Attachment 1 - Statement of Need.pdf

NIST Combined Synopsis Solicitation 1333ND23QNB730037 Attachment 1 – Statement of Need Six Environmental Chambers for NIST 6-Port SPHERE

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I. BACKGROUND

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Materials and Structural Systems Division’s (MSSD) Infrastructure Materials Group (IMG) IMG conducts research to predict performance of materials composing US buildings and infrastructure. Research is performed on these items throughout their service life by developing a fundamental understanding of the performance properties and the degradation mechanisms when exposed to intended (real world) or accelerated (laboratory) loading environments. IMG has developed an integrating sphere-based high UV intensity chamber, so called “SPHERE” (Simulated Photodegradation via High Energy Radiant Exposure) weathering device to conduct laboratory exposure under different environmental conditions. The NIST 2m Sphere with 32 environmental chambers has been in operation for more than 20 years. NIST is also working on a more commercially viable version of this instrument, the NIST 0.5m 6-port SPHERE.

The commercial version of the 0.5m 6-port SPHERE based on NIST’s design have been successfully produced, in collaboration with Labsphere, INC., however the environmental chambers for the 6-port SPHERE are still designed and built in NIST using a similar design to these chambers in 2m SPHERE. To produce a turnkey version of a 6-port SPHERE weathering device, six updated commercially viable environmental chambers are needed to accommodate the new 6-port SPHERE. Recently, NIST has designed an updated environmental (Temperature and humidity controlled) chamber utilizing commercially available components as much as possible to replace old environmental chambers used for 2m SPHERE. The first 6 environmental chambers were constructed and tested at various temperature and humidity conditions to meet IMG research needs. NIST now requires the production of six environmental chambers (control and sample chamber boxes) for the 2nd NIST 6-port SPHERE.

II. PURPOSE

The purpose of this requirement is to obtain Contractor support to produce six (6) environmental chambers based on NIST’s design and required essential features as described herein.

III. ATTACHMENTS

a) Tasks-6-Port

b) Box Assembly

c) Control Box Assembly (Complete)

d) Electronics Box Assembly

e) Environmental Chamber (Complete)

f) Lower Box Assembly

g) New Electronics Enclosure4a

h) Water Filter Assembly

i) Electronics Mounting Plate

j) Parts List

• Note: While the Parts List references specific brand-name items, Offerors may propose alternate brand-name items so long as the proposed alternate meets the Requirements documented within the Parts List.

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IV. DESCRIPTION OF REQUIRED PRODUCTS & SERVICES

The Contractor shall assemble and construct six (6) environmental chambers based on NIST’s design. The Contractor shall not re-engineer NIST’s pre-developed design. To facilitate the Contractor assembling the required environmental chambers, NIST has prepared the required design, drawings, and parts list. As identified within the attached parts list, NIST will provide the Contractor select components required for assembly. Such NIST-provided components are denoted within Attachment I – Parts List and as described below.

NIST will provide:

• 6 Watlow F4T controllers with pre-design control program(image)

• 12 mass-flow controllers (MFC)

• 12 temperature and relative humidity (T&RH) sensors boards

• 12 Pave connectors

• 12 water level sensors

• 6 sample holder housing back cover

• 1 set of filter rings/with quartz window to seal the chamber for test chamber conditions

• 6 Each, Linear actuator control board and extension cables

• 18 1/8” panel mount barbed quick connect fittings

• 18 1/8” barbed elbow quick connect fittings

• 24 1/8” in-line barbed quick connect fittings

• 24 1/8” male national pipe thread (MNPT) valved coupling body quick connect fittings

• 12 Rectus type 3mm MNPT quick connect fittings

• 12 Rectus type 3mm barbed quick connect fittings

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Environmental Chambers Required Features and Specifications

• Ability to provide temperature/humidity control through the Watlow controller

• Can control temperature and relative humidity at 50°C/50% RH (near room humidity) condition for 24 hours

V. DELIVERY

Delivery of the assembled chambers shall be completed no later than six (6) months after award.

Prior to delivery, the Contractor shall submit a test report, which clearly demonstrates that the assembled chambers meet the features and specifications herein. Delivery shall be coordinated with the NIST Technical Point of Contact (TPOC).

VI. INSPECTION & ACCEPTANCE

The Government will complete inspection and acceptance in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 52.212-4(a) no later than ten (10) business days after delivery.

Acceptance testing will include testing the assembled chambers to ensure the chambers can control temperature and relative humidity at 50°C/50% RH (near room humidity) condition for 24 hours.

The Government will have sole discretion to require repair or replacement of damaged and/or nonconforming supplies at no cost to the Government. The Government, at any time prior to acceptance, has the right to reject the items due to defects and/or nonconformance.