Statement of Work 2000 Degree Furnace.docx

US Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Statement of Work

Contents

Project High Temperature (2000+ °C) Furnace Acquisition

General Information

1.0 Scope of Work

The Advanced Engineered Composites Research Work Unit (RWU 4706) at the USDA Forest Products Laboratory (FPL) needs to purchase a furnace capable of exceeding 2000 °C to further research into carbon-based materials derived from wood. Work will include:

· Supply and installation of furnace meeting all specifications outlined in this Statement of Work.

2.0 Background

Scientists in RWU 4706 have been researching lignin and biochar for several years. Lignin is component of wood that is isolated during paper production and often burned on-site at paper mills as a low-grade boiler fuel. Biochar is a product that can be made from wood or other plant biomass that, when heated to high temperature in the absence of oxygen, will pyrolyze to produce an activated carbon. In both cases, the precursor material is often considered waste. Scientists at FPL have discovered novel ways of using these waste materials to make foam from lignin and combining lignin with biochar to produce products capable of being used as insulation panels, filter media, bullet-resistant plates, and fire-resistant insulation. Currently scientists at FPL have access to several different high temperature furnaces that can accomplish different things and heating various sample sizes, however, the common limiting temperature of these furnaces is approximately 1000 °C. Scientists in the Advance Composites Research Work Unit would like to further the research into products produced at high temperature derived from lignin and biochar. When these materials are heated to temperatures exceeding 2000 °C, they can produce ceramic-like materials that are of interest and high value. To accomplish this objective, it is crucial for RWU 4706 to acquire another high temperature furnace that can operate at temperatures exceeding 2000 °.

Contractor Requirements

3.0 Technical Requirements / Tasks

· Required Furnace Specifications:

· Usage of the furnace: To prepare Carbon – Carbon, Carbon (C) – Ceramic, C – transition metal (TM), C- transition metal carbide (TMC) and C-transition metal nitride (TMN) composites using wood, and wood-derived feedstock.

· Working Temperature: 2000 ⁰C or above (the higher, the better). Ideally, capable of reaching approximately 2500 ⁰C.

· Heating Rate: up to 10°C/min

· Heating zone: 4-inch diameter × 12-inch height

· Sample size: 3-inch diameter × 8-inch height

· Temperature Control: Programmed, multi-step.

· Temperature uniformity:

· r.t to 1500 °C: ≤±5°C

· 2000 ⁰C: ≤±8°C

· Vacuum / Purging gas atmosphere: Can switch between vacuum and gas purging operations using nitrogen or argon.

· If possible, capable of operating with or allowing a future upgrade to use reactive gases such as 4% H2 in Ar, 4% CH4 in Ar, or 5% NH3 in Ar. Please indicate in proposal if this is possible.

4.0 Government Furnished

The contractor will require access to Buildings 1 and 50 of the Forest Products Laboratory during installation of the high temperature furnace. The contractor will be required to check in at the front desk of Building 1 at the beginning of each day of service for security purposes. The contractor will not be further accompanied by FPL personnel and will require access badges to enter buildings. Labs will be closed on scheduled government holidays. The lab is open from 8:00am-4:30pm M-F. Additional times may be used with proper security clearance ahead of time.

5.0 Deliverables / Schedule

6.0 Travel

The contractor is expected to spend time onsite to install the equipment, test to ensure proper operation of the systems, and train FPL employees in operation and maintenance of the system. The contractor is responsible for reimbursing all costs, including travel expenses, for the installation of the equipment, testing, and training.

7.0 Contractor’s Key Personnel

Contractors key personnel include engineers and/or laborers who can install the equipment, ensure proper operation, and provide training to FPL employees who will be using the equipment. A resume is not required to fill these roles if the personnel are employed by the contractor.

8.0 Security Requirements

There are no additional security requirements for this contract beyond signing in and signing out at the front security desk in Building 1 at the beginning of each day of work on site.

9.0 Data Rights

Not applicable

10.0 Section 508 – Electronic and Information Technology Standards Not applicable

Attachment

· Evaluation Factors:

· Proposals will be reviewed by users/subject matter experts.

· Selection will be based on lowest price that meets technical requirements or specifications.

· Please see attached Proposal Evaluation Criteria document image1.png