PWS Tekna.docx

Performance Work Statement (PWS) Annual Maintenance Contract – Tekna Plasma Systems Inc, 17 March 2025

C.1 Background

C.1.1 Powder densification and spheroidization is a widely accepted application of induction plasma technology. It consists of in‐flight heating and melting of feed material followed by its subsequent cooling and solidification under controlled conditions. Depending on the size and apparent density of the treated powder, their time of flight is controlled such that the molten droplets have sufficient time for complete solidification before reaching the bottom of the primary reactor chamber. Finer particles, entrained by the plasma gases, are recovered in a filter downstream of the primary chamber. Industrial applications benefit already from the unique properties of Tekna’s spheroidization process. The process substantially enhances the powder's properties in multiple aspects, specifically by improving its flowing properties, reducing porosity, and increasing density. This system’s ability to accurately reshape nearly any starting powder into a more usable spheroidal morphology is essential for numerous mission programs. The morphology of powders can be tailored to suit specific applications, with additive manufacturing requiring spherical or spheroidal shapes, while other processes can benefit from the introduction of novel, specially designed morphologies. The Army Research Laboratory (ARL) of the Metals Branch has one (1) Tek-15 Spheroidizer used to process multiple powder types to support internal and external ARL customer monthly requests. Regular maintenance is crucial to prevent downtime, and an annual maintenance contract is required to keep this system running smoothly and ensure uninterrupted operation.

C.2 Objective

C.2.1 The Contractor shall provide preventative maintenance, replacement of broken parts, and software upgrades on the Tekna Plasma Systems, Inc Tek-15 Spheroidizer system in accordance with the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) specifications. Therefore, under this effort, the Contractor shall provide annual preventative maintenance service of the Government-owned spheroidizer system to ensure the equipment is in reliable working conditions with regard to day-to-day usage.

C.3 Requirement

C.3.1 Upon receipt of award, the Contractor shall perform two (2) preventative maintenance visits for the Government-owned Tek-15 Spheroidizer system at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Army Research Laboratory (ARL) of the Metals Branch: 6300 Deer Creek Loop, Building 4600 Abderdeen Proving Ground (APG), MD 21005.

C.3.2 The maintenance agreement shall include:

C.3.2.1 The generation of active plasma and verification of powder successfully feeding through the system resulting in collection in one of the vessels.

C.3.2.2 On-site visit to fix and repair any issues that cannot be resolved through telephone or email communications with a Tekna service engineer.

C.3.2.3 Preventative maintenance consisting of two (2) days, in-person visit per year.

C.3.2.4 General system inspection and maintenance.

C.3.2.5 General training and support.

C.3.3 The Contractor shall provide unscheduled, on-demand maintenance service via remote communication either by telephone or email support.

C.3.4 The maintenance agreement shall exclude:

C.3.4.1 Replacement parts not covered under warranty C.3.4.2 Repair or diagnostic exceeding allocated time C.3.4.3 Replacement parts shipping cost & insurance

C.3.5 The Contractor shall supply required parts to repair the system when replacement parts and repairs are needed.

C.3.6 The Contractor shall perform all contract requirements within PWS section C for four (4) additional option years to be exercised solely at the Government’s discretion.

C.4 AT-OPSEC Requirements

ANTI-TERRORISM (AT) – OPERATIONAL SECURITY (OPSEC) REQUIREMENTS

The following AT-OPSEC requirements apply:

i. Access and general protection/security policy and procedures. This standard language is for contractor employees with an area of performance within Army controlled installation, facility, or area. Contractor and all associated sub-contractor’s employees shall provide all information required for background checks to meet installation access requirements to be accomplished by installation Provost Marshal Office, Director of Emergency Services or Security Office. Contractor workforce must comply with all personal identity verification requirements (FAR clause 52.204.9, Personal Identity Verification of Contractor Personnel) as directed by DoD, HWDA and/or local policy. In addition to the changes otherwise authorized by the changes clause of this contract, should the Force Protection Condition (FPCON) at any individual facility or installation change, the Government may require changes in contractor security matters or processes.

ii. For contractors that DO NOT require CAC, but require access to a DoD facility or installation. Contractor and all associated sub-contractors employees shall comply with adjudication standards and procedures using the National Crime Information Center Interstate Identification Index (NCIC-III) and Terrorist Screening Database (TSDB) (Army Directive 2014-05/AR 190-13), applicable installation, facility and area commander installation/facility access and local Security policies and procedures (provided by Government Representative), or, at OCONUS locations, in accordance with status of forces agreement and other theater regulations.

C.5 Distribution Statements

C.5.1 Distribution Statement applicable to this PWS and any technical data/documentation generated during performance:

Determination of Contract submission documents: Distribution Statement A: Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.

Determination for Information generated from the performance of the contract: Distribution Statement A: Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.

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