Tab 04 SOW.pdf

STATEMENT OF WORK

1.0 Introduction/Background: The NASA Langley Research Center Hypersonic Materials Environmental Test System (HYMETS) is a 400 kW arc-jet facility that is looking to purchase new Alicat Scientific brand Mass Flow Controllers (MFC) to replace existing MKS brand MFCs present in the facility. The current MKS MFCs lose their ability to hold their calibration and are frequently returning with Out Of Tolerance (OOT) issues on their yearly calibration cycle causing the customers data to need a larger uncertainty of error applied to their research and adding to the facilities reporting duties to explain how each OOT affects data. The technique utilized by the MKF, called Hot Wire, for measurement is one that is obsolete for the conditions of HYMETS. Data complied by the on center metrology representatives show the MKS would need calibrated every 4 months to ensure the calibrations would stop producing OOTs. The Alicat MFC’s meet the long list of requirements to handle these specific needs of HYMETS to include input pressure range equal to the current systems capability, min and max flow rates with increase resolution of control and data feedback for publishable customer data, power supply requirements which downsize the overall footprint of the gas delivery system that the MFCs create when installed into a completed system, analog output which interfaces with a 1 to 1 capability with the HyMETS Data Acquisition Systems (DAS), digital displays on the units for in field troubleshooting, digital control of gas correction constants, pipe size to match the pressure systems approved gas delivery hoses in the facility, a reduction in cost and time for yearly calibrations (MKS MFCs must be sent back to MKS and costs an average of around and 6-8 weeks while Alicat calibrations can go to nearly any calibration lab with flow control capabilities, but if sent back to the manufacturer will cost around $300 with a turnaround time of 2-3 weeks) and an extremely high level of confidence that they meet all these claims as they are already utilized with great success on center including other labs such as B1248 R108 and one was installed in an emergency within HYMETS when one of the necessary MKS MFC faulted to an unusable state a month before customer testing in HYMETS. These MFCs are the primary means of delivering the discrete gasses within the HYMETS facility which are ionized to produce the test environments that are critical to customer test conditions that allow them to collect their data. HYMETS also rotates between 2 sets of MFCs on a yearly basis so there is never a gap in the facilities ability to run and the second set serves as spares if any unforeseen events damage them.

HyMETS has

2.0 Scope of Work: The scope of this statement of work covers the objectives, work description, and deliverables necessary for the purchase of new Alicat MFC’s for the HYMETS facility.

3.0 Objectives: The objective of this statement of work is to obtain new Alicat MFC’s for the HYMETS facility to replace the current MKS brand MFC’s which utilize old measuring technology are old and degrading in their performance, and are costing the facility additional time and funds to only perform at a subpar level.

4.0 Description of the Work/Contractor Tasks: The work described in this statement of work is as follows per the provided quote from the vendor. The vendor:

1) Shall provide a quantity of 25 of Model:MCP-250SLPM-D-DB15K-.5COMP/5M, 5IN, GAS:

N2, RANGE (200 SLPM), P1: 80-100 PSIG, P2: VAC, DS (Line Item 0)

2) Shall provide a quantity of 3 of Model: MC-50SLPM-D-DB15K-PCV65-.5COMP/5M, 5IN, GAS: Ar, P1: 80-100 PSIG, P2: VAC, DS (Line Item 1)

5.0 Deliverables: The vendor shall deliver the following items and quantities per the schedule provided in their quote:

1) Qty = 25, Model:MCP-250SLPM-D-DB15K-.5COMP/5M, 5IN, GAS: N2, RANGE (200 SLPM), P1: 80-100 PSIG, P2: VAC, DS. (30 business days plus shipping time after final approval)

2) Qty = 3, Model: MC-50SLPM-D-DB15K-PCV65-.5COMP/5M, 5IN, GAS: Ar, P1: 80-100 PSIG, P2: VAC, DS. (30 business days plus shipping time after final approval)

Other Considerations:

Applicable Documents/Background: As the MKS MFCs were obviously nearing end of usable life, HYMETS personnel began looking for other MFCs which could handle the specifics listed in section

1.0. The facility was interested in using updated measurement techniques based on Laminar Differential Pressure (LDP) technology that would fit our conditions. Facility personnel found that Alicat had built its LDP MFC as direct replacements for the MKS MFCs that other industry customers had been complaining about. We obtained one LDP MFC and had planned to hold it on a shelf until we had time to investigate it and ensure it worked as expected. Then one of the MKS MFCs failed a month before a customer’s testing. We reached out for expedited services on the MKS calibration service to be able to use it after fixing it in house, but received no reply and were advised by on Langley metrology experts that MKS customer service has been atrocious and many labs on Langley are looking for other alternatives. With not enough time to send in the MKS, HYMETS personnel were considering filling out a calibration delay, where the data is collected in its raw voltage form and then the units are sent out for calibration and the new calibration constants are applied to the voltage signal post testing. However, this delays the customer getting their data for another 6-8 weeks as the calibration constants are held up by the process. It finally was considered that this Alicat was calibrated from the manufacturer and the Langley metrology group was contacted to see if the calibration document was acceptable for traceability as often times manufacturers do not provide the level of detail required to appease the government mandated metrology requirements.

Their review was satisfactory and Langley metrology personnel were impressed by the thoroughness of the manufacturer without needing contractual guidance to provide their calibration information.

Shortly after this, while visiting another lab in building 1248 R108, a HYMETS technician spotted more Alicat MFCs of this type being used in a small wind tunnel and asked the engineer on that project about them and received significantly positive feedback. All of these units are needed to return HYMETS to the expected level of functionality and confidence in its publishable data and will be used on the HYMETS facility. To the best of my understanding, another vendor cannot be used for these parts based on all factors shared above including the standout requirements of low inlet pressures, direct one for one cable and pipe connections, connected in field displays, power supply requirements that will reduce the footprint of our gas delivery system, the overall technology to control the MFC using Laminar Differential Pressure technology that Alicat offers and a MFC footprint that matches the existing mounting for the MKS as this was designed to be its competitors replacement.