GraphitizationFurnace_QnA_20200625v2.docx

Graphitization Furnace Questions and Answers

June 25, 2020 Q: When you say you are looking for installation do you mean making all the utility connections like gases, water, and electricity?

A: NASA will prepare the utilities to meet the needs of the selected design. We will base the necessary connections and power requirements on the operating requirements outlined in the selected contractor’s proposal and aim have the connections ready at the time of installation for the contractor to connect the furnace into.

Q: Question about the proposal format, specifically the past performance section. We have not had any direct government contracts in the last three years, but have sub contracted on a few projects is that worth listing or should we just say not applicable?

A: It is not necessary that these three past jobs be federal prime contracts. Narratives of relevant subcontract work would be acceptable as well as commercial contracts.

Q: In the specification, item 17 describes "Onsite installation shall be included". Can you define more clearly what you are expecting?

A: If the furnace delivered requires more than just us being able to plug a fully assembled system into the socket, then we would appreciate having the vendor send someone who can properly assemble the system and prove that it operates properly before we accept the system. The visit can also be used to train users on how to operate the system since training is also one of the requirements.

Q: The document "Furnace Instructions to Vendors" page 2 under Evaluation Criteria - Factor 1b "Also, the offeror shall discuss in detail its ability to meet the option A". What is option A? Also under Factor 3 item b "Firm Fixed Price for option item A". What is option A?

A: Option A refers to the last sentence in the specifications, which should be a separate “add-on price” from the main proposal. This means the government may or may not choose to add this feature if the proposal is selected. Option A: “The bid will also include an option to operate the system with three temperature zones to allow for more precise control of the entire hot zone.”

June 16, 2020 Q: We have been reviewing the solicitation and did not notice mention of a mass of the product to be cycled which would help in sizing the power supply.

A: Our estimate is that the part mass will be in the range of 60 kg retort with lots of room around it to about as much as a 130 kg solid part.

June 15, 2020 Q: What is the exact material they will be processing in it? They say a carbon based. We need a composition of the material used material cert.

A: Carbon composites. This is for materials research so we don’t have a specific material cert.

June 11, 2020 Vendor questions generated from market research and answers:

Q: Vendor asks NASA’s preference among a resistance heated furnace design operating at 2600°C or an induction heated furnace design reaching 2900°C.

A: NASA has a preference for the lowest cost design however we do desire the operating temperature to reach 2800°C.

Q: What is NASA’s current furnace set-up?

A: Our current high temperature system has a working hot zone of about 11 wide x 15 deep x 10 tall inches, Max temperature of 3000°C. Not certain on the power but think it is in the ballpark of 70 to 100 KW input.

Q: In what configuration are you looking for horizontal or vertical?

A: Either vertical or horizontal is fine, whatever is lower cost.

Q: Can the materials to be graphitized be loaded vertically?

A: We have no preference for vertical or horizontal load, and prefer the lowest cost option that meets the specifications.

Q: Do you expect to flow gas through the furnace, or just pull a deep vacuum even if it is multiple purge and vacuum cycles, to operate under partial pressure, or positive pressure?

A: We expect to purge the furnace with a continuous flow of inert gas while operational. Mass flow control is required. Typically these types of furnaces operate under a slight positive pressure, past systems have been about ¼ to ½ psig. We have not run this large of volume furnace before but our current systems operate at 1 or 2 liters per minute of purge gas during operation.

Q: I noted the pumping requirements which can certainly be achieved however if the plan is operate the system at the indicate level of vacuum the insulation package and hot zone will deteriorate faster than normal. If the vacuum is meant to be utilized at lower pressures (say below 2000°C) then it’s not an issue.

A: Vacuum is intended only for use in aiding the purging of the furnace of air, i.e. cycles of vacuum <100 torr back fill with inert gas. The furnace will not be operated under vacuum.

Q: For a system with this temperature I would assume a 3 phase system right off the bat.

A: Yes, we expect a three-phase system. 3 phase 460 Volts is typical in our laboratories. Higher voltage lines can be installed if required.

Q: Are there any material considerations that you cannot use?

A: Will be used for heating carbon-based materials; no special considerations for material construction that we are aware of.

Q: I am assuming you would have or would get the power needed for this system A: Yes, once we decide on a system, we will wire the laboratory to meet the power requirements.

Q: Please elaborate on “The final system design shall be approved by NASA Langley Research Center’s Information Technology Acquisition Management (ITAM) prior to contract award.”

A: ITAM may require copies of software from the selected vendor for testing prior to award. Their main concern is the compatibility and safety of IT (if any) that will interface with other NASA systems rather than the physical and functional aspects of the proposed furnace design.