SOW_FOR_RFQ.pdf

Request for Quotation SB1341-15-RQ-1044

Statement of Work

BACKGROUND

The mission of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Thermodynamics and Kinetics Group (TKG), of the Material Measurement Laboratory’s Materials Science &

Engineering Division (MSED), is to resolve the outstanding challenges in materials microstructure/property prediction and control. The goal is to develop measurement science and data that prove of significant value to industry. The group's research ranges over a wide scope of materials phenomenon employing a variety of experimental, theoretical and computational techniques.

An essential measurement capability for the TKG is the ability to measure thermodynamic properties as function of temperature, especially specific heat capacity and phase transformation temperatures. To measure these transitions a differential scanning calorimeter is required.

SPECIFICATIONS

The Contractor shall provide a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) with a high temperature furnace that has a temperature range of 25 ºC to 1600 ºC. The specified equipment must meet the following minimum technical requirements.

1.1 The system shall include a furnace system capable of measurement over the temperature range from 25 ºC to 1600 ºC without the need to change the furnace;

1.2 The system shall allow for interchangeable furnaces to cover a temperature range from -150 ºC to 1600 ºC. The purchased system is only required to have furnace with a range from 25 ºC to 1600 ºC;

1.3 The system shall have available interchangeable sensors for both DSC and

DTA(differential thermal analysis ) modes and a variety of temperature ranges and environmental conditions. For the current purchase just the DSC sensor is required with S type thermocouple (required temperature range is room temperature to 1600

ºC) for use in vacuum, inert, oxidizing and reducing environments.

The system must have additional interchangeable sensors that can be utilized with it, including the following: sensors using E, K, P, B and W/Re thermocouples for use in different temperature ranges. These additional sensors are not a part of this requirement, however, must be available for purchase;

1.4 The system shall have a cp (specific heat) measuring range up to a maximum

5 J /(g*K);

1.5 The system shall be capable of measuring specific heat and transformation enthalpies with better than ±3 % accuracy;

1.6 The system shall be capable of maintaining a vacuum of at least 10-4 mbar (10-2

Pa);

1.7 The system shall be capable of measurement in inert, oxidizing, reducing, and vacuum environments;

1.8 The system shall include a calibration kit that includes eight substances

(Indium, Tin, Bismuth, Zinc, Aluminum, Silver, Gold, and Nickel) for DSC/DTA calibration. The calibration kit may just include the standard pure substances listed above. For the purpose of this specification, pure means 99.999%;

1.9 The system shall include a dedicated computer system for measurement and analysis.

1.9.1 The required specifications for the computer hardware include the following:

- Requirements for the hardware include a minimum 3.0 GHz processor speed, minimum of 8 GB RAM, minimum 500 GB hard drive, a minimum of three 3.0 USB ports, 22” monitor.

- The required specifications for the computer software include the following:

*The ability to export and import data in CVS and/or ASCII formats.

*The ability to simultaneously measure and evaluate data.

*The ability to automatic detection of instrument settings

*The ability to calibrate and correct routines for temperature, sensitivity, and baseline.

1.9.2 The requirements for the measurement software include:

*Programmable temperature profiles

*Gas flow monitoring

*Loop programming (the ability to inset, delete and annex temperature segments already programed).

*The ability to collect the data and provide real time visualization of the data collection.

1.9.3 The requirements for the analysis software include:

*Simultaneous analysis of multiple data sets (curves)

*Data smoothing capabilities with adjustable filters

*Heat capacity analysis based on ASTM E1269, ISO 11357 and DIN 51007 standards and enthalpy analysis

*Ability to calculate first and second derivatives, peak areas, peak widths, and peak heights.

*Curve subtraction of baselines.

*Glass transition and crystallinity analysis

1.10 The system shall include a minimum of 4 samples crucibles with lids for 2 alumina crucibles for use at high temperatures (1600 ºC) and 2 PtRh non-reactive crucibles.

1.11 The system shall include an operation and maintenance manual in electronic and hard copy formats.

INSTALLATION

The Contractor shall install the instrument in Building 223 on the NIST campus in

Gaithersburg, MD. Installation shall include, at a minimum, uncrating/unpacking of all equipment, set-up and hook-up of all equipment, start-up, demonstration of specifications, and removal of all trash. The instrument must operate in accordance with the required specifications upon completion of installation.

TRAINING

The Contractor shall conduct training at NIST for up to three NIST personnel covering normal operation (including measurement of heat capacities, transformation enthalpies, and melting and freezing points), troubleshooting, and routine maintenance. The training may be completed on-site at NIST immediately after installation and demonstration of specifications.

Training and installation must be coordinated, in advance, with the NIST Technical Point of Contact (TPOC) to ensure maximum availability of NIST personnel.

WARRANTY

The Contractor shall include a one-year warranty. This warranty must cover non-consumable parts, travel, labor, and on-site repairs should this become necessary within the warranty period. During the warranty period, the Contractor shall provide unlimited telephone support for questions regarding system operation. Support must be provided during the Government’s normal business hours.

PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

Installation, training, and acceptance testing shall be accomplished at NIST. Normal duty hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with the exception of Federal holidays.

D PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

A All work shall be completed not later than 120 days after the date of award.