STATEMENT OF WORK (SOW)

for

Modular Autonomous Thin Film Laboratory (MATL)

Prepared by:

Date

Gregory Doerk, CFN Staff , Technical Representative Center for Functional Nanomaterials

Approvers:

Kevin Yager, Interim Director Center for Functional Nanomaterials

Chief of Staff Aaron Stein Center for Functional Nanomaterials

Quality Assurance Nicole Magliulo Quality Management Office

E&SH Coordinator WaiLin Ng Center for Functional Nanomaterials

3/26/2026

3/26/2026

3/26/2026

3/26/2026

5/15/2026

This data has been reviewed in accordance with the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), 22 CFR § 120.34, the Export Administration Regulations (EAR), 15 CFR § 734.3(b)(3), and 10 CFR Part 810, and may be released without export restrictions.

Center for Functional Nanomaterials

Contents

1. SCOPE

1.1 BACKGROUND

1.2 DEFINITIONS/ACRONYMS

2 APPLICABLE DOCUMENTS

3 REQUIREMENTS

3.1 CONTRACTOR RESPONSIBILITIES

3.1.1 Technical Performance

3.1.2 Tooling/Fixtures/Test Equipment

3.1.4 Installation

3.1.5 Acceptance Testing at BNL

3.1.6 Commissioning

3.1.7 Training

3.1.8 Documents

3.2 DESIGN AND MANUFACTURING

3.2.1 Design Review

3.2.2 Acceptance Test Procedure

3.2.4 Site Acceptance Testing

3.3 CONFIGURATION MANAGEMENT

3.4 SOFTWARE REQUIREMENTS

3.5 ENVIRONMENT, SAFETY AND HEALTH (ESH)

3.5.1 Contractor Work on Site at BNL

3.5.2 Electrical Safety

3.5.3 Pressure Safety

3.5.4 Fire Safety

3.6 PACKAGING

3.7 WARRANTY

4 QUALITY ASSURANCE

4.1 QUALITY ASSURANCE REQUIREMENTS

4.2 NOTIFICATION OF CHANGE TO DESIGN, METHODS, OR PROCESSES

4.3 RECORDS

4.4 FRANCHISED / LICENSED “DISTRIBUTOR” TRACEABILITY

4.5 QA FLOW-DOWN

4.6 CERTIFICATE OF CONFORMANCE

4.7 SPECIAL PROCESSES

5 DELIVERABLES

6 SCHEDULE/ MILESTONES

7 VALUE ENGINEERING

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Statement of Work for the Differential Scanning Caloirmeter and Simultaneous Thermal Analyzer

1. SCOPE

This Statement of Work (SOW) will be the basis for the procurement of a robotic system integrating multiple instruments, designed to autonomously prepare and characterize libraries of solution-deposited thin films (10-100000 nm thick) on rigid substrate coupon samples with systematically varied discrete material and process parameters, hereafter referred to as “the Instrument”, for the Center for Functional Nanomaterials (CFN) at Brookhaven National Laboratory. This instrument will comprise multiple lockable, wheeled tables for transferring to different laboratories and experimental environments (e.g., synchrotron beamlines). The system is envisioned to include a single table comprising a primary robotic process station, additional interchangeable tables onto which ancillary process or characterization stations may be mounted, and a robot(s) for transferring samples from the primary station to ancillary stations or between ancillary stations. Ancillary stations will be interchangeable to enable flexible workflows that accommodate a wide range of experimental campaigns designed by users, both human and computer. This document outlines the Contractor’s responsibilities and obligations necessary for completing the requirements as set forth herein.

1.1 Background

The CFN is a user-oriented research center whose mission is to be an open facility for the nanoscience research community and advance the science of nanomaterials that address the nations’ energy challenges.

Research at CFN focuses on the development of application of advanced techniques to synthesize functional nanomaterials and to understand their processing-structure-property relationships.

1.2 Definitions/Acronyms

ANSI American National Standards Institute ASME American Society of Mechanical

Engineers ATP Acceptance Test Procedure BNL Brookhaven National Laboratory BSA Brookhaven Science Associates CFN Center for Functional Nanomaterials

ESH Environment, Safety, and Health NFPA National Fire Protection Association NRTL Nationally Recognized Test Laboratory QA Quality Assurance SOW Statement of Work SPEC Technical Specification

2 APPLICABLE DOCUMENTS

In the event of a conflict between the Technical Specification and the SOW, the Contractor shall immediately notify the BSA Contractual Representative who shall in each instance determine which document takes precedence and advise the Contractor accordingly. Failure to notify BSA of a document conflict shall not relieve the Contractor’s responsibility to ensure full compliance to all requirements.

The following documents are an integral part of the SOW; the applicable revision level will be the latest that is in effect at the time of award:

Document Number Document Title

10CFR851 DOE Worker Safety and Health Program

BNL QA-101 Supplier Quality Assurance Requirements

ASME B30.26 Rigging Hardware

ASME B31.3 Process Piping -2015 Edition

ASME BPV Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code

NFPA 70 National Electrical Code – 2020 Edition http://www.nfpa.org/aboutthecodes/AboutTheCodes.asp?DocNum=70

NFPA 70E

Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace – 2021 Edition or the most current version in place

ANSI/RIA R15.06-2012 Industrial Robots and Robot Systems – Safety Requirements NFPA 79 Electrical Standard for Industrial Machinery

ANSI Z535 American National Standards Institute standards for safety signs and colors.

JHA BNL Job Hazard Analysis Template (Attached)

3 REQUIREMENTS

In accordance with the applicable specifications, referenced documents, and instructions as defined in this Statement of Work, the contractor shall be responsible for the engineering, purchase of all materials, manufacturing, assembly, inspecting, testing, delivering, installing, commissioning and training on the Instrument.

Safety and code compliance must be paramount at every stage of a project, from the initial concept to the final installation and use. Electrical design and installation must follow the National Electrical Code NFPA 70 and Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace NFPA 70E.

3.1 Contractor Responsibilities

3.1.1 Technical Performance

In accordance with SOW/Technical Specification document and all referenced documents, the Contractor shall engineer, manufacture and assemble the Instrument. The Contractor shall deliver, test and commission the Instrument at BNL. It is the Contractor’s responsibility to ensure that the Instrument complies with all the specification requirements and the safety codes and standards referenced herein.

3.1.2 Tooling/Fixtures/Test Equipment

The Contractor shall be responsible for supplying all materials, including (but not limited to) the construction of all tools, jigs, fixtures, and test equipment required to complete the engineering, manufacturing, assembly, inspecting, testing, delivering, and installing the Instrument. Gases, croygens, and samples for testing will be supplied by BNL.

3.1.4 Installation

3.1.4.1. The Contractor shall provide a footprint of the Equipment and utilities requirements.

Statement of Work for the Differential Scanning Calorimeter and Simultaneous Thermal Analyzer

3.1.4.2. The Contractor shall be responsible for all Instrument installation. BSA will not supply personnel for installation tasks other than identified herein. Unloading of containers and trucks, and staging of the Instrument at the installation site, shall be performed by BSA riggers. The Contractor shall not be permitted to drive BSA-owned forklifts for any reason. The Contractor shall submit an installation work plan that includes all onsite installation activities in a step-by-step format at least one month before the scheduled start of installation activities. This plan is a necessary prerequisite for obtaining a work permit and must be approved by BSA prior to the start of installation activities. The person (or persons) responsible for all onsite installation activities shall participate in the work planning process for the purpose of obtaining a work permit. This shall be completed during the Technical Review as well as after the Technical Review in video conferencing and/or teleconferences.

3.1.4.3. All training and safety requirements identified during the work planning process (or by BSA ES&H/Training staff members) shall be successfully completed by Contractor personnel who are participating in onsite installation work prior to issuance of a work permit and prior to installation.

3.1.4.4. BSA shall be responsible for offloading and rigging of heavy equipment.

3.1.4.5. Electrical tools/equipment needed for installation shall be inspected by BSA prior to use at BNL, to ensure compliance with electrical safety standards referenced herein.

3.1.4.6. The Installation Work Plan shall include at a minimum:

a. Work instructions/ installation plan: job steps or detailed step-by-step instructions

b. Prerequisites: preparatory actions to be performed before work can be started and any administrative and physical requirements (for example, review/ inspection/ approval of equipment, training, etc.)

c. Precautions: Identify hazards and precautions that must be observed during performance of work in the Job Hazard Analysis (JHA)

d. Identification for hold points and other monitoring

e. Operational limits imposed

f. Coordination of tasks

g. Special conditions for working alone

h. Scheduling, coordination, and notification

i. Changes impacting configuration management

j. ES&H work controls for mitigating identified hazards based on the following hierarchy, as practical:

i) Elimination/substitution of hazards

ii) Engineering controls

iii) Administrative controls and work practices

iv) Personal protective equipment

3.1.4.7. Note that disposal of waste packing material shall be the responsibility of BSA.

3.1.4.8. The Contractor shall supply all bolt-on wheels, transportation carts and custom tooling required for the installation of the Instrument which will remain the property of the Contractor at Contract Completion.

3.1.4.9. During assembly of all components, proper alignment and tightening shall be assured by the use of appropriate tools (e.g., torque wrenches) and by following the procedures recommended by the manufacturer, including the use of alignment tools and bolt-tightening sequences, etc.

3.1.4.10. Installation includes hardware and software setups for computer-based control of the Instrument.

3.1.5 Acceptance Testing at BNL

The Instrument shall be tested at BNL by the Contractor to demonstrate full compliance with this SOW and the Technical Specification documents. The contractor shall conduct tests on the Instrument at BNL prior to final acceptance, in accordance with requirements set forth in the SOW and the Technical Specification documents.

3.1.6 Commissioning

The Contractor shall be responsible for the commissioning of the Instrument. Commissioning shall be defined as all test and demonstration work performed on site at BNL. Commissioning of the Instrument on site in its final configuration shall be performed with samples supplied by BSA and agreed to by Contractor. The Instrument shall be able to demonstrate the performance specifications as outlined in the separate Technical Specification document.

3.1.7 Training

During the commissioning phase of the contract, the Contractor shall provide hands-on training at BNL for two (2) or more BSA scientific and/or technical staff for the safe and appropriate operation and maintenance of the Instruments. This training shall be conducted at BNL for a period of one to two (1-2) working days during commissioning for the Instrument. If any components of the instrument must be calibrated, documentation shall be provided certifying that BSA staff are trained to perform instrument calibration if and when necessary.

3.1.8 Documents

3.1.8.1. The Contractor shall provide an electronic copy on a USB stick or BSA identified FTP site, in Microsoft Office format, or drawing format (described in part “b” below) along with formal “controlled copies” in PDF format of the following documentation:

a. All documentation identified in this SOW

b. Relevant parts and assembly solid models in any of these formats: STP, SAT, IGS, IAM, or IPT

c. User/operational manual.

3.1.8.2. Operation and Maintenance Manuals

The Contactor shall provide the operation and maintenance manual in electronic PDF format on a USB stick and provide one (1) hardcopy.

Operation and maintenance manuals shall include:

a. A title to the front cover, identifying the title of the project and the date of issue.

b. A table of contents.

c. A general description of the Instruments installation.

d. Copies of any permits to use copyrighted material.

e. A technical description of each system and subsystem to allow the correct and safe operation, maintenance and repair of all systems and subsystems installed, including:

i. Operating manuals

ii. Standard maintenance operations

iii. Troubleshooting techniques

iv. Recommendations for preventative maintenance

v. Disassembly, repair, cleaning and adjustment procedures

vi. List of recommended spare parts to keep on hand

vii. Software documentation.

3.1.8.3. Certification of initial calibration of the Instruments (if applicable).

3.2 Design and Manufacturing

3.2.1 Design Review

A design review meeting shall be held in accordance with the schedule set forth in the contract. To ensure the design is compliant with this SOW and the SPEC, the Contractor shall provide, no later than five (5) working days prior to the scheduled meeting, a draft design review report. The design review meeting shall be held in video conference or teleconference format, at the discretion of BSA.

The Contractor shall be responsible for incorporating any agreed-to changes into the final design, which shall be submitted to BSA according to the schedule set forth in the contract for subsequent review and approval in writing by BSA. After written approval of the design by BSA, the Contractor shall promptly begin manufacturing and assembling the Instrument.

The design report shall include:

▪ 2D drawings of the Instrument layout to-be installed.

▪ Descriptions, drawings, specifications, and utility requirements for component comprising the instrument (robots, controllers, coaters, hot plates, etc.).

▪ Specifications and sourcing for all commercially packaged components.

Upon written approval of the design, it is to be considered “frozen” and no changes are permitted to the design, materials, processes, methods, and tooling, or to component-level substitutions, without written approval by BSA.

3.2.2 Acceptance Test Procedure

The Contractor shall provide an ATP that is in accordance with this SOW, the SPEC, and all reference documents noted herein. The ATP must be approved by BSA prior to use. The ATP shall ensure that all test requirements as defined in the SOW and SPEC are achieved.

3.2.3 Site Acceptance Testing

Upon installation of the Instrument at BNL, the Instrument will be tested by the Contractor to demonstrate full compliance with the SOW and SPEC according to the ATP. If the tests outlined in the ATP cannot be performed at BNL, the Contractor shall produce a SATP that describes necessary changes and amendments to the ATP. The SATP must be approved by BSA in writing prior to use.

All test data shall be documented at submitted to BSA for review and approval in writing.

3.3 Configuration Management

The Contractor shall establish and maintain a configuration control system to assure that all end items (including spares) are of the proper configuration, and that all approved configuration changes are incorporated at the specified effectivity points. Records shall be maintained verifying the configuration of each item.

3.4 Software Requirements

The Contractor shall provide and maintain the capability to receive and send CAD files of all components or assemblies in STP, SAT, IGES, IAM, or IPT file format at the request of BSA. Copies of software for operation of the Instruments and analysis of the generated data shall made readily available and shall conform to all requirements detailed in the SOW and technical specifications documents.

3.5 Environment, Safety and Health (ESH)

The Contractor shall design and build all equipment in accordance with ESH requirements in the appropriate specifications, codes, standards, and other documents listed in Section 2 of this SOW.

3.5.1 Contractor Work on Site at BNL

BSA will identify and designate space necessary to safely perform staging and installation activities.

Any cordons, stanchions, or barriers required to designate and isolate the Contractor’s work area will be supplied by BSA.

Contractor shall submit a Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) identifying work hazards associated with the installation of the instrument including a list of hazardous materials and Safety Data Sheets (SDS) to BSA for approval with the Installation Work Plan.

3.5.2 Electrical Safety

3.5.2.1 All electrical equipment and components must be manufactured in accordance to U.S. standards and comply with NFPA70. The instrument shall be listed by a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL). If the instrument is not NRTL-listed, the Contractor shall arrange for a third-party NRTL Field Evaluation to be done onsite at the completion of installation. Note that CE is not on the list of OSHA approved NRTLs. A report on the results of the field evaluation must be provided to BNL’s Electrical Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ), and approved before the equipment is to be energized.

3.5.2.2 All electrical work must be performed only by qualified electrical workers.

Contractors needing to perform electrical work must meet the BNL qualification requirements, including submitting proof of training such as for NFPA 70E, OSHA 10-hr, Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation/First Aid, lockout/tagout, depending on the nature of the electrical work.

3.5.2.3 The contractor shall supply the following to BSA:

3.5.2.3.1 Documentation for the equipment installation, operation, service and maintenance that describes operation, shutdown, safety concerns, and nonstandard installations

3.5.2.3.2 Schematics, drawings, and bill of materials describing power feeds, voltages, currents and parts used for construction, maintenance, and operation of the equipment.

3.5.2.3.3 Safety Requirements and emergency shutdown procedures of equipment including lockout/tagout (LOTO) requirements.

3.5.2.3.4 Documentation of specific hazards associated with the equipment.

3.5.2.3.5 Documentation shall be provided if special tools, PPE, or other equipment is necessary for proper maintenance and operation of equipment.

3.5.2.4 The contractor shall include safety-related design concepts for electrical equipment and installations. For example,

3.5.2.4.1 Installing finger-safe components, covers, and insulating barriers to reduce access to exposed energized electrical conductors and circuit part due to inadvertent movement

3.5.2.4.2 Substituting ≥50 volts control circuit with non-hazardous <50 volt circuits.

3.5.2.4.3 Separate enclosures for hazardous and non-hazardous electrical conductors and circuit parts.

3.5.2.5 Contractor shall ensure that the equipment is marked with the NRTL certification or Field Evaluation label to include the manufacturer, model #, manufacturing date, drawing number, current draw, power, frequency voltages entering and leaving the control cabinets, and equipment.

Labels with Caution, Warning, or Danger shall be affixed to the exterior describing specific hazards and safety concerns. Refer to ANSI Z535, Series of Standards for Safety Signs and Tags, for more information on precautionary labeling of electrical system or equipment

3.5.2.6 Electrical wiring must be installed in a neat and workmanlike manner.

3.5.2.7 Teflon® shall minimally be used as an insulation material.

3.5.3 Robotic System

The following criteria shall be met for robot system:

• Control system software shall have a password protection function or equivalent

• One or more protective stop functions designed for the connection of external protective devices.

• One or more emergency stop functions (NFPA 79-2024). Emergency stop devices must be accessible from the normal operator position.

• Anti-restart function to prevent unplanned movement or operation of the robot system upon restoration of power after a loss of power.

• A robot that is used in a collaborative operation shall o be designed in accordance with ANSI/RIA R15.06-2012 Part 1 or ISO 10218- 1:2011.

o Have a minimum functional safety performance level of PL=d and Class 3 per ANSI/RIA R15.06-2012 or ISO 13849-1. The equivalent IEC 62061 SIL level per ANSI/RIA R15.06-2012 is also acceptable.

3.5.4 Pressure Safety

3.5.3.1 For process piping requirements, the contractor shall use ASME B31.3 or equivalent approved by BSA in writing. A 100% proof testing shall be completed on each component to 150% of the maximum working pressure for hydrostatic tests, or 110% of the maximum working pressure for pneumatic tests.

3.5.5 Fire Safety

The Contractor shall ensure that any electrical equipment or wiring minimizes combustibility by the use of flame-resistant materials.

3.6 Packaging

In preparation for shipping, the Instrument shall be covered or wrapped for protection against weather elements, dust, and damage to projections, shock loads, impacts, and rubbing. The Instrument shall be properly braced and cushioned within the packing so that it will not shift during handling and shipment. The method of shipping will be specified by BSA one month prior to delivery.

3.6.1 After the component or piece of the Instrument has been cleaned and tested, it shall be packed to ensure that it remains clean and free from damage during both storage and shipping. All seal faces and/or knife edges should be protected.

3.6.2 Added protection against contamination and humidity shall be given to the sensors and electrical connections. Durable materials, such as clean wood, bubble wrap, or similar non-contaminating materials, are to be used to support and protect the components from one another during transit and storage. Peanut-type material shall not be used for packaging.

3.6.3 All assemblies or sub-assemblies with moving parts shall be secured to prevent damage due to unwanted motion or vibration. The packaging must be designed to withstand acceleration loads in excess of twice the acceleration due to gravity (>2g0).

3.6.4 Each packing crate shall be fitted with Shockwatch and Tipwatch sensors or an equivalent approved in writing by BSA.

3.6.5 The container shall be appropriately labeled with the listing of contents, destination, gross weight, location of center of gravity, purchase order number, and contact information.

3.7 Warranty

The Contractor shall provide a warranty on all parts and labor, commencing with BSA’s acceptance of the installed and tested Instrument, and remaining in effect for at least one year. A recommended spare parts list shall be available from the Contractor.

4 QUALITY ASSURANCE

The Contractor shall maintain and apply an effective QA program for the design, manufacture, and testing of all systems and equipment provided. The system shall meet the requirements of the ISO-9001 Standard, “Quality Management System Requirements,” or equivalent. The Contractor shall supply the necessary documentation to demonstrate this compliance. Post-award surveys may be required and shall be supported.

4.1 Quality Assurance Requirements

As set forth in BSA Form BNL-QA-101, “Brookhaven National Laboratory Supplier Quality Assurance Requirements,” as amended herein, forms a part of this statement of work. Specifically, this includes the following sections: 1, 2, 3, 3.1, 3.1.2, 3.2 to 3.22, 4.0, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.4.3, 4.5, 4.6, 4.7, 4.7.1, 4.7.3, 4.10, 4.10.1, 4.10.2, 4.10.3, 4.13, 4.14, 4.16, 4.19, 4.21, 4.30, 4.31, 4.33 (if component(s) of the Instrument require calibration), 4.34, 4.35, 4.36, 4.37, and 4.39. With each Component delivered, the Contractor shall supply to BSA a Certificate of Conformance, in accordance with section 4.16 of BNL-QA-101.

4.2 Notification of Change to Design, Methods, or Processes

The Supplier shall immediately notify the Buyer of any significant changes (those that may affect form, fit, function, reliability, safety, or interchangeability) in product design, fabrication methods, materials, or processing from those used by the Supplier at time of Supplier’s quotation or offer to the Buyer, which resulted in the PO.

4.3 Records

The Supplier shall retain objective evidence, including records, of the inspections and tests performed in the course of manufacturing, testing, inspecting, preserving, packaging, and preparation for shipment of procured items. These records shall be made available to the Buyer’s representative for review upon request. These records shall be maintained for a minimum of three (3) years, unless otherwise specified in the procurement documentation, after the completion of the PO/contract.

4.4 Franchised / Licensed “Distributor” Traceability

Products that are not purchased directly from the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM)/Original Component Manufacturer (OCM) must be purchased only from a franchised/licensed distributor of the product being offered. The distributor must provide documentation that the distributor is contractually authorized by the manufacturer as a francised/licensed distributor along with the geographic region(s) covered by the authorization. The distributor shall ensure traceability of all products to the OEM/OCM by identifying the original manufacturer for each lot/date code on the Certificate of Conformance. The distributor shall provide a copy of the Manufacturer’s certificate for the lot number being supplied, along with their franchised distributor certification. The distributor shall not use brokers (any company, person, or entity who is not an OEM/OCM) for the purchase of components and parts, unless pre-approval has been granted by Brookhaven Science Associates (BSA).

4.5 QA Flow-Down

The Contractor shall ensure a proper and complete flow-down of all applicable QA requirements to its suppliers and sub-tier suppliers.

4.6 Certificate of Conformance

With each shipment, the Contractor shall submit a Certificate of Conformance (C of C). In case of drop shipment, a copy of the certificate shall be submitted to BSA at the time of shipment. The certificate shall identify the purchased item/material/equipment by PO number and quantity, include the title of and be signed by an authorized representative of the company, and shall constitute a representation by the Contractor that:

A. Materials used are those which have been specified by BSA, and that the items delivered were produced from materials for which the Contractor has on file, reports of chemical or physical analysis, or any other equivalent evidence of conformance of such items to applicable specifications;

B. Processes used in the fabrication of items delivered were in compliance with applicable specifications included as part of the PO/contract, or BSA-approved procedures or specifications;

C. The items as delivered comply with all applicable drawings, specifications, deviations/waivers, and other requirements of the procurement documentation; and

D. When specified, cleaning and cleanliness requirements have been completely satisfied. The C of C shall reference the Contractor’s applicable cleaning procedures.

4.7 Special Processes

Processes (e.g., welding, brazing, bonding, plating, chemical machining, chemical coating, chemical cleaning, precision cleaning, heat treating, or waste processing) that either cannot be verified non-destructively or require a unique (special) non-destructive test/inspection (e.g., radiographic inspection, ultrasonic testing, pressure leak testing) must be performed in accordance with detailed written procedures.

These procedures must specifically describe the exact manner in which the processes are to be performed.

Copies of special process procedures must be made available on request for review by the Buyer’s representative.

5 DELIVERABLES

The Contractor shall supply the following:

Item Deliverable Due

BSA

Approva l

1 Equipment footprint and laboratory requirements

4th week after contract award Yes

2 Installation Work Plan/ Job Hazard Analysis 8th week after award of contract Yes

3 Delivery of the Instrument 18th week after award of contract Yes

4 Site Acceptance Test and Commissioning Report

22nd week after award of contract Yes

6 SCHEDULE/ MILESTONES

The following schedules are for planning purposes only. Schedule requirements set forth in the contract will take precedence.

Milestone Calendar weeks after award

Delivery to BNL 18th week

Commissioning of instrument 22nd week

Training on instrument 22nd week

Delivery of End Item Documentation Package 24th week

7 VALUE ENGINEERING

The Contractor is encouraged to make recommendations for changes that might lead to an improvement in performance, reliability, quality, safety, or reduction in cost. Simplicity in operation, ease of maintenance, and an improvement in the performance and reliability of the specific functions beyond the requirements of this specification are objectives which shall be considered in the production. Where it appears a substantial improvement in simplicity of design, performance, ease of maintenance or reliability will result from the use of materials, parts and processes other than those specified, it is desirable that their use be investigated.