Nitrogen Generation System RFI v2.pdf

Request for Information (RFI)

Posting Date (est): 11/12/2021 NAICS Code: 325120 - Industrial Gas Manufacturing (1,000 employees) Set-Aside Code: N/A Title: Nitrogen Generation System Response Date: 12/20/2021 Primary Point of Contact: Melissa Wagner and Stephen Penton Secondary Point of Contact: Chuck Heim Reference: 80SSC022K0001 - This is a follow-on RFI from the previous RFI posting for

80SSC020K0002

Statement of Objective Abstract:

Stennis Space Center currently utilizes cryogenic nitrogen pumps, heat exchangers, and a cross country site-wide distribution piping network to provision its multiple test stands with high purity, high pressure gaseous nitrogen. Used as a pressurant during hot fire static engine testing and continuously as a purge gas, SSC consumes on the order of 100 tons per calendar day of LN2. SSC requires a 900 scfm flow rate nitrogen generation system at 4,000 psig to supplement the existing system. Further, SSC seeks to obtain the gaseous nitrogen end product through an interface developed between the commercial GN2 production unit and SSC’s existing piping network. SSC would thus provide adequately prepared physical space, electrical utilities, makeup cooling water, interface tie in valves and piping. The Supplier would provide high purity, high volume, and high pressure GN2 in accordance with the technical specifications listed within. The supplier would also be responsible for all operations and maintenance of the generation system, including priority service in maintaining positive pressure across the test complex systems.

Desired Operational Model:

• SSC seeks to obtain product with a minimum of a 900 scfm flow rate from an onsite nitrogen generation system delivered at 4,000 psig.

• Supplier shall including all necessary equipment for generation and pressurization of GN2

• Supplier shall be responsible for all operations and maintenance of the system, and priority service in the event of a potential disruption of service.

Current and future operation parameters:

1. Commodity gasification and distribution is centralized at the HPGF. This system will remain in place for the near future.

2. Required flow rate – 900 scfm (to supplement existing system)

3. Nominal and maximum operating pressure – 4,000 psig

4. Minimum site pressure – 2,700 psig

5. Pressure is reduced at Pressure Reducing Areas (PRA) as needed near end points of use.

6. Existing system can provide up to 14,385 scfm. The nitrogen generation system will supplement the existing system. The entire nitrogen system is 16,386 ft^3 of volume including all tanks and piping. At the nominal flow rate of 1,400 SCFM, it takes ~550 minutes or ~9 hours to decay from 4,000 psi to 2,700 psi. The current operational model would require the new nitrogen generation system to extend the length of time that it takes to decay to the minimum pressure of 2,700 psi.

7. Purity – MSFC-STD-3535; MIL-PRF-27401 (Grade B)

Additional Questions / Information

SSC is interested in the industry’s input regarding the following questions. Please respond to the following questions in the specified order. If a question is not applicable, include the number in your response and add NA.

1. State your company DUNS.

2. State your business size in accordance with NAICS code 325120.

3. What is the best procurement method to use for this type of requirement? Please list all.

4. Identify the preferred industry/commercial standard for billing using a fixed price/rate contract?

5. Identify the industry standard unit of measure for gaseous nitrogen.

6. Identify a typical billing structure for this type of requirement (i.e. hours of production, volume, gallons, scfm, etc.).

7. How would the varying contract periods impact price?

o 5 year o 10 year o 15 year

8. How would a contract with options impact price, knowing that there is no guarantee to exercise the options (ex: 5-year base with options)?

9. What additional fees should NASA expect (setup, assembly, removal, etc.)?

10. What size footprint does your suggested system require?

11. Is the suggested system considered COTS?

12. Does your company comply with the COVID-19 vaccination mandate that ALL Government contractors require proof of vaccination (NFS clause 52.223-99 Ensuring Adequate COVID-19 Safety Protocols for Federal Contractors (DEVIATION 21-03))?

13. Are there any subcontracting possibilities for your company associated with this procurement (sufficient in-house capability or any product prequalification requirement)?

14. What are the standard industry terms and conditions ie. warranty, discounts, delivery?

15. What nitrogen generation system do you suggest to meet the operational parameters?

16. What power requirements will be required for the suggested system?

17. How much makeup cooling water is required monthly for the suggested system?

Parameter Procurement User Interface Points Purity 99.99% N2 (min) 99.989% N2 (min) Total Impurities ( max ppm) 100 N/A Specific Impurities (max ppm) N/A 111 O2 50 100 Volatile Hydrocarbons (max ppm) 5 5 H20 (max ppm) 6 6 Particulate (gas) N/A 30μ-100μ: 25; >100μ: 0 Particulate (liquid) 1 mg/liter N/A Condensable Hydrocarbons N/A 0.25 mgs (max.)

Provide comment on the suggested CLIN structure, identify any additional CLINs as deemed necessary, and provide anticipated pricing for suggested system.

Title Description Price

CLIN 001: Gaseous nitrogen generation

– Base Period (5-year)

Provide a constant 900 (+/-

50) scfm flow rate at 4,000 psig.

______________/monthly ________________/base period

CLIN 002: Gaseous nitrogen generation

– Option 1 (5-year)

Provide a constant 900 (+/-

50) scfm flow rate at 4,000 psig.

______________/monthly ________________/option 1

CLIN 003: Gaseous nitrogen generation

– Option 2 (5-year)

Provide a constant 900 (+/-

50) scfm flow rate at 4,000 psig.

______________/monthly ________________/option 2

SSC is providing responses to previous industry’s questions:

• What is the required flow rate needed for the nitrogen generation system? Response: SSC requires the flow rate of 900 scfm.

• Would 4,160 V power be available and supplied by NASA or is 480 V the only option? Response: Yes, 4,160V is available.

• Proposed location for the nitrogen generator and the distance to end users requiring 4,000 psig.

Are there long distances that need to be accounted for in order to minimize drops in pressure?

Response: Yes, there are long distances. 4,000 psi is needed as an output for your supply system at 900 scfm as required. The back pressure will fluctuate. This system is supplementing our primary system.

• What is the water quality for cooling water makeup supplied by NASA? Response: SSC’s water quality is hard; average water testing results in neighboring areas indicate an average water hardness of 148 PPM for calcium deposits. Full water quality report available upon request.

• Does NASA or one of its nitrogen users actually need nitrogen at 4,000 psig or is this a number that is arbitrarily used to pressurized a pipeline network used as a buffer, or if it is because of higher than 100 TPD draw rates? Response: 4,000 psi is the standard pressure to which the system is and is to be pressurized to.

18.