Exhibit A Statement of Work.pdf

Final RFP - 80LARC23R0015

STATEMENT OF WORK (SOW)

FORCE MEASUREMENT SUPPORT SERVICES (FMSS)

1 Introduction

1.1 Scope of Work

1.2 Facilities

1.3 General Requirements

1.3.1 Government-Provided Information Technology Systems, Databases, and File Sharing Services 5

1.3.2 Technical Excellence

1.3.3 Critical Contractor Interfaces

1.3.4 Contract and Project Management

1.3.5 NASA/Contractor Partnership

1.3.6 Worker Qualifications

1.3.7 Training

1.3.8 Technical (Customer) Services Desk for Task Processing and Records Management ... 8

1.3.9 Documentation

1.3.10 Contract Performance Management and Assessment

2 Description of Services

2.1 Overview of FMSS Requirements

2.2 Engineering Design, Evaluation, and Analysis of Single- and Multi-Axis Force Transducers

2.2.1 Engineering Stress Analysis

2.2.2 Engineering Drafting

2.2.3 Quality Metrics

2.3 Conventional Fabrication Services

2.3.1 Quality Assurance and Inspection

2.3.2 Quality Metrics

2.4 Additive Manufacturing Services

2.4.1 Quality Assurance and Inspection

2.4.2 Quality Metrics

2.5 Force Transducer Instrumentation Services

2.5.1 Quality Metrics

2.6 Material and Structures Instrumentation Services

2.6.1 High-Temperature Refractory Composite Material Instrumentation

2.6.2 Quality Metrics

2.7 Single- and Multi-Axis Force Transducer Calibration Services

2.7.1 Calibration of Standards used in Force Transducer Calibrations

2.7.2 Quality Metrics

2.8 On-Demand Support Services

2.8.1 Quality Metrics

3 Data Deliverables

4 Applicable Documents

4.1 References

4.2 Forms

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1 Introduction

The Force Measurement Support Services (FMSS) contract provides high-quality force and strain measurement capabilities for NASA’s aeronautics, spaceflight, and science programs and projects. This includes but is not limited to the development of new capabilities and technologies that will evolve over the contract's period of performance. The Contractor is encouraged to develop force and strain measurement capabilities incorporating technological advancements to meet current and future aerospace research challenges. While much of the work directly supports Langley Research Center (LaRC), other NASA centers, Government agencies, and industry partners may occasionally be supported at remote sites.

1.1 Scope of Work

The Contractor shall provide LaRC and other NASA centers the following force measurement support services: designing, manufacturing (including conventional and additive processes), instrumenting, evaluating, repairing, and calibrating new and existing force transducers, test articles, and associated hardware. The Contractor shall perform these tasks on- and off-site, as needed, during the core working hours of 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The Contractor shall always demonstrate the ability to possess or obtain the required personnel to perform all work on schedule. The Contractor shall electronically interface with NASA personnel using a variety of commercially available and NASA-developed software packages and information technology systems, including but not limited to the following:

• CAD for 3D models and 2D drawings,

• mathematical and statistical software packages for engineering and calibration data analysis,

• LaRC-developed data acquisition and analysis software for balance calibrations,

• LASIRS (Langley Aeronautics and Structures Instrumentation Request System) for task order management, and

• aeroCOMPASS for accessing and archiving electronic balance records.

The Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR), in coordination with the Contracting Officer (CO), will determine the contract type before sending the task to the Contractor for estimating based on the complexity of the requirement and risk as determined by the Government. The two contract type Task Orders will be either Firm Fixed Price or Cost-Plus Fixed Fee.

The Contractor shall, except as otherwise specified, furnish all personnel, training, facilities, equipment, materials, transportation, and management necessary to perform the scope of work of this contract. All work performed shall be in accordance with the referenced documents listed in Section 4.

1.2 Facilities

The Contractor shall furnish services to all LaRC facilities, other NASA centers, Government agencies, and industry partners, as required. It is expected that most of the work will be performed by the Contractor at their offsite facilities; however, for work needed at a specific site, the Government will coordinate with appropriate personnel at the desired location to provide the Contractor's employees a workspace onsite.

1.3 General Requirements

The Contractor shall develop processes and initiatives to achieve specific contract goals while meeting all SOW requirements and performance standards. All work shall meet the requirements specified herein and within each task order, and the work shall be accomplished in conformance with approved and accepted industry standards; equipment manufacturer recommendations; all applicable LaRC, NASA, local, state, and federal standards; and all applicable codes as referenced in this document or corresponding task order.

1.3.1 Government-Provided Information Technology Systems, Databases, and File Sharing Services

The Government will provide the Contractor with Government-owned or NASA enterprise-managed computer equipment to effectively communicate with NASA. Additionally, the Government will provide the Contractor access to various systems, databases, and file-sharing services. For issues with Government-owned computer equipment, the Contractor shall contact the designated system administrator for the system. For issues with enterprise-managed hardware, the Contractor shall contact the Enterprise Service Desk at https://esd.nasa.gov or 877-677-2123. The Contractor shall ensure all NASA IT equipment end users are current on required training and comply with all NASA IT policies and procedures.

The Contractor shall communicate and collaborate with NASA personnel using the MS Office 365® suite of tools, including email, Teams, and SharePoint. The Contractor may, at its discretion, use company-purchased IT systems and software to fulfill the contract's requirements; however, the Contractor shall adhere to all NASA policies and procedures regarding the collection, storage, and transfer of data. The Contractor shall ensure that all software versions are compatible with the ones used by NASA. This is critical to ensure that NASA can review and process all files the Contractor delivers.

The Government will provide the Contractor access to the following databases:

1. Langley Aeronautics & Structures Instrumentation Request System (LASIRS): official task order system for the contract; database to track, report, and store data for all work issued to the Contractor; requires a Government-furnished IT system and PIV/Smartcard.

2. Digital Balance Library: a centralized repository for all balance-related documentation located within the NASA IP address space; documentation includes engineering drawings and stress reports, fabrication records, inspection reports, calibration records, photographs, etc.; replaced NASA's physical files formerly located in the LaRC Balance Library; requires a Government-furnished IT system and PIV/Smartcard.

3. Balance Server: a centralized repository for published balance calibration files; requires a Government-furnished IT system and PIV/Smartcard.

4. Office 365 OneDrive: official file-sharing service for exchanging electronic task order deliverables (all data levels are approved); requires a Government-furnished IT system and PIV/Smartcard.

5. Enterprise File and Sync Share (EFSS) Box: file sharing service for the exchange of low and moderate data between NASA and external collaborators without access to NASA IT systems.

6. Metrology Information System Serving Langley (MISSL): a centralized repository for standards calibration reports, repair records, and historical records for all Measurement and Test Equipment (M&TE); requires a Government-furnished IT system and PIV/Smartcard.

The Contractor shall retrieve and upload documentation, as required, to the appropriate database(s). Additionally, the Contractor shall work with the Government to administer the Digital Balance Library and Balance Server, as these servers stand host as the Government's sole source of balance-related information.

1.3.2 Technical Excellence

The Contractor shall ensure excellence in providing safe, accurate, secure, timely, and efficient support to enable NASA to increase value to its research customers. Essential characteristics and attributes of technical excellence include, but are not limited to:

1. Experienced and competent technical workers in each specialized area of the SOW.

2. Comprehensive knowledge of the NASA infrastructure that effectively and consistently meets its requirements.

3. Trained personnel that are experienced, versatile, and readily adaptable to new techniques and technologies.

4. Proactive research customer engagement resulting in customer trust and satisfaction at

NASA.

1.3.3 Critical Contractor Interfaces

The Contractor will primarily interface with the Contracting Officer (CO) and the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) to address and resolve contractual and technical issues.

Additionally, specific requirements within each task order may necessitate interfacing with task order requestors, research teams, other support service contractors at LaRC and NASA, Government personnel at other federal agencies, and external partners. For IT services, the Contractor shall interface with LaRC system administrators and the NASA Enterprise Service Desk (ESD).

1.3.4 Contract and Project Management

Work efforts performed in support of the SOW require management expertise, oversight, control, communications, time management, quality assurance and control, and risk management. The Government defines the Contract Administrator and Project Manager as follows:

• Contract Administrator (CA): Contractor employee responsible for the overall compliance with the contract terms and conditions, personnel management, and other non-technical functions. Minimum of 20 years of demonstrated experience in contract administration.

• Project Manager (PM): Contractor employee responsible for the technical performance of all work performed under this contract. This includes ensuring proper resources are available and allocated, adequate reports and documentation are prepared, and deliverables are provided on-time. Minimum of 15 years of demonstrated experience in project management and relevant certifications.

The Government expects the CA and PM to serve as the primary liaisons for the CO and COR in performance of this contract. As such, the CA and PM, at a minimum, shall participate in periodic meetings with the CO and COR to discuss on-going work, contract performance issues, process improvements, risks and related issues, corrective actions, recovery plans, and other details vital to the operation of the contract. Periodic meetings will be held in-person at the Government's or the Contractor's site or virtually. The Contractor shall provide an organizational chart with clear lines of authority and identifies critical Government interfaces, like the CA and PM.

The Contractor shall comply with all U.S. export control laws and regulations including, but not limited to, the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), 22 CFR Parts 120 through 130, and the Export Administration Regulations (EAR), 15 CFE Parts 730 through 799, in performance of this contract. The Contractor shall screen individuals at appropriate times to ensure ITAR compliance and shall insert this requirement into all subcontracts that may involve ITAR or EAR controlled information.

1.3.5 NASA/Contractor Partnership

The Contractor shall participate in successfully creating a beneficial NASA/Contractor partnership. Essential characteristics and attributes of a successful partnership include specific objectives. In addition, NASA and the Contractor will collaboratively:

1. Resolve issues expeditiously and to the satisfaction of the NASA customers.

2. Share technical expertise and promote innovation.

3. Participate in a contract kickoff meeting. This initiative aims to develop and implement a contract management strategy that becomes mutually beneficial and ingrained within the NASA culture.

1.3.6 Worker Qualifications

The Contractor shall supply and administer a flexible, technically competent, and qualified staff, and the staff shall be integrated appropriately across all areas of the contract to fully support and accomplish the requirements. The Contractor shall ensure all contractor and subcontractor personnel possess the appropriate qualifications, knowledge, experience, clearances up to the Secret level, certifications, and are free from conflicts of interest to perform the assigned tasks. The Contractor shall maintain a workforce commensurate with the skills required for the work performed under this contract.

1.3.7 Training

The Contractor shall develop and implement a training program to accomplish specialized training and development of Contractor employees to ensure that worker skills, qualifications, certifications, and experience are commensurate with the employee’s work assignment.

Training may include classroom instruction (local or factory) or hands-on training. The Contractor shall establish and maintain its employee's qualifications, certifications, and training.

1.3.8 Technical (Customer) Services Desk for Task Processing and Records Management

All work under this contract will be initiated in LASIRS per the task ordering procedures defined in the contract. The Government customer will create tasks in LASIRS with specific requirements clearly stated. Following task initiation, the COR will review the task order for completeness and forward the request to the Contractor for proposal development. All task modifications will be submitted into LASIRS by the customer or the COR and processed in the same manner as a new task order.

LASIRS represents a virtual technical services desk; however, the Contractor shall utilize a PM to facilitate all Government interactions at its place of business.

1.3.9 Documentation

The Contractor shall maintain a copy of all records, reports, and data generated during the period of performance of this contract. The Contractor's repository of all records generated as part of this contract shall be organized, and the Contractor shall be able to locate and identify any necessary information, if needed, at any time during the period of performance of this contract.

1.3.10 Contract Performance Management and Assessment

Upon completing a task order, the Government will provide the Contractor with feedback on their quality, schedule, and business relations performance. All customer surveys will be provided to the Contractor via email, and the Contractor may also access survey results from LASIRS. The Contractor shall review all customer feedback and address concerns or problems identified in the performance of a task order.

2 Description of Services

2.1 Overview of FMSS Requirements

The Contractor shall provide force and strain measurement technical and operational support in any of the following, but not limited to, areas:

• engineering design, evaluation, and analysis of single- and multi-axis force transducers,

• conventional fabrication services for existing and new single- and multi-axis force transducers, calibration hardware and systems, and wind-tunnel model components and model support hardware

• additive manufacturing services for existing and new single- and multi-axis force transducers, calibration loading hardware, wind-tunnel model components, and model support hardware,

• installation and support of strain-measuring instrumentation and,

• calibration of single- and multi-axis force transducers.

The Contractor(s) shall keep a master schedule that tracks all open NASA jobs. This master schedule shall always be kept current, and a revision shall be provided to the COR every two weeks. The master schedule shall track the requested due date from the NASA customer, all skill classifications required to work on the task along with durations needed in each area, overall task percent completion, and shall track any tasks that run past the due date. This schedule will be used by NASA to track work at the Contractors' site and will aid as a management tool to help mitigate any scheduling risks.

2.2 Engineering Design, Evaluation, and Analysis of Single- and Multi-Axis Force Transducers

The Contractor shall provide engineering design, evaluation, and analysis support of single-and multi-axis strain-gage force transducers. Transducers include, but are not limited to, wind-tunnel balances, load cells, and tension linkages. Balances typically range from 0.25 inches to 30 inches in diameter with measurement ranges from 0.001 to 200,000 pounds-force of force and 0.005 to 1,500,000 inch-pounds-force of moment. Measurement accuracy is typically on the order of 0.25 percent (95% confidence interval) of full-scale output.

Related force transducer hardware includes but is not limited to the following:

• water-cooling shields for high-temperature transducers,

• air shields,

• calibration and loading hardware,

• dowel pins, keys, draw nuts, and

• stings and model adapters.

This category of work shall encompass but is not limited to the following:

• force transducer engineering studies and stress analyses,

• preparation of design-related documentation such as formal drawings (detail, wiring diagram, calibration, and loading hardware), calculations, and corresponding data used in analyses,

• monitoring of force transducers and associated hardware through final calibration and evaluation and assessing the results to ensure the achievement of required performance requirements, and

• evaluating and monitoring wind-tunnel researchers’ use and performance of force transducers.

2.2.1 Engineering Stress Analysis

The Contractor shall provide formal documentation of engineering stress analyses (analytical, computational, or both) for review by the Government. The Contractor shall electronically provide the CAD model to the Government for computational studies. Additionally, the Contractor shall follow the Government-specified format for formal documentation and adhere to structural safety requirements specified in each task order.

2.2.2 Engineering Drafting

The Contractor shall provide engineering drafting support related to force transducers and associated hardware. All drawings shall conform to specified handbooks or procedures per References 2-4 listed in Section 4.1. For force measurement drawings, the Contractor shall provide an electronic copy of the drawing to the Government for review and approval.

Approved drawings will have the signature of a cognizant Government employee, and the Government will provide the approved drawings to the Contractor for the Contractor to upload onto the Digital Balance Library. The Contractor shall manage all configurations with engineering drawings and associated changes.

2.2.3 Quality Metrics

All stress analysis reports and documentation shall contain the following information or conform to specified handbooks or procedures:

1. Conformance with the NASA Technical Standard entitled Wind-Tunnel Model Systems Criteria (NASA-STD-8719.28).

2. A cover sheet designating the personnel responsible for the analyses, checking the analyses, and approving the analyses with signature blocks provided.

3. For drafting tasks,

a. Conformance to NASA-STD-8719.28, ANSI Y14.5M, and MIL STD 100 drafting standards.

b. All specifications (dimensions; tolerances; surface finishes; materials; material conditions; material certifications and inspections; fitting requirements and procedure designations; axis system designation; assembly instructions; color codes; electrical component designations, schematics, and installation requirements or procedures; pinouts; and title blocks and drawing numbers) to properly manufacture, modify, strain-gage, calibrate, inspect, assemble, or perform a specified function are required.

2.3 Conventional Fabrication Services

The Contractor shall provide fabrication services to include full lifecycle manufacturing, modifying, and repairing of the following:

• force-measuring transducers such as wind-tunnel balances, load cells, and tension links,

• balance-related hardware such as front-end expanders, water-cooling shields, convection shields, keys, dowel pins, draw nuts, loading fixtures, and loading arms, and

• balance-interfacing hardware such as metric balance blocks, non-metric adapters, and stings.

This requirement shall also include the post-processing of metallic additively manufactured balances and wind-tunnel model components. Machining frequently utilizes turning, milling, drilling, and electrical discharge machining (EDM). All force transducers must be designed to meet the criteria as outlined in NASA-STD-8719.28. The Contractor shall ensure that all individuals involved in the fabrication process, such as design engineers and Quality Assurance personnel, be familiarized with NASA-STD-8719.28 requirements and take action to adhere to its requirements. Failure to meet the NASA-STD-8719.28 requirements may result in the Government's inability to accept hardware and possibly require the re-fabrication of components. The Government may perform final QA inspections and acceptance at a Government facility.

The Contractor shall complete a DD250 Form for final acceptance by the Government of new force transducers before delivery.

2.3.1 Quality Assurance and Inspection

The Contractor shall provide quality assurance inspections of all force transducers fabricated, modified, or repaired, including, but not limited to, the following documentation with the appropriate signatures:

1. Material certifications

2. Gage fit and taper inspection reports.

3. Dimensional inspections (CMM or non-CMM) of machined or fabricated parts listed against drawing specifications in a summary table with non-conformances clearly identified.

4. Heat-treatment reports per AMS2759E

5. Ultrasonic testing (UT) reports

6. Procedures that shall be followed require a document stating the process was followed with the signature of the responsible person.

The Contractor shall ascertain what components require ultrasonic testing early in the design process and the required level. NASA-STD-8719.28 outlines the requirements for the ultrasonic testing of critically stressed components. The Contractor shall ensure compliance with the ultrasonic testing requirement of NASA-STD-8719.28. The Contractor shall ensure that the designated Contractor’s personnel, such as design engineers, quality assurance personnel, and purchasing agents, be familiarized with this requirement and take action to ensure compliance with the requirement. Failure to meet this requirement may result in LaRC’s inability to accept hardware and possibly require the re-fabrication of components. If requested, LaRC Model Systems engineers can assist the Contractor in identifying critically stressed components.

The Contractor shall perform any nondestructive inspections and tests, as required, for fabrication and checkout. Personnel performing inspections and testing shall be certified to the American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT) for Qualification and Certification of Nondestructive Testing Personnel, ANSI/ASNT CP-189, 2020 or equivalent, unless otherwise specified. Procedures for nondestructive evaluation (visual, liquid penetrate, magnetic particle, eddy current, radiography, or ultrasonic) shall be established following the American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM) or equivalent unless otherwise specified.

Inspection reports shall state the qualifying standards met and procedures used. All inspection reports and X-Ray photographs shall be submitted with completed tasks or earlier if requested.

All inspections are subject to review and/or witness by NASA LaRC representatives.

2.3.2 Quality Metrics

The items in Section 2.3.1 shall meet the requirements specified within the task order, the corresponding drawing(s), and the applicable references in Section 4.1.

2.4 Additive Manufacturing Services

The Contractor shall additively manufacture metallic parts (17-4PH, Ti-6Al-4V, 718, or AlSi10Mg) using powder bed fusion for use in wind tunnels. Parts (including but not limited to balances and wind tunnel model components) shall be produced in accordance with D201- BP-AM-PBF and the corresponding ASTM standard specifications listed in Section 4.1 for additive manufacturing using powder bed fusion. The documentation, type, quantity of witness testing, and NDE requirements required for acceptance are specified via a classification system based on the safety factor of the part.

The Government will approve CAD files and drawings containing the part requirements. This information, combined with D201-BP-AM-PBF in Section 4.1, shall define all requirements for acceptance. The Contractor shall, in certain instances, create or modify the CAD file and drawing used for the build process. This may include, for example, modifying internal and external radii and/or adding, removing, or changing features to assure part integrity during processing and/or to facilitate heat treatment. All changes shall be conveyed to the Government for authorization before fabrication.

Parts are expected to meet drawing specifications following all secondary processes (heat treatment, machining, surface finishing, etc.). The Contractor shall complete a DD250 Form for final acceptance by the Government of new hardware before delivery.

The Contractor shall notify the COR in cases specified by D201-BP-AM-PBF, and if not approved by the COR, the part may be rejected.

2.4.1 Quality Assurance and Inspection

The Contractor shall provide quality assurance inspections of parts fabricated, including, but not limited to, the following:

1. Documentation certifying conformance with D201-BP-AM-PBF and applicable ASTM specifications identified in Section 4.1.

2. A report summarizing any changes made to the as-provided CAD geometry of the part.

3. Dimensional inspections (CMM or non-CMM) of machined or fabricated parts listed against drawing specifications in a summary table with non-conformances clearly identified.

4. Production of witness coupons per D201-BP-AM-PBF.

5. A report summarizing the details of the Hot Isostatic Pressing (HIP) process and solutionization and aging heat treatments performed on the part and associated witness coupons, as applicable.

2.4.2 Quality Metrics

The items in Section 2.4.1 shall meet the requirements specified within the task order, the corresponding drawing(s), and the applicable references in Section 4.1.

2.5 Force Transducer Instrumentation Services

The Contractor shall install strain gages and thermal instrumentation on single- and multi-component force transducers. Strain gages include, but are not limited to, all commercially available strain gages and sensors and include foil-type, semi-conductor, and fiber-optic sensor types. Thermal sensors include thermocouples and platinum resistances thermometers. The Contractor shall attach all ancillary materials that are an integral part of the instrumented transducer, including compatible lead wires, sleeving, and connectors; provide Wheatstone bridge circuit adjustments (temperature compensation, compensation bridge balance adjustments, span corrections) and moisture proofing of strain gage installations; install and repair thermal conditioning devices such as cooling tubes, shields, and jackets, miniature bellows, and heater strips; provide special clamps for mounting strain gages; support the development and testing of new strain gages, thermal sensors, and special connectors including those purchased by the Government to ensure compliance with procurement specifications.

In addition, final temperature compensation tests shall require digitally recorded temperature and strain-gage outputs unless noted in an individual work requirement. Most force transducers operate in a standard, ambient environment; however, test environments may range from cryogenic operations (approximately -250 deg. F.) to 400 deg. F. Performance of services under this contract shall conform to the standards of NASA publications NASA/TM- 110327 and NASA/TM-2004-213017.

2.5.1 Quality Metrics

The items in Section 2.5 of this SOW shall meet the requirements specified within the task order, the corresponding drawing(s), and applicable references in Section 4.1. In addition, tasks such as temperature compensation, zero unbalance, temperature cycling, and strain-gage card recordings called out on drawings and procedures shall be documented with data and signature sheets.

2.6 Material and Structures Instrumentation Services

The Contractor shall install strain gages and thermal instrumentation on materials and structures test articles. Strain gages will include, but are not limited to, all commercially available strain gages and sensors and include foil-type, semi-conductor, and fiber-optic sensor types. The Contractor shall attach all ancillary materials that are an integral part of the instrumented test article, including compatible lead wires, sleeving, and connectors; moisture proofing of strain gage installations; provide special clamps for mounting strain gages; and support testing of new strain gages and special connectors including those purchased by the Government to ensure compliance with procurement specifications. Most instrumentation will operate in a standard, ambient environment; however, test environments may range from cryogenic operations (approximately -250 deg. F.) to high-temperature operations (approximately 2000 deg. F.). The performance of services under this contract shall conform to the standards provided by NASA publications NASA-TM-2004-213017.

2.6.1 High-Temperature Refractory Composite Material Instrumentation

The Contractor shall install thermocouples on the surface and embedded within test articles, including high-temperature refractory composite materials. Refractory composites may include carbon/carbon (C/C), carbon/silicon carbide (C/SiC), and silicon carbide/silicon carbide (SiC/SiC). The Contractor shall be able to successfully machine and drill into Carbon and Silicon Carbide-based composites. Thermocouples shall include, but are not limited to, all commercially available sensors and include Type K, Type B, Type C, and Type S. The Contractor shall attach all ancillary materials that are an integral part of the instrumented test article, including compatible lead wires, sleeving, and connectors; moisture proofing of thermocouple installations; provide special clamps for mounting thermocouples; and support the development and testing of new thermocouples and special connectors including those purchased by the Government to ensure compliance with procurement specifications. The Contractor shall possess an understanding of multiple elevated-temperature bonding approaches to successfully adhere thermocouples. Most test articles will be tested in high-temperature environments, up to approximately 4000 deg. F. The Contractor shall, at times, develop of custom thermocouples when commercially available sensors are deemed to be insufficient in meeting the Government's needs. Custom thermocouples may include, but are not limited to, specialized lead wires, sheaths, sleeves, crimps, and adapters. The Government, at its discretion, may disseminate techniques, methodologies, processes, and other intellectual property developed by the Contractor regarding machining and installing thermocouples in high-temperature refractory composite materials.

2.6.2 Quality Metrics

The items in Section 2.6 shall meet the requirements specified by the task order and the corresponding drawings. A drawing or sketch shall be produced for tasks performed without a drawing provided in advance. In addition, tasks such as temperature compensation, zero unbalance, temperature cycling, and strain-gage card recordings called out on drawings and procedures shall be documented with data and signature sheets.

2.7 Single- and Multi-Axis Force Transducer Calibration Services

The Contractor shall calibrate single- and multi-axis strain-gage-type force transducers and force measurement systems at the Contractor’s offsite facility. The Contractor shall utilize static calibration stands and semi-automatic or Single-Vector System (SVS) calibration machines that may be provided by the Government or by the Contractor. Calibrations may include nominal and off-nominal (e.g., elevated temperature, cryogenic temperature) conditions. Pertinent combinations of loads to determine first, second, or higher-order interactions on each component will be applied by standard load schedules used by the Contractor or a load schedule provided to the Contractor by the Government. Requirements shall include the proper fitting of balance fixtures and hardware and evaluation of calibration data such as tabulating, plotting, and iterating of loadings necessary to ensure the required accuracy. The Contractor shall always adhere to LaRC-approved calibration techniques during calibration procedures. LaRC Balance Engineers will review all intermittent and final calibration data deliverables for all balance calibrations. The COR will provide guidance to the Contractor on any deviations observed during the calibration. The Contractor shall document all processes. Contractor calibration techniques that offer improvement may be submitted anytime for review by the LaRC Balance Engineer. It is expected that a high degree of interaction shall be required between the Government and the Contractor.

A typical example of an approved LaRC calibration procedure for a six-component strain-gage balance would include the following tasks.

1) Balance operational readiness checkout of the balance to document the condition of the balance and includes, but is not limited to, the following tasks: electrical inspection, visual inspection, electrical zero measurements, thermal strain measurements, and documentation of results.

2) Install the balance into the calibration fixture and ensure good contact on balance interfaces (i.e., front end, taper). Fabricate dowel pins and keys as necessary.

3) Install the assembly into a calibration stand.

4) Complete the required pre-calibration documentation (i.e., calibration cover sheet and calibration load sheets). Perform and record resistance checks, record electrical zeros, and perform a data acquisition checkout.

5) Connect balance wiring into the data acquisition system.

6) Obtain and assemble the required calibration hardware, such as weights, knife edges, hangers, and weight pans (or baskets). Appropriate hardware (e.g., calibration arms) is documented in the master calibration hardware database, available in the bidder’s library.

7) Perform the calibration loadings according to the pre-determined load schedule.

Loadings are performed with dead weights on hangers or baskets that are transferred to the calibration fixture through a double knife-edge arrangement. When loadings must be applied perpendicular to gravity, dead weights are used over a bell crank mechanism and transferred to the balance as described previously.

8) Record the data with the data acquisition system using configuration-managed software code.

9) Analyze data using configuration-managed software code. Review the results and determine if the required accuracy has been achieved. If not, troubleshoot data to determine the next step(s).

10) When the desired accuracy has been achieved, provide electronic data files for final review by the LaRC balance engineer. Finalize calibration and produce required wind-tunnel calibration files (e.g., i-deck, j8-deck, calibration summary).

11) Disassemble the calibration set-up, perform final inspections, and record electrical checks. Deliver the balance to the pre-determined location.

The finalized calibration files shall include standard LaRC i-deck, j-deck, j8-deck, and 8-page calibration summary unless specified otherwise in the task order. The calibration summary report shall contain information including, but not limited to, full-scale applied loads from calibration, full-scale bridge outputs, bridge sensitivities, values and magnitudes of computed interactions, computed 2-sigma accuracy values for each measurement component, balance deflection measurements, zeros collected during calibration, notes identifying any pertinent calibration information, calibration dates.

2.7.1 Calibration of Standards used in Force Transducer Calibrations

To maintain maximum reliability and integrity in NASA’s research testing operations, the Contractor shall maintain traceability to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) for all off-center laboratory calibration standards including, but not limited to, the following: load cells, torque wrenches, scales, analytical balances, force transducer calibration weights, and data acquisition components. The Government will provide a schedule of calibration for all laboratory calibration standards. Documentation shall be maintained by the Contractor and supplied to the Government in electronic format.

2.7.2 Quality Metrics

All calibration data for previously calibrated force transducers shall be within 0.05% (2-sigma) uncertainty for each component analyzed for the entire calibration load schedule. In addition, sensitivities and interactions must be within 0.02% and 0.10%, respectively. The uncertainty shall be within 0.25% (2-sigma) of full-scale output for new force transducers or existing transducers with new instrumentation. Documentation of the calibration data, results, and files are provided by the software and shall be produced for each calibration with signatures for each person involved in the effort.

For laboratory calibration standards, calibration accuracies shall be within the manufacturer’s specifications. Datasheets shall be maintained to document the results and procedures followed for the repairs, calibrations, and maintenance performed with the signature of the responsible person(s).

2.8 On-Demand Support Services

The Contractor shall provide on-demand support services related to force transducers and strain-measuring instrumentation. Based on the Government's needs, support shall be provided at one of the Government's facilities or offsite at the Contractor's facilities. The Contractor shall be willing and able to coordinate all travel (local or otherwise) and provide all services and materials required to fulfill the requirements of the on-demand support request. Typical on-demand support requests include, but are not limited to, the following:

• force transducer model integration and disassembly,

• inspection and repair of strain-measuring instrumentation and force transducers, and

• perform in situ calibrations and check loads.

On-demand support requests will be routine or emergency in nature. The Contractor shall be expected to perform these services during the core operating hours as specified herein and after hours. The Contractor may be required to complete work in small, enclosed spaces or utilize ladders, scaffolding, or lifts.

2.8.1 Quality Metrics

A summary report, with photographs, shall be written of the services performed or troubleshooting procedure utilized, findings, and resolutions.

3 Data Deliverables

Attachment TBD defines the requirements for contractual data to be delivered by the Contractor to the Government. The data requirements are set forth in each Data Requirements Description (DRD) and shall govern all data required in performance of this contract.

4 Applicable Documents

4.1 References

1) NASA-STD-8719.28, Wind Tunnel Model Systems Criteria, NASA Technical Standard, 31 October 2022.

2) LPR 7320.1K, Engineering Drawing and Document Requirements, Langley Management System, 30 September 2022.

3) MIL-STD-100G, Department of Defense Standard Practice for Engineering Drawings, 09 June 1997.

4) ANSI Y14.5-2018, Dimensioning and Tolerancing, American Society of Mechanical Engineers, 2019.

5) AMS 2759/3J, Heat Treatment Precipitation-Hardening Corrosion-Resistance Maraging, and Secondary Hardening Steel Parts, Society of Automotive Engineers, 28 May 2020.

6) Berry, R.F., Jr., Ultrasonic Inspection Specification for Critically Stressed Components, NASA Scientific and Technical Information Program, NASA TM-84625, February 1983.

7) LMS TD-5562B, Performing Magnetic Particle Inspections, Langley Management System, 24 October 2016.

8) D201-BP-AM-PBF, Additively Manufactured (via PBF) Metallic Parts for Use in Wind Tunnels, Aeronautics Systems Engineering Branch, 02 April 2023.

9) ASTM F2924-14, Standard Specification for Additive Manufacturing Titanium-6 Aluminum-4 Vanadium with Powder Bed Fusion, American Society for Testing and Materials, October 2021.

10) ASTM F3055-14a, Standard Specification for Additive Manufacturing Nickel Alloy (UNS N07718) with Powder Bed Fusion, American Society for Testing and Materials, 29 October 2021.

11) ASTM F3318-18, Standard for Additive Manufacturing – Finished Part Properties – Specification for AlSi10Mg with Powder Bed Fusion – Laser Beam, American Society for Testing and Materials, 15 August 2018.

12) Moore, T. C., Sr., Suggested Procedures for Installing Strain Gauges on Langley Research Center Wind Tunnel Balances, Custom Force Measuring Transducers, Metallic and Composite Structural Test Articles, NASA Scientific and Technical Information Program, NASA-TM-213017, May 2004.

13) Guarino, J., Calibration and Evaluation of Multicomponent Strain-Gage Balances, NASA Interlaboratory Force Measurement Group Meeting, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, 16-17 April 1964.

14) NASA STD-8739.12, Metrology and Calibration, NASA Technical Standard Program, 23 January 2018.

15) LAPD 8730.1E, The LaRC Metrology and Calibration Program, Langley Management System, 03 April 2019.

16) LMS CP-0506.N-1, The LaRC Measuring and Test Equipment Procedures Manual, Langley Management System, 01 June 2018.

4.2 Forms

1) LF539, Wind Tunnel Balance Angular Deflections, Version 2.1, December 2019.

2) LF540, Bridge Resistance Checks, Version 2.0, May 2018.

3) LF541, Wind Tunnel Balance Calibration Work Sheet, Version 1.0, December 2014.

4) LF543, Wind Tunnel Balance Span Checks, Version 2.0, May 2018.

5) LF546, 3-Component Loading: Normal, Axial, Pitch (NAP), Version 2.1, August 2019.

6) LF548, Strain-Gage Balance Loadings for Long Moment Arm Primary Calibration, Version 2.0, May 2018.

7) LF549, 3-Component Loading: +Normal Force, Version 2.0, May 2018.

8) LF550, 3-Component Loading: +Side Force, Version 2.0, May 2018.

9) LF554, NASA Wind Tunnel Balance History Card, Version 1.0, November 2014.

10) LF575, Balance Assembly and Calibration Checklist, Version 1.0, April 2022.

11) LF613, Loadings for Long Moment Arm Full Calibration, Version 1.1, August 2019.

12) DD Form 250, Material Inspection and Receiving Report, OMB No. 0704-0248, August

2020.

13) DD Form 1149C, Requisition and Invoice/Shipping Document, OMB No. 0704-0246, June 2003.