RFI 80TECH24Q00006 - High Temperature Flexure Test Stand Furnace.pdf

Rev.: 07/2021

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI)

No. 80TECH24Q0006

High Temperature Flexure Test Stand Furnace

NATIONAL AREONAUCTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION (NASA)

HEADQUARTERS (HQ) INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY PROCUREMENT OFFICE

(ITPO)

November 21, 2023

Sources Sought Notice

a. Market Research

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Langley Research Center is hereby soliciting information from potential sources for a High Temperature Flexure Test Stand Furnace.

The NASA Langley Research Center is seeking capability statements from all interested parties, including all socioeconomic categories of Small Businesses and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU)/Minority Institutions (MI), and members of the underserved communities as defined by Executive Order 13985, Advancing Racial Equity And Support For Underserved Communities Through The Federal Government, for the purposes of determining the appropriate level of competition and/or small business subcontracting goals for High Temperature Flexure Test Stand Furnace. The Government reserves the right to consider a Small, 8(a), Women-owned (WOSB), Service Disabled Veteran (SD- VOSB), Economically Disadvantaged Women-owned Small Business (EDWOSB) or HUBZone business set-aside based on responses received.

No solicitation exists; therefore, do not request a copy of the solicitation. If a solicitation is released, it will be synopsized on SAM.gov, General Services Administration (GSA) e-Buy, or NASA Solutions for Enterprise-Wide Procurement (SEWP). Interested firms are responsible for monitoring these websites for the release of any solicitation or synopsis.

Interested firms having the required capabilities necessary to meet the above requirement described herein should submit a capability statement of no more than three (3) pages indicating the ability to perform all aspects of the effort. All quoters need to include the following as applicable: Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), Cage Code, NASA SEWP Contract, GSA Contract # or GSA Federal Supply Schedule (FSS) #, Small Business Status, applicable North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code, and GSA Special Item Number (SIN), if applicable.

The requirement is considered to be a commercial or commercial-type product. A commercial item is defined in FAR 2.101.

All responses shall be submitted electronically via email to Christina Ostronic, Contract Specialist (christina.m.ostronic@nasa.gov) and Michelle Downs, Contracting Officer (michelle.m.downs@nasa.gov) no later than Friday, December 1, 2023 by 5PM EST . Please reference 80TECH24Q0006 in any response.

This synopsis is for information and planning purposes only and is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government nor will the Government pay for information solicited. Respondents will not be notified of the results of the mailto:christina.m.ostronic@nasa.gov mailto:michelle.m.downs@nasa.gov evaluation. Respondents deemed fully qualified will be considered in any resultant solicitation for the requirement.

b. RFI/Draft Solicitation or SOW

THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL. NO PROPOSALS ARE TO BE

SUBMITTED IN RESPONSE TO THIS NOTICE.

This notice is issued by the NASA/Information Technology Procurement Office (ITPO) to post a Statement of Work (SOW) to solicit responses from interested parties. This document is for information and planning purposes and to allow industry the opportunity to verify reasonableness and feasibility of the requirement, as well as promote competition.

This presolicitation synopsis is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government, nor will the Government pay for the information submitted in response. The Government may not respond to questions/concerns submitted. The Government will use the information to finalize the RFQ as necessary.

All comments or questions shall be submitted electronically via email to Christina Ostronic, Contract Specialist (christina.m.ostronic@nasa.gov) and Michelle Downs, Contracting Officer (michelle.m.downs@nasa.gov) no later than Friday, December 1, 2023 by 5PM EST . Please reference 80TECH24Q0006 in any response.

NASA Clause 1852.215-84, Ombudsman, is applicable. The Center Ombudsman for this acquisition can be found at :

https://www.hq.nasa.gov/office/procurement/regs/Procurement-Ombuds-Comp- Advocate-Listing.pdf

If a solicitation is released, then it and any additional documents will be available on www.SAM.gov, GSA eBuy, or NASA SEWP. It is the offeror's responsibility to monitor these websites for the release of the solicitation and amendments (if any). Potential offerors will be responsible for downloading their own copy of the solicitation and amendments, if any.

mailto:christina.m.ostronic@nasa.gov mailto:michelle.m.downs@nasa.gov https://www.hq.nasa.gov/office/procurement/regs/Procurement-Ombuds-Comp-Advocate-Listing.pdf https://www.hq.nasa.gov/office/procurement/regs/Procurement-Ombuds-Comp-Advocate-Listing.pdf http://www.sam.gov/

ATTACHMENT A:

HIGH TEMPERATURE FLEXURE TEST STAND

STATEMENT OF WORK (SOW)

1 Objective/Requirements An inert gas furnace for high temperature mechanical testing of carbon and metal-carbide based composites is required. The furnace must fit inside a MTS Criterion Model C45.504 Wide test stand. Should a request for quote (RFQ) be issued, quoters will be expected to provide a quote to include conceptual design drawings, space required for secondary cabinets, utility requirements, and a delivery schedule for system installation and testing that meets the specifications provided.

2 Characteristics, Scope, and Specs

2.1 High Temperature Flexure Test Stand Furnace Specification:

2.1.1 The furnace chamber, including mounting hardware and loading rams needs to fit within the working space of the MTS Criterion Model C45.504 Wide test stand. The test stand is in Building 1205 Room 129B on the Langley Research Center, Hampton Virginia. The specified dimension for the working space is 1003 mm maximum width and 1519 mm maximum height. The quote should assume the use of the MTS Model LPS.504 50 kN load cell with a M27 x 2 mm mating thread and the use of a tandem load cell MTS Model LPS.253 2.5 kN load cell with an M12 x 1.25 mating thread as well as the required M27 to M12 piggyback adapter. With the piggyback load cell and 1.25-inch standard MTS pin fittings installed top and bottom the maximum distance between the top and bottom of the pin fittings is approximately 1320 mm.

2.1.2 The furnace will mount securely to the bottom of the provided MTS Criterion Model C45.504 Wide test stand. Floor supports are allowable if needed for stability of the furnace chamber.

2.1.3 The furnace chamber shall operate at pressures from vacuum, 0.01 mmHg or lower, to a slight overpressure of inert gas, not to exceed 14 kPa gage. Hot testing will only be done with the inert atmosphere at the slight overpressure.

2.1.4 The furnace shall allow mechanical testing from room temperature to 2200°C in an inert atmosphere.

2.1.5 When the front door of the furnace chamber is open the interior of the hot zone shall be fully accessible for installation of loading rams, test fixturing and test specimens.

2.1.6 The furnace chamber shall have a secondary door to allow access to install instrumentation such as extensometers behind the hot zone. The door shall be located on the rear or side of the chamber. This secondary door with rear access shall be at least 300 mm in the minimum dimension. The door may be equipped with manual door clamps.

2.1.7 The furnace chamber shall have sufficient interior space to allow mounting of an extension rod extensometer, for use to 1600°C that will reach the center of the hot zone from the rear center. The extensometer shall be removable without removing the hot zone.

RFI 80TECH24Q0006 ATTACHMENT A: SOW Page 2 of 7

2.1.8 The furnace chamber will be equipped with a manual vacuum pressure gage in addition to any electronic pressure gages, 30 psig × 30 inches Hg.

2.1.9 The furnace chamber shall be equipped with a valve for equalization of the pressure between the chamber interior and the exterior, to only be used when the furnace is fully cooled.

2.1.10 The furnace chamber shall be equipped with a rear window with a clear view of the furnace center of at least 50 mm in diameter, including gas purge. There will be three additional ports of the same configuration, that are in the center front as well as above and below the center window and angled to align with the center of the furnace. The center of the above and below windows will be between 10 to 15 degrees off the center line. The windows will be made of high purity quartz (amorphous silica). (figure 2)

2.1.11 The furnace chamber shall be equipped with a port with a window at least 50 mm in diameter with a clear view of the center of the furnace for mounting the pyrometer. This window can be mounted at any suitable location that does not interfere with the view from the front and rear ports. The pyrometer window port will need to be angled to align with the center of the hot zone. The window will be made of high purity quartz (amorphous silica).

2.1.12 No location on the exterior surface of the chamber shall exceed 70°C, handles and knobs shall not exceed 55°C at maximum temperature or after 1 hour at 2200°C.

2.1.13 The furnace chamber and hot zone will allow for 150 mm of ram travel when installed.

2.2 Hot ZoneThe hot zone shall be of split element design. It shall have a free space between the inside surface of the heating elements of at least 280 mm interior diameter by at least 300 mm tall. The center of the hot zone shall be able to achieve a temperature of 2200°C for testing, with a hold duration of 1 hour or greater. The hot zone shall be equipped with two replaceable graphite rods, 75 mm in diameter, that attach to top and bottom water-cooled steel push rods and will meet 75 mm below the furnace center with the crosshead at its minimum lowered position and have 150 mm of clearance centered in the hot zone when the crosshead is at its maximum raised position. The hot zone shall allow viewing of the center of the chamber with a view through the front and rear center exterior ports of

12.5 mm wide by 50 mm tall in the rear and 12.5 mm wide by 100 mm tall in the front.

The hot zone shall allow viewing of the center of the hot zone from the pyrometer widow with a hole at least 12.5 mm wide by 50 mm tall. The hot zone design shall allow access for an extension rod extensometer from the rear of the hot zone. This may use the center rear opening in the hot zone. The hot zone shall be equipped with a high temperature moderate strain extension rod extensometer with arms long enough to reach the center of the hot zone. An additional high temperature high strain extension rod extensometer with arms long enough to reach the center of the hot zone shall also be supplied. The extensometers shall be able to be interchanged in the system without removal of the hot zone from the chamber.Minimum requirements for extensometers:

Gauge length: 25 mm Maximum temperature capability: 1600 °C Moderate strain unit strain range: ±10% High strain unit strain range: minimum range at least +100%/-5% Extension rod material alpha silicon carbide

RFI 80TECH24Q0006 ATTACHMENT A: SOW Page 3 of 7 includes spare set with straight chisel tips

Electrical interface: uses quick connect connectors Contact force: adjustable, minimum range at least 100 grams to 300 grams

2.3 Vacuum and Process Gas System

2.3.1 The inert gas and vacuum system will allow for the evacuation and backfill of the chamber prior to heating as well as provide gas flow to maintain a positive chamber pressure during the heating run.

2.3.2 The chamber shall be fitted with a pressure relief valve set to the maximum chamber operating pressure.

2.3.3 All gas fittings and gas tubing will be copper, brass or stainless steel.

2.3.4 The gas system shall be equipped with a gas solenoid controlled inlet valve, electronic mass flow controller for low flow control, and a high and low rate fill rate switch.

2.3.5 The high flow rate shall be enough to backfill the chamber to atmospheric pressure in 15 minutes or less.

2.3.6 The gas and vacuum system shall be equipped with an electronic display panel or status lights to indicate the current mode of operation and pressure.

2.3.7 The system shall include mechanical vacuum pump capable of pulling the chamber down to less than 0.10 mmHg in 15 minutes or less, when the chamber is clean and dry, and to achieve a minimum pressure at or below 0.05 mmHg.

2.3.8 The system shall include a leak checking port with manual valve to allow attachment of a helium leak detector.

2.3.9 The main vacuum line shall be equipped with an inlet filter to protect the mechanical pump from dust particles.

2.3.10 The furnace system shall be supplied with an inert gas distribution system that will allow for the mounting of three high pressure gas K cylinders.

2.4 Power Supply:

2.4.1 The power supply shall have sufficient power to heat the hot zone to 2200°C within 90 minutes.

2.4.2 The power control system shall display the voltage and amperage for each heating circuit as well as the on-off status of the power supply and water flow.

2.4.3 The power supply is limited to a single 100 amp, 3-phase 480 volt circuit for heating the furnace. Additional circuits of up to 50 amps, 3-phase 480 volt are available for powering the control system and vacuum pump if required.

2.4.4 The power supply shall be equipped with an automatic switch to shut off the power if insufficient water flow is detected and to switch from the cooling tower loop to the emergency water circuit for safe cool down.

2.5 Furnace Temperature Control and Data Logging

2.5.1 The furnace shall be equipped with two tungsten coated, molybdenum sheathed type "C" thermocouples (TC). One thermocouple shall be used for furnace temperature control up to 1600°C. The other TC is an over-temperature senser and is coupled with a high

RFI 80TECH24Q0006 ATTACHMENT A: SOW Page 4 of 7 temperature limit controller. If an overtemperature condition is sensed the controller will shut off power to the hot zone.

2.5.2 The furnace shall be equipped with a 2-color optical pyrometer, with a temperature range of, at a minimum, 1000° to 2300°C. The pyrometer shall be available for furnace temperature control above 1600°C.

2.5.3 The pyrometer will be mounted to the furnace with an adjustable mount so that the exact temperature reading spot can be adjusted within the viewable space of the hot zone.

2.5.4 The system shall be equipped with output signals, ±10 volt analog, for the control thermocouple and control pyrometer temperatures, and temperature setpoint for use with MTS data system.

2.5.5 All controls, controllers, outputs, and meters are located on the front of the control cabinet or in a location to promote safe operation.

2.5.6 System shall include an emergency STOP button to shut down the furnace power completely in case of emergency.

2.6 Cooling System

2.6.1 The system will include water inlet manifold and outlet manifold with a single inlet and outlet line connected to the in-house water tower cooling loop and a second pair of lines for the city water (emergency water).

2.6.2 The system shall provide valves for both the inlet and outlet of both water systems. This will require at least four valves, tower loop inlet and outlet and city water (emergency water) inlet and drain.

2.6.3 The system shall provide a water flow switch on the water outlet manifold. In the event that water flow is interrupted for more than 1 second power to the heating element will automatically be shut off. If the water flow is interrupted for more than 5 seconds the cooling will switch to city water (emergency water) system for orderly shutdown.

2.7 Load Frame Interface

2.7.1 All loading hardware shall be designed to interface with and be installed into the MTS

Criterion Model C45.504 Wide test stand

2.7.2 The furnace contractor shall supply the 89 mm diameter water-cooled stainless steel top and bottom cold rods.

2.7.3 The bottom cold rod is stationary and sealed vacuum tight to chamber using static O-

Ring. Bottom cold rod can utilize bellows if part of standard design for the manufacturer.

2.7.4 The top rod has a bellows assembly with 150 mm stroke. A static O-Ring seal is between bellows assembly and the top cold rod.

2.7.5 The top rod will interface with the MTS load cell, with a M27-2 male thread or a M12 x

1.25 thread if the tandem load cell is in use. Load cells can be equipped with 1.25-inch standard MTS pin connections if that would be preferred.

2.8 Provided Utility Services:

2.8.1 Single circuit with up to 100 amps of 3-phase 480 volt power. Additional circuits of up to

50 amps 3-phase 480 volts are available if needed for control or pump systems

2.8.2 Cooling tower water of up to 50 GPM at 27°C (Using Low conductivity Deionized

Water)

RFI 80TECH24Q0006 ATTACHMENT A: SOW Page 5 of 7

2.8.3 City water (emergency use) of up to 50 GPM.

2.8.4 Process Gas: Argon, optionally Helium up to 50 SLPM.

2.8.5 Compressed Air: 90 psi filtered (pressure regulation by customer).

2.9 Acceptance Testing and Documentation

2.9.1 All equipment will be tested for compliance with specifications. Initial testing can be done at the contractor location or the customers.

2.9.2 After installation, by the contractor, testing will be conducted to ensure performance of furnace while mounted in the test stand for proper operation.

2.9.3 The contractor shall supply general installation and operating instructions, in digital form and optionally an additional paper copy.

2.9.4 The contractor shall supply component manuals for proprietary items, in digital form and optionally an additional paper copy.

2.9.5 The contractor shall supply general arrangement drawing, in digital form and optionally an additional paper copy.

2.9.6 The contractor shall supply assembly drawings, in digital form and optionally an additional paper copy.

2.9.7 The contractor shall supply electrical schematic drawings, in digital form and optionally an additional paper copy.

2.9.8 A list of recommended spares with current prices shall be provided at time of order, in digital form and optionally an additional paper copy.

2.9.9 A list of computer-based control systems is required to be supplied as part of quote in digital copy. This includes any computer-based control systems including microprocessor-controlled electronics such as mass flow controllers.

3 Place of Performance NASA Langley Research Center 1 Nasa Dr, Hampton, VA 23666 Building 1205; Room 129B Point of Contact (POC): TBD Email: TBD

4 Period of Performance Estimated delivery lead-time of 42-48 weeks after receipt of purchase.

5 Invoices In accordance with commercial practice, software licenses and software, and hardware maintenance are provided as non-severable services. Software maintenance includes the development and publishing of “bug” and/or defect fixes, patches, updates, upgrades in function, technology to maintain the operability and usability of the software product, as well as various technical support and diagnostic tools and resources. Hardware maintenance includes the labor for troubleshooting and part replacement.

Payment will be made upon completion of tasks or deliverables. Invoices shall include the following: task order/delivery order number/contract number, itemized details of the individual costs and the total invoice cost.

RFI 80TECH24Q0006 ATTACHMENT A: SOW Page 6 of 7

6 Figures

Figure 1. MTS Criterion Model 45 test machine

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Figure 2. General schematic of possible furnace window arrangements