JA_SPRDL123D0049_REDACTED (1).pdf

JA-00591 - SPRDL123R0030 - Previous J&A: N/A standardization of equipment, test procedures, training, spare parts, and manuals within the PQAS-E.

The Colorimeter was extensively tested by TARDEC (now Ground Vehicle Systems Center (GVSC)) in its labs for reliability, accuracy, and precision before being chosen for use in the PQAS-E. The ruggedness of the instrument is vital for it to be reliable in the field due to the unique environments (cold storage, hot storage, high humidity, and high vibration) that the laboratory equipment will operate in as part of the PQAS-E. To help achieve this reliability, custom cut foam inserts were developed for this instrument to help mitigate the effects of shock and vibration from the movement of the PQAS-E when mounted on its trailer or on a Palletized Load System (PLS). If a different model instrument were chosen, new foam inserts would have to be designed, manufactured, and tested to ensure suitability for use in PQAS-E. Additionally, the instrument itself will have to be tested to verify it can withstand the shock and vibration that is caused from the PQAS-E traveling over unimproved roads and rough terrain. The storage temperature requirements of the PQAS-E dictate that the instruments used within this system have to be able to be stored at -25 degrees Fahrenheit and up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Laboratory instruments do not normally see temperature extremes such as these. A new instrument would also have to be tested to verify that it can withstand these storage temperatures as well as perform as expected after being warmed up or cooled down quickly. The small size of the Colorimeter maximizes counter space in the PQAS-E, which allows the storage of more instruments and acts as an additional workspace. This benefit may be lost if a new instrument was used in its place.

The Integrated Logistics Support Center (ILSC) and GVSC developed the PQAS-E Technical Manual (TM), which was written specifically for this instrument and includes detailed work packages with pictures on how to operate the instrument, maintain the instrument, check calibration on the instrument, and troubleshoot the instrument. A new instrument would necessitate that the TM be revised to include all new work packages.

Furthermore, the ILSC Petroleum and Water Systems Team provisioned all the spare parts of the PQAS-E program and NSNs have been assigned. A new instrument would require new provisioning and NSNs which would have to be updated in the TM. PQAS- E utilizes custom computer software to implement a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) in the lab. GVSC custom made this software to interface directly with the instruments in the lab using a multiplexor to communicate via RS 232 cables. The LIMS must have specific code written in order for the information to be gathered successfully due to each instrument’s unique software and data outputs. This means that a new instrument would not communicate correctly with the LIMS, and a new version of LIMS software would have to be developed and tested by GVSC to ensure correct operability. GVSC has estimated that Reverse Engineering the Colorimeter would cost an estimated minimum of $2,000,000 with a lead time of 24 months for design, development, production, and technical data development. In addition, the colorimeter would have to undergo qualification and integration testing.

Qualification testing on laboratory equipment installed in the PQAS-E would have an additional lead time of 12 months and cost an additional estimated minimum of $2,000,000. Additional steps of this process include an accuracy test, a form, fit, and function test, a performance test, and a durability test. The total cost of reverse

JA-00591 - SPRDL123R0030 - Previous J&A: N/A

Search criteria included colorimeter, fuel color tester, and ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) International D6045 instrument.

The following websites were found that had comparable instruments:

https://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/Oil-color-test-kit-Colorimeter- ASTM_60776348100.html https://cannoninstrument.com/acl-3-colorimeter.html https://www.process-insights.com/products-3/products-industrial/spectrometers-flow-cells-probes/saybolt-color-analyzer/

Findings: The three instruments that were found in the web searches are not suitable substitutes for the colorimeter provided by DC Scientific. All the instruments would require new mounting provisions, new technical manual work packages, new LIMS software, and new spare parts to be incorporated into the PQAS-E. Furthermore, a new instrument would have to be tested for accuracy and robustness to ensure it meets the standards needed for a mobile laboratory environment.

The Systems Engineer contacted the contractor to request consideration for the U.S.

Government to purchase the intellectual property. No positive response was received.

9. Interested Sources: To date no additional sources have expressed interest in this item.

10. Other Facts: Procurement History:

SPRDL119P0031//0002AA

10/25/2018

DC SCIENTIFIC, INC

$48,558.20

ONLY ONE SOURCE/PURCHASE ORDER

SPRDL119P0031//0001AA

10/25/2018

DC SCIENTIFIC, INC

$48,556.20

ONLY ONE SOURCE/PURCHASE ORDER

SPRDL117P0157//0001AA

02/16/2017

DC SCIENTIFIC, INC

$60,380.00

ONLY ONE SOURCE/PURCHASE ORDER

SPRDL117P0157//0001AA

03/03/2011

COMPASS INSTRUMENT