SOW Liquid Argon.pdf

Scope of Work

Liquid Argon Gas, Argon Tank, and Delivery

November 20, 2019

1. Scope:

The Chemical Laboratory in Bldg 300 at Red River Army Depot (RRAD), Texarkana, TX

75507 has a requirement for liquid Argon gas including storage hardware and delivery.

Only one Firm Fixed Priced award will result from this solicitation. Period of

Performance is a base and four (4) option years. No guaranteed minimum or maximum quantities to be ordered. Any items or considerations not specifically mentioned herein, which are necessary to provide the requirements listed, shall be included in the offer and shall conform in strength and quality of material and workmanship to what is usually provided to the trade in general.

2. General:

2.1 All components and services required by this solicitation are the sole responsibility of the successful awardee. Site Visit recommended but not mandatory.

2.2 Offers are to be formatted to address each specification herein by Contract Line

Item Number (CLIN) order. Offers must include pricing for each Line Item. Pricing must be submitted in the proper format. The proper format consists of QUANTITY * UNIT

AMT = NET AMT. In the event there is a difference between a unit price and the extended total, the unit price will be held to the intended price. If the offeror shows only the total price but fails to enter a unit price, the total divided by the estimated quantity will be held to be the intended price. Any deviations, conditions or attachments made by the offeror itself may render the offer non-responsive and may be cause for its rejection.

Additional information/ brochures may be provided with offer. Offer should be formatted to address each specification herein by paragraph number and paragraph order. Failure to do so may result in non-consideration for an award.

Evaluation of the offer will be based upon positive statement(s) that indicates a clear manner that each specification will or will not be met.

2.3 Offeror will furnish all tools, equipment and personnel required to install the products at RRAD site. The awardee shall check that all hardware provided performs acceptably – valves working, no excess venting, leaks, etc before they leave the site. If any inconsistencies are found the person on site must be able to, in accordance with the provisions of this PWS, arrange for remedy of the situation in such a way as to ensure continuation of critical laboratory operations.

2.4 Delivery of product will occur Monday through Thursday between the hours of 06:30

AM and 4:30 PM CST excluding federal holidays.

2.5 Successful firm will provide summary/ support of operator training after installation of hardware to ensure lab personnel obtain adequate operational and maintenance knowledge of the system to recognize and report problems.

2.6 Support/Service:

2.6.1 The laboratory performs analyses daily to allow water releases to the environment in accordance with permits issued by the Environmental Protection

Agency (EPA) and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ).

Disruption of laboratory services can cause production shut-downs of all operations which generate water. Those operations are numerous enough that the entire depot’s operation could be severely curtailed and the depot’s revenue generating capacity adversely impacted. Therefore successful awardee must be able to ensure a continuous, uninterrupted supply of all the commodities required herein.

2.6.2 In emergency situations (failure to provide a continuous, uninterrupted supply of argon) the successful awardee must respond on-site within two (2) hours with a remedy to the situation (which can be temporary until full function is restored).

2.6.3 Immediate technical support/ assistance must be available by telephone (must be able to talk to someone in person) during the hours of operation.

2.6.4 The Contractor shall identify two (2) designated customer service representatives for RRAD to address questions, issues and problems that may arise and shall be available immediately either in person, via telephone, or via e-mail.

These individuals will be designated as “Key Personnel” in the contract.

2.7 Awardee must fulfil all requirements of this Scope of Work (SOW) within a maximum of 30 days from date of award.

2.8 The successful offeror must be able to provide the set-up, services and support described herein for the system components of their manufacture and must be able to provide or arrange for the same set-up, services and support necessary for any components supplied by sub-contract vendors. All personnel involved in the execution of this contract must possess all applicable licenses, certifications, endorsements (i.e. CDL, HAZMAT, etc.) in accordance with Department of Transportation (DOT) and any other applicable entities to transport, handle, repair and service argon tank and any associated equipment.

3. SALIENT CHARACTERISTICS

3.1 The bulk of the requirements in this PWS concern the provision of a continuous, uninterrupted supply of liquid argon. The awardee shall provide installation and service of an appropriately sized microbulk liquid argon tank for government use/ rental, install all components of the delivery system piping and regulation from the tank to the exterior wall of the laboratory, monitor tank fill and provide liquid argon delivery as needed to ensure continuous lab operations. Successful awardee shall also provide maintenance of the system to ensure full and continued functionality through the existence of the contract.

3.2 The liquid argon specifications are a minimum purity of 99.996% with a water content of less than 5 ppm by volume and an oxygen content of less than 10 ppm.

Vendor must ensure that each delivery meets purity requirements.

3.3 There is no guaranteed minimum or maximum volumes for any of the gasses to be supplied herein. The estimated annual quantity of liquid argon is 65,000 to 100,000 cubic feet. This is based upon historical consumption in a years (12 months) time of 11 to 17 refills of a microbulk storage tank of 450 L Argon with a maximum pop off pressure not to exceed MAWP standards for the manufacturer of the tank. Partial fills, or tanks that maintain a partial volume, may result in more frequent deliveries, although the overall quantity would not be altered based on refill frequency.

3.4 Within a maximum of 30 days, awardee will be required to supply and install a new and previously unused, micro-bulk storage tank of 450 L capacity and not more than 30 inches in diameter to meet the requirements of this contract. This requirement may be satisfied if the tank proposed to be used by the awardee meets national inspection standards, as cited in section 3.7.5, is already present onsite, and otherwise meets all technical specifications. Contractor must coordinate installation with the Contracting

Officer Representative (COR) and the depot’s Safety Officer.

3.5 Installation will be made upon a pre-existing 8’L X 5.5’W X 8” thick concrete pad located inside a fenced enclosure next to the west entrance of Bldg 300 at our site.

Access to the tank will be via a truck gate that allows vehicles to be pulled directly up to the west entrance. The near edge of the concrete pad is located approximately 6 feet from the entrance as depicted in attached drawing.

3.6 Oils and greases are highly detrimental to the optics of supplied instruments, therefore all fittings and connectors must be stainless steel and oil and grease free for purity.

Extreme care must be taken to be sure these contaminants are not introduced into the system through any means.

3.6.1 Vendor will supply a stainless steel isolation valve to effect a single connection from the micro-bulk storage tank to the installed piping. Vendor must supply pressure regulation coming from the tank.

3.6.2 Any vendor who wishes to visit the site may do so during normal hours of operation listed in paragraph 2.4 above. The visit must be made at no cost to the government and the vendor must supply any tools and equipment (ladder, measuring tape) they wish to use while on site.

3.7 The system as installed must be able to deliver a constant supply of argon gas to the terminus locations as follows:

3.7.1 To the instrument labeled ICP-MS a minimum supply rate of 17L/min

(5L/min) with flow and pressure to a max of 25L/min (20L/min) at 8 bar pressure (0.8

MPa) or 116 psi (58 psi max). Typical consumption rate during use is 17L/min.

3.7.2 To the instrument labeled ICP-OES a minimum supply rate of 14L/min with flow and pressure to a max of 25L/min at 6 bar pressure (0.6 MPa) or 87 psi. Typical consumption rate during use is 14L/min. This instrument requires a constant purge of argon at 1L/min while not in operation.

3.7.3 The system must maintain supply when both instruments are operating simultaneously.

3.7.4 In the event of a failure of the tank, the system shall provide an alternate connection for a 180L dewar of liquid argon to ensure continued laboratory operations.

Awardee shall supply the emergency dewar at no cost to the government other than the agreed upon monthly lease and unit cost of argon supplied while repairs are effected to the tank.

3.7.5 All repairs, maintenance and testing of the tank is the responsibility of the

Contractor. The Contractor shall provide an annual inspection of the microbulk argon tank. The Contractor shall inspect the liquid argon tank using American Petroleum

Institute (API) Standard 653, (“Tank Inspection, Repair, Alteration, and

Reconstruction”). Qualified inspectors shall inspect the tank. The Contractor shall inspect the pressure relief safeties at each filling event and replace if they are inoperable.

Reports of findings are due to the COR not later than 15 days after the occurrence of any noted problems and when the annual inspection is complete.

3.7.6 The awardee shall ensure argon supply is continuous without any monitoring by laboratory personnel. A telemetry system may be used if desired. Awardee must keep the tank filled at intervals adequate to maintain the performance of the system. If telemetry is used the lab requires visibility of the system such as through emails. If

Contractor uses another system to track, then records of that should also be provided to the COR. Contractor must state in their proposal the manner of monitoring they will employ and how that monitoring will be made visible to the laboratory.

3.7.7 Contractor must not allow tank to deplete below 20% of its total capacity.

Tank must always maintain the pressure required to supply instruments at the two lab locations operating simultaneously.

3.7.8 Awardee will make an estimate of 11 – 17 deliveries in any 12 month period.

All offerors must list the estimated volume of argon per delivery in units of 100 cubic feet

(based upon an estimated usage of 65,000 to 100,000 cubic feet per year). A separate firm fixed price must be quoted for each delivery and for each 100 cubic foot unit of argon. The price quoted per delivery must include any and all applicable fees and surcharges. Cost charged during the contract term will be based upon actual usage.

Awardee is required to make deliveries in accordance with Delivery Order schedule.

Only actual gas usage charges will be invoiced and paid.

3.7.9 Contractor must coordinate with COR or authorized laboratory personnel whenever a fill to the tank is necessary. Laboratory personnel must be present during the fill and a metered report of the fill amount must be provided to the laboratory. The

Contractor shall make every effort to ensure fills are accomplished Monday through

Thursday between the hours of 6:30 AM and 4:30 PM CST, excluding federal holidays. If a fill is necessary outside of normal business hours, contact RRAD Dispatch at extension

903-334-3333. All SDS documentation needed to comply with OSHA Hazard

Communication Standard (HCS) (29 CFR 1910.1200(g)) must be provided with each delivery.

3.8 If any specific physical requirements in this PWS are in conflict with or not adequate to meet the performance specifications of the system as described, the performance specifications take precedence. Awardee is solely responsible for the integrity and functioning of the entire system in meeting with the performance requirements of this action.

3.9 Any time the rented tank needs to be removed for repairs/replacement and at the end of the contract Period of Performance, it shall be the Contractor’s responsibility to remove the tank. At contract end, if removal is necessary, it should occur during non-business hours (usually 4:30 PM Thursday until 6:30 AM the following Monday CST), or any other time agreed upon by both parties, but no later than 3 days after the end of the contract. In the event of a catastrophic failure, the Contractor shall be responsible for replacing the rented tank immediately to ensure continuity of service. Repair/replacement of the tank must be completed at no cost to the Government other than continued payment for argon used during the period of time required for repairs/replacement.

3.10 Delivery of below gases shall be accomplished in two business days or less. See

Wide AreaWorkflow Clause 52.000-4957 for invoicing instructions.

4. QUALITY ASSURANCE PROVISION:

4.1 Examination - The end item user shall examine the unit for compliance with the requirements specified. Noncompliance with any specified requirements or presence of one or more defects preventing or lessening maximum efficiency shall constitute cause for rejection.

4.2 Responsibility for Inspection -The Contractor shall be responsible for the performance of all inspection requirements to provide a mechanically sound system which will meet or exceed the requirements. The Government reserves the right to perform the final acceptance inspection which will be accomplished by the end item users after installation.

4.3 The system as installed must be proven leak free with the number of connections used kept to the bare minimum. Inspection to determine if the supplied tank and associated valves, tubing, piping, and gauges are absent of leaks, from the refill point, to the point where supply system enters the building exterior wall, should be conducted immediately after completion of every fill, and summary of inspections should be provided in writing to the COR, or government receiving personnel, within 7 calendar days of refill. Email is a sufficient form of communication for the inspection results, as well as handwritten forms given onsite when refills are complete.

5. PACKING AND SHIPPING:

The manufacturer shall preserve and package the material supplied in a manner to afford protection against deterioration and damage from source to RRAD. The equipment shall be packed in a manner to assure carrier acceptance and safe delivery to destination.

Container shall conform to carrier rules applicable to mode of transportation used.

Contractor is responsible for any packing, shipping or transportation costs. Deliver directly to building 300.

6. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION:

6.1 Protection of the environment is a critical element of concern, therefore, the following requirements are identified as applicable to the scope of work. The below elements are required of all personel and actions, where applicable, while executing the work described in this document.

6.2 Compliance with Environmental Laws and Regulations. Contractor shall comply with all applicable federal, state, and local environmental laws, statutes, regulations, executive orders, permits, Army regulations (with supplements), as well as Major Subordinate

Command (MSC) and installation regulation, policy, Host Tenant Agreement, Interagency Service Support Agreement, or Status-of-Forces Agreement. Contractor shall immediately report any conflicts between applicable federal, state, local environmental laws, statutes, executive orders, and provisions of Army Regulation 200-1, and any specifications within this contract to the Contracting Officer Representative (COR).

6.3 Compliance with License and Certification Requirements: Contractor shall obtain all license and certification required by Federal, State, and Local environmental laws and regulations necessary to adhere to the specifications of this contract. The Contractor shall submit all plans, notifications, reports, submittal documents, and fees required by Federal, State, and Local environmental laws and regulations to the appropriate Federal, State, and

Local authority and/or agency as necessary to adhere to the specification of this contract.

All required licenses and certifications required by Federal, State, and Local environmental laws and/or regulations shall be considered a contract deliverable upon award.

6.4 Notification of Federal and State Regulators: Contractor shall immediately notify the

Designated Government Representative (DGR) and COR of the arrival on site of any

Federal, State, and/or DoD environmental regulator or enforcement agent and/or the receipt of any correspondence from a Federal or State environmental agency.

6.5 Reporting Noncompliance: Contractor shall immediately report any nonconformance and/or noncompliance with applicable Federal, State or Local environmental laws, Army and installation environmental regulations or policies to the COR and DGR.

6.6 Competency Training for Contractor Personnel: Contractor shall not allow personnel to perform any activities and/or tasks on AMC installations without proper and adequate qualifications or job competency training. In the event of any identified noncompliance, the Contractor shall, if requested, provide proof of contract personnel training or qualification (individual name, training/qualification type, training/qualification certificate, and date of training/qualification) to perform those contract activities associated with the identified noncompliance.

6.7 Generation of Solid Waste: Contractor shall remove from the installation and dispose of all solid waste generated, which cannot be recycled to an approved and permitted off-post disposal facility.

6.7.1. Contractor shall make every effort to divert construction, demolition debris, and all other solid waste to comply with the Army Integrated Solid Waste Management

Policy.

6.7.2. Prior to removing any waste from the installation for disposal, the Contractor shall coordinate with the installation Qualified Recycling Program (QRP) Manager, DGR, and COR to arrange for recyclable materials to be removed and diverted from the waste stream.

6.7.3. Submit in writing the quantities of waste removed and recycled to the DGR and/or COR on a monthly basis. The submittal shall include the date of disposal/recycling, the disposal/recycling facility, the types of material disposed/recycled and the quantities of materials disposed/recycled by weight.

6.7.4. The Contractor shall establish a program to promote cost-effective waste reduction in all operations and facilities covered by the contract. This includes collection, separation, and processing products or other materials recovered from solid waste streams for use in the form of raw materials.

6.7.5. The Contractor shall make maximum effort to reduce and prevent waste.

6.8 Corrective Action for Noncompliance: Contractor shall when given a verbal and/or written notice of environmental noncompliance or nonconformance by the COR, take immediate corrective action. Failure or refusal to comply promptly may be grounds for the Contracting Officer to invoke the appropriate contractual remedies. This may cause all or part of the work to be stopped immediately until satisfactory corrective action has been taken.

-End of Scope of Work-