards at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in the Marine Safety Committee (MSC) and Ship Systems and Equipment (SSE) Subcommittee. IMO members have proposed to ban sodium-based agents used in dry chemical fire extinguishing systems that are used on Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) tankers as well as LNG fueled vessels. This proposed ban is based on anecdotal evidence that sodium-based agents are prone to caking and clogging, as well as the belief that they are less efficient than potassium based agents. This ban would affect the US shipping industry.

CG-5PS plans to investigate the differences in sodium-based and potassium-based dry chemical agents by testing combinations of Contractor made raw, milled, sifted, weathered, with and without additives, as well as commercially available off the shelf sodium-based and potassium-based agents, to determine what, if any, technical basis exists for banning specific agents. We would like to analyze these agents susceptibility to clogging and caking by using the industry consensus standards International Standards Organization (ISO) 7202 and Underwriters Laboratories (UL) 1254, and to look into the performance effects of dry chemical agents due to high heat, vibration, and environmental conditioning. After evaluating specimens to ISO 7202 and UL 1254 we require an assessment of the test methods in order to identify if the standards adequately predict an agents tendency to clog or cake in the marine environment.

After the preliminary testing of dry chemical agent properties, we require pool fire testing of both weathered and not weathered commercially available sodium and potassium-based fire extinguishing dry chemical systems as well as the Contractor made dry chemical mixtures to evaluate their firefighting performance, as well as their caking, clogging, and discharge characteristics.

Upon completion of testing and the subsequent acceptance of the performance report, the USCG may require the contractor to send a representative(s) to present the report during the next IMO SSE meeting in London on 2-6 March 2020 [at the invitation of the IMO and approval of the US Department of State].

1.2 SCOPE

Determine the suitability of sodium and potassium dry chemical fire extinguishing agents for use in the marine environment and their firefighting capability. We require an evaluation of the dry chemical’s susceptibility to clogging and caking after aging, as well as the effectiveness of ISO and UL test methods. This SOW includes both base and optional requirements.

1.3 OBJECTIVE

CG-5PS requires testing of sodium and potassium dry chemical agents to determine the appropriateness of banning sodium-based agents.

1.4 APPLICABLE DOCUMENTS

1.4.1 Reference Documents/Resources

The following documents or resources may be helpful to the Contractor in performing the work described in this document, the latest editions of each documents to be used:

· ISO 7202

· ISO 7165

· UL 299

· UL 711

· UL 1254

1.5 DEFINITIONS

Additives – Additives are compounds commonly added to the active ingredient in dry extinguishing agents in order to boost its fire performance or resistance to the effect of environmental conditions. This includes compounds such as stabilizers, anti-static agents, and hygroscopic substances (such as desiccants). Examples of such include mica, clay, silica, resin coatings, polysiloxanes.

Weathered –Conditioning to simulate long duration storage in the marine environment, including subjection of samples to humidity and salt water environment in a cyclic temperature conditioning process involving exposure of samples to a total of 10 cycles of heat and cold consisting of 8 hours at 30 degrees Celsius followed by exposure to temperatures of +65 degrees Celsius for 8 hours.

IMO- International Maritime Organization, headquartered in London, United Kingdom.

ISO- International Standards Organization

% - Percentages in this document are to be considered nominal or approximate.

Potassium (K) Based - Fire extinguishing dry chemical agents the major component of which is potassium. An example is potassium bicarbonate.

Sodium (Na) Based –Fire extinguishing dry chemical agents a major component of which is sodium. An example is sodium bicarbonate.

2.0 SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS/TASKS

The Contractor shall make and test sodium and potassium based agent mixtures as well as commercially available products to ISO 7202 and UL 1254 to evaluate the standard test methods and determine if the standard adequately identifies agents, additives, or products that are susceptible to clogging or caking when subjected to the marine environmental conditions.

2.1 PHASE 1 – PRELIMINARY DRY CHEMICAL AND STANDARDS ANALYSIS

2.1.1 Caking and clogging sample selection

Sodium and potassium-based agents to be tested in Phase 1 are listed below. This testing shall be done with the intent to determine susceptibility of agents to caking and clogging, and to determine the effectiveness of ISO 7202 and UL 1254 with respect to discriminating against specimens that are prone to clogging and caking.

All variation in specimens shall be minimized between samples, e.g., the same additives should be used between products, the same conditioning or relative milling and sifting, as well as the same or similar pressure vessels, siphon tubes etc.

Table 1

2.1.2 TASK 1 – ISO 7202 and UL 1254/UL 299 testing, and property analysis

The Contractor shall test each of the samples listed in 2.1.1, Table 1, a minimum of 3 times to determine the dry chemical properties in accordance with the following:

1) ISO 7202

a. Clause 13.4 Fluidity Testing

b. Clause 13.5 Test for resistance to caking and lumping, however the test temperature to be used shall be at least 60°C

c. Clause 13.6 Water repellence test

d. Clause 13.7 Test method for moisture content - Absorbance by sulfuric acid

e. Clause 13.9 Moisture absorption testing

2) UL 1254 / UL 299

a. Hygroscopicity test

b. Elevated Temperature Test

c. Heat Cyclic test

d. General agent tests

e. Exposure to extinguishing agent test

3) ISO 11358 Specimen Degradation Tests

a. Thermogravimetric Analysis with a minimum temperature of 50°C

The deliverables for this Task include:

1) Material and specimen composition and information.

2) Test data for each data run, including overall test results.

3) Assessment of the susceptibility to sodium and potassium-based agents to clogging and caking.

4) Assessment of the test methods used to determine clogging and caking.

2.1.3 OPTION 1 – Optional ISO 7202and UL 1254/UL 299 testing, and property analysis At the direction of the Government, the Contractor shall test up to sixteen additional samples to be determined by the Government, after reviewing the results of Task 1. Samples shall be similar to those listed in Table 1 (2.1.1). These samples may include changes such as different additives, milling, sifting, or weathering requirements. These samples shall be tested to the following:

1) ISO 7202

a. Clause 13.4 Fluidity Testing

b. Clause 13.5 Test for resistance to caking and lumping, however the test temperature to be used shall be at least 60°C

c. Clause 13.6 Water repellence test

d. Clause 13.7 Test method for moisture content - Absorbance by sulfuric acid

e. Clause 13.9 Moisture absorption testing

2) UL 1254 / UL 299

a. Hygroscopicity test

b. Heat Cyclic test

c. General agent tests

d. Exposure to extinguishing agent test

3) ISO 11358 Specimen Degradation Tests

a. Thermogravimetric Analysis with a minimum temperature of 50°C

The deliverables for this Task include:

1) Material and specimen composition and information.

2) Test data for each data run, including overall test results

3) Assessment of the susceptibility to sodium and potassium based agents to clogging and caking

4) Assessment of the test methods used to determine clogging and caking.

2.2 PHASE 2 – FIRE PERFORMANCE TESTING

2.2.1 Phase 2 sample selection

The samples to be used in Phase 2 include the following:

1) Three commercially available off-the-shelf sodium-based dry chemical fire-extinguishing products, in both a weathered and ‘as bought’ condition.

2) Three commercially available off-the-shelf potassium-based dry chemical fire-extinguishing products, in both a weathered and ‘as bought’ condition.

3) Two commercially available off-the-shelf dry chemical fire-extinguishing products that are neither sodium nor potassium-based, in both a weathered and ‘as bought’ condition.

4) Between four and eight representative samples from testing in Phase 1, 2.1.2 and/or 2.1.3, as selected by the Government.

5) Six mixtures of products from Phase 1, as indicated in Table 2 below.

Table 2

2.2.2 TASK 2 – Additional ISO 7202 and UL 1254/UL 299 testing, and property analysis The Contractor shall test the samples noted in 2.2.1, which were not already tested under Phase 1 (2.1.2 or 2.1.3), a minimum of 3 times to determine the dry chemical properties in accordance to:

1) ISO 7202

a. Clause 13.4 Fluidity Testing

b. Clause 13.5 Test for resistance to caking and lumping, however the test temperature to be used shall be at least 60°C

c. Clause 13.6 Water repellence test

d. Clause 13.7 Test method for moisture content - Absorbance by sulfuric acid

e. Clause 13.9 Moisture absorption testing

2) UL 1254 / UL 299

a. Hygroscopicity test

b. Heat Cyclic test

c. General agent tests

d. Exposure to extinguishing agent test

3) ISO 11358 Specimen Degradation Tests

a. Thermogravimetric Analysis with a minimum temperature of 50°C

The deliverables for this Task include:

1) Test data and results, including descriptions of the commercial products selected.

2) Assessment of the susceptibility of agents to clogging and caking.

2.2.3 TASK 3 – Fire Performance Testing

The Contractor shall perform heptane pool firefighting tests using the following test methods:

1) ISO 7165

2) UL 711

The samples to be tested include all those listed in 2.2.1, and shall be run a minimum of two times.

The Contractor shall measure:

1) Discharge pressures at the inlet of a fixed monitor (or at the hand hose)

2) Discharge pressure at outlet of the dry chemical powder container

3) Mass of dry chemical powder before and after the test

4) Discharge duration

5) Agent flow rate

6) Discharge distance, and discharge properties

1. Test results detailing pool fire results for the samples specified in 2.2.1, including a description of the test methods, specimen descriptions, discharge properties, fire test results, and all data the contractor is required to measure. Results shall include the time to extinguishment and the amount of agent required for extinguishment.

2.3 – REPORTS AND PRESENTATION

2.3.1 TASK 4 – Interim report on caking and clogging

Using the data gained in Phase 1 (2.1) and Phase 2 (2.2), the Contractor shall provide an interim report to the USCG no later than December 13, 2019, covering all test data and results gained up until December 06 2019.

This report's focus shall be on caking and clogging of dry chemical agents, as well an analysis of the test methods and their effectiveness at determining which samples are prone to clogging and caking. It shall also include conclusions of the testing, and future recommendations for further study.

The report shall meet all the requirements in SOW 4.9 and be written in a professional final product quality in a style suitable for conference presentation.

1) Professional quality completed Interim report, detailing test results from Phase 1 (2.1) and Phase 2 (2.2) submitted no later than December 13, 2019.

2.3.2 TASK 5 – Final report

The Contractor, using the data gained under Phase 1 (2.1) and Phase 2 (2.2), shall provide a summary report to the USCG no later than February 7, 2020. This report shall include or be based on the Interim Report provided in 2.3.1 and include additional data, analysis, conclusions and future study recommendations found in Phase 1 and Phase 2 that have completed since drafting of the Interim Report.

The report shall meet all the requirements in SOW 4.9 and be written in a professional final product quality in a style suitable for conference presentation

1) Professional quality completed report, detailing test results from Phase 1 (2.1) and Phase 2 (2.2).

2.3.3 OPTION 2 - Presentation of results

The Contractor shall provide one to two individuals to present the results of the testing and reports in Phases 1 and 2 at the seventh session of the IMO Sub-Committee on Ship Systems and Equipment in London, United Kingdom during the week of March 2 to March 6, 2020. The presenter(s) may be invited to join the US delegation, following approval by the Department of State, to participate in the Fire Protection Working Group to assist in the development of the dry chemical powder fire extinguishing standards at IMO.

The Contractor shall submit the presentation to the USCG for the government’s review no later than February 7, 2020.

Deliverables for this Option Include:

1. Presentation documents submitted to the USCG before February 7, 2020.

2. Presentation at the IMO meeting and participation in the Fire Protection Working Group on March 2 through 6, 2020.

3.0 PERSONNEL AND QUALIFICATION

3.1 Qualified Personnel

The Contractor shall provide qualified personnel to perform all requirements specified in this SOW. Qualified personnel shall have experience and familiarity with:

1. All reference documents in SOW 1.4.1;

2. The limitations and capabilities of dry chemical fire extinguishing systems both sodium and potassium;

3. Fire test procedures including quality control testing to evaluate products which can cake and/or clog;

4. Thermogravitic analysis;

5. Heptane pool fire testing.

3.2 Key Personnel

Before replacing any individual designated as Key by the Government, the Contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer no less than fifteen (15) business days in advance, submit written justification for replacement, and provide the name and qualifications of any proposed substitute(s). All proposed substitutes shall possess qualifications equal to or superior to those of the Key person being replaced. The Contractor shall not replace Key Contractor personnel without acknowledgment from the Contracting Officer. The following Contractor personnel are designated as Key for this requirement: Project Manager/Senior Level Contractor Employee actively engaged in the effort.

3.3 Project Manager

The Contractor shall provide a Project Manager who shall be responsible for all Contractor work performed under this SOW. The Project Manager shall be a single point of contact for the Contracting Officer and the COR. It is anticipated that the Project Manager shall be one of the senior level employees provided by the Contractor for this work effort. The name of the Project Manager, and the name(s) of any alternate(s) who shall act for the Contractor in the absence of the Project Manager, shall be provided to the Government as part of the Contractor's proposal. The Project Manager is further designated as Key by the Government. During any absence of the Project Manager, only one alternate shall have full authority to act for the Contractor on all matters relating to work performed under this contract. The Project Manager and all designated alternates shall be able to read, write, speak and understand English. Additionally, the Contractor shall not replace the Project Manager without prior acknowledgement from the Contracting Officer.

3.3.1 The Project Manager shall be available to the COR via telephone between the hours of 0800 and 1600 (ET), Monday through Friday, and shall respond to a request for discussion or resolution of technical problems within four (4) hours of notification.

3.4 Employee Identification

Contractor employees visiting Government facilities shall wear an identification badge that, at a minimum, displays the Contractor name, the employee’s photo, name, clearance-level and badge expiration date. Visiting Contractor employees shall comply with all Government escort rules and requirements. All Contractor employees shall identify themselves as Contractors when their status is not readily apparent and display all identification and visitor badges in plain view above the waist at all times.

3.5 Employee Conduct

Contractor’s employees shall comply with all applicable Government regulations, policies and procedures (e.g., fire, safety, sanitation, environmental protection, security, “off limits” areas, wearing of parts of DHS uniforms, and possession of weapons) when visiting or working at Government facilities or on the Government’s behalf. The Contractor shall ensure Contractor employees present a professional appearance at all times and that their conduct shall not reflect discredit on the United States or the Department of Homeland Security or Department of State. The Project Manager shall ensure Contractor employees understand and abide by Department of Homeland Security and Department of State established rules, regulations and policies concerning safety and security.

3.6 Removing Employees for Misconduct or Security Reasons

The Government may, at its sole discretion (via the Contracting Officer*), direct the Contractor to remove any Contractor employee from DHS facilities for misconduct or security reasons. Removal does not relieve the Contractor of the responsibility to continue providing the services required under the contract. The Contracting Officer will provide the Contractor with a written explanation to support any request to remove an employee.

4.0 OTHER APPLICABLE CONDITIONS

4.1 SECURITY

All personnel working on-site or internationally on behalf of the Department of State shall, at a minimum, possess an active, completed, suitability investigation, to include a National Agency Check with Inquiries (NACI), and a favorable completion of Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) fingerprint check, or a DoD-determined equivalent investigation, or a higher level security clearance at the time of contract on-boarding. In addition Contractor personnel who are to be on the IMO Delegation to SSE under Option 2 must be US citizens.

4.2 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

The period of performance for this task order is from July1st 2019 until June 27th 2020.

4.3 PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

The primary place of performance will be the Contractor’s facilities.

4.4 TRAVEL

Contractor travel beyond the minimum local commuting area of 50 miles from the primary place of performance designated in this order may be required through one or more visits to meetings established by the USCG. The Government will not reimburse the Contractor for travel to the primary place of performance. All travel required by the Government outside the local commuting area(s) will be reimbursed to the Contractor in accordance with FAR 31.205-46. The local commuting area is defined as a minimum driving distance of 50 miles, by the most direct route, from the primary place of performance. The Contractor shall obtain advance approval from the COR (electronic mail is acceptable) for all reimbursable travel not included in the Contractor’s proposal.

4.5 POST AWARD CONFERENCE

The Contractor shall attend a Post Award Conference with the Contracting Officer and the COR no later than (NLT) five (5) business days after the date of award. The purpose of the Post Award Conference, which will be chaired by the Contracting Officer, is to discuss technical and contracting objectives of this contract and review the Contractor's draft project plan. The Post Award Conference will be held at US Coast Guard Headquarters, 2703 Martin Luther King Jr Ave SE, Washington DC 20593-7418, or via teleconference.

4.6 PROJECT PLAN

The Contractor shall provide a Draft Project Plan for this SOW at the Post Award Conference for Government review and comment. The Contractor shall provide a Final Project Plan to the COR NLT five (5) business days after receiving Government comments on the draft. The Project Plan shall outline the management of required tasks and the methods to track the performance of all tasks described in this SOW. It shall also outline the plan of completion in accordance with overall delivery schedule.

4.7 PROGRESS MEETINGS

The Contractor’s Project Manager shall be available to meet with the USCG COR and Technical Project Manager on a monthly basis, or upon request to present deliverables, discuss progress, exchange information, or resolve emergent technical matters. Meetings will take place at Government's facility or by conference call as agreed between both parties. The Project Manager shall draft and distribute the minutes of each progress meeting NLT two (2) working days after the meeting takes place.

4.8 GENERAL REPORT REQUIREMENTS

The Contractor shall provide all written reports in electronic format with read/write capability using applications that are compatible with DHS workstations (Windows 10 and Microsoft Office Applications). Reports shall provide an objective basis for all estimates. The report shall document all assumptions, data sources and analysis. Each report shall include an executive summary.

Due to USCG Internet restrictions, electronic mail attachments over 10 MB in size will not be accepted. The Contractor shall provide any electronic deliverable exceeding 10 MB on CD-ROM.

In addition to the above the reports must:

1. Not include proprietary data, or commercially identifiable information.

2. Be available for republication by the USCG with the intent that it may be submitted to IMO for publication.

4.9 INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

The Government will be granted an unlimited license to all Contractor developed data as well as other forms of intellectual property first developed under this order (unless otherwise specifically stated in the order or contract). Upon five business days notice the contractor shall provide at no additional cost, electronic copies of all materials first developed under this contract in a format with read and write capability using applications that are compatible with USCG work stations.

4.10 PROTECTION OF INFORMATION

Contractor access to proprietary information may be required under this SOW. Contractor employees shall safeguard this information against unauthorized disclosure or dissemination in accordance with the law and Government policy and regulation.

5.0 GOVERNMENT FURNISHED RESOURCES

At the request of the Contractor, the Government may provide copies of relevant IMO Documents.

6.0 CONTRACTOR FURNISHED PROPERTY

The Contractor shall furnish all facilities, materials, equipment and services necessary to fulfill the requirements of this task order, except for the Government Furnished Property specified in the SOW 5.0 of this work statement.

7.0 GOVERNMENT ACCEPTANCE PERIOD

The COR will review deliverables prior to acceptance and provide the contractor with an e-mail that provides documented reasons for non-acceptance. If the deliverable is acceptable, the COR will send an e-mail to the Contractor notifying it that the deliverable has been accepted.

7.1 The COR will have the right to reject or require correction of any deficiencies found in the deliverables that are contrary to the information contained in the Contractor’s accepted proposal. In the event of a rejected deliverable, the Contractor will be notified in writing by the COR of the specific reasons for rejection. The Contractor will have an opportunity to correct the rejected deliverable and return it per delivery instructions.

7.2 The COR will have the number of business days specified in the “Due By” column of the Deliverables chart in SOW 8.0 to review deliverables and make comments. The Contractor will have 10 business days to make corrections and redeliver.

7.3 All other review times and schedules for deliverables will be agreed upon by the parties based on the final approved Project Plan. The Contractor shall be responsible for timely delivery to Government personnel in the agreed upon review chain, at each stage of the review. The Contractor shall work with personnel reviewing the deliverables to assure that the established schedule is maintained.

8.0 DELIVERABLES