PWS Nitrogen.doc

Performance Work Statement (PWS)

Liquid Nitrogen (LN2) Supply and Maintenance Services 03 March 2021 C.1 Background: The U.S. Army Research Laboratory (ARL) has a requirement for Liquid Nitrogen (LN2) at its Zahl Physical Sciences Laboratory (ZPSL), at the Adelphi Laboratory Center (ALC), in Adelphi, Maryland, as well as operation, maintenance, and repair of the associated systems as detailed in C.1.1.

C.1.1. System Equipment Summary:

Quantity two (2) each - Fill lines with inline filters.

Quantity one (1) each - 6,500 gallon LN2 tank with associated values, regulators and filters.

Quantity one (1) each - 11,000 gallon LN2 tank with associated values, regulators and filters.

Quantity two (2) each - LN2 evaporators.

Quantity one (1) each - LN2 control system and associated values and regulators.

Quantity one (1) lot - LN2 and gaseous distribution piping between fill lines, tanks, evaporators, control system and building.

C.1.2. Liquid Nitrogen System. This system consists of a 6,500-gallon liquid nitrogen tank that provides a continuous supply of liquid nitrogen to the ZPSL through connected piping.

C.1.3. Gaseous Nitrogen System. This system consists of an 11,000-gallon liquid nitrogen tank, vaporizers, and pressure regulator that provides a continuous supply of gaseous nitrogen to the ZPSL through connected piping.

C.2. Objective: The objective of this effort is to ensure continued liquid nitrogen supply and necessary services to the ZPSL liquid nitrogen systems. A lapse in these services would prove detrimental to current mission critical lab operations. The use of liquid and dry nitrogen services are critical to advancing the research of ARL.

C.3. Requirements:

C.3.1. Delivery of Liquid Nitrogen C.3.1.1. The Contractor shall provide an uninterrupted supply of liquid nitrogen to assure a continuous supply of liquid and gaseous nitrogen to the ZPSL.

C.3.1.2. The Contractor shall monitor usage for the duration of the contract and provide automatic replenishment to maintain continuous service. Delivery service based on customer usage shall result in refilled tanks prior to each tank reaching 25% of its capacity.

C.3.1.3. The Contractor shall provide and install an electronic liquid level detection/monitoring system. The Contractor shall have an automated monitor/notification system that communicates electronically with the electronic liquid level detection/monitoring system.

C.3.1.4. Gaseous Nitrogen System. The Contractor shall supply liquid nitrogen to the nitrogen tanks that meets all purity levels indicated below:

Gaseous Nitrogen Purity Types

Parts per Million (ppm) C.3.1.5. Fixed Price. The fixed price per cubic foot is inclusive of all costs associated with the delivery of nitrogen. There is no other compensation available associated with the delivery of nitrogen.

C.3.2. Operations and Maintenance of All System Equipment

C.3.2.1. Liquid and Gaseous Nitrogen Supply Systems. The Contractor shall provide all labor, materials, and services necessary to operate, maintain and perform repairs to the LN2 and Gaseous nitrogen supply systems. The Contractor shall only provide operation, maintenance, and repairs within the LN2 and Gaseous nitrogen supply system areas, and not extend into the Gas Bunker area, as indicated in the Appendix C – Photo 1 attachment (under separate cover).

C.3.2.2. Liquid Nitrogen System. The Contractor shall inspect, operate, maintain and certify as necessary for operation and use, the 6,500-gallon liquid nitrogen tank and associated equipment located on the ZPSL concrete nitrogen systems pad per the Maintenance and System Operations Schedule/Tasks in accordance with Appendix A (see pp. 8-11 of this PWS).

C.3.2.3. The Contractor shall operate the systems per the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), as indicated in Appendix B (see pp. 12-14 of this PWS).

C.3.2.4. The Contractor shall ensure any needed lines, valves or other external parts obtain fabrication with 316L (Low) electro polished stainless steel. The Contractor shall ensure all lines are welded using automatic orbital head welding equipment.

C.3.2.5. Supply Line. The Contractor may utilize the existing dedicated nitrogen‑purged liquid fill hose housed in a nitrogen funnel locked box. The Contractor shall fabricate or install a new dedicated nitrogen‑purged liquid fill hose housed in a nitrogen funnel if the existing equipment is not compatible with their delivery system.

C.3.2.6. The Contractor shall install an electronic liquid level detection/monitoring system. The Contractor shall have an automatic monitor/notification system that communicates electronically with the electronic liquid level detection/monitoring system.

C.3.2.7. The Contractor shall operate and maintain all equipment, e.g. tanks, lines and valves, to minimize the amount of nitrogen loss due to ill performing or malfunctioning equipment or operator error.

C.3.3. Gaseous Nitrogen System C.3.3.1. The Contractor shall inspect, operate, maintain and certify as necessary for operation and use, the 11,000-gallon liquid nitrogen tank and associated equipment located on the ZPSL concrete nitrogen systems pad per the Maintenance and System Operations Schedule/Tasks in accordance with Appendix A.

C.3.3.2. The Contractor shall operate the system per the SOP, as indicated in Appendix B.

C.3.3.3. The Contractor shall ensure any needed lines, valves or other external parts obtain fabrication with 316L electro polished stainless steel. The Contractor shall ensure all lines are welded using automatic orbital head welding equipment.

C.3.3.4. Supply Line. The Contractor may utilize the existing dedicated nitrogen‑purged liquid fill hose housed in a nitrogen funnel locked box. The Contractor shall fabricate or install a new dedicated nitrogen‑purged liquid fill hose housed in a nitrogen funnel if the existing equipment is not compatible with their delivery system.

C.3.3.5. The Contractor shall install an electronic liquid level detection/monitoring system. The Contractor shall have an automatic monitor/notification system that communicates electronically with the electronic liquid level detection/monitoring system.

C.3.3.6. The Contractor shall operate and maintain all equipment, e.g. tanks, lines and valves, to minimize the amount of nitrogen loss due to ill performing or malfunctioning equipment or operator error.

C.3.4. Crossover Equipment C.3.4.1. Crossover Tank Connection. The Contractor shall maintain the triaxial (i.e., vacuum jacketed) connecting line between the two (2) liquid nitrogen tanks suitable for providing uninterrupted flow from the 11,000 gallon tank to the 6,500 gallon tank.

C.3.4.2. The Contractor shall inspect, operate, maintain and certify as necessary for operation and use, all associated equipment located on the ZPSL concrete nitrogen systems pad per the Maintenance and System Operations Schedule/Tasks in accordance with Appendix A.

C.3.4.3. The Contractor shall operate the system per the SOP, as indicated in Appendix B.

C.3.4.4. The Contractor shall ensure any needed lines, valves or other external parts are fabricated with 316L electro polished stainless steel. The Contractor shall ensure all lines are welded using automatic orbital head welding equipment.

C.3.4.5. The Contractor shall provide its own “pad lock” style lock to double-lock the fence gate around the tank farm and ensure all delivery personnel can open this lock. Government personnel will NOT be available to provide access.

C.3.5. If maintenance of the gaseous and/or liquid nitrogen system(s) require(s) shut-down of the gaseous and/or liquid system(s), the Contractor shall, within the time specified in Appendix A, provide an alternative supply system sufficient to ensure uninterrupted nitrogen service, meeting the purity requirements specified in the Gaseous Nitrogen Purity Types Table to the ZPSL until maintenance is completed.

C.3.6. Contact and Response. The Contractor shall provide a contact phone number that is answered by a human representative (not a recording) available 24 hours a day, seven (7) days a week, 52 weeks a year, including all holidays.

C.3.6.1. The Contractor shall respond via phone within 30 minutes to any trouble call and if needed, respond on-site within four (4) hours, seven (7) days per week, after notification by the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) or appointed ZPSL support staff of a system problem. Any product loss due to a system malfunction/failure shall be the responsibility of the Contractor.

C.3.7. Fixed price. The fixed price per cubic foot for delivery of Liquid Nitrogen is inclusive of all costs associated with the operation and maintenance of the systems. There is no other compensation available associated with the operation and maintenance of the systems.

C.3.8. Unscheduled Repairs (Over and Above Work Requirements)

C.3.8.1. The Contractor may be required to perform unscheduled repairs under this contract considered as over and above work requirements. When they do, the Contracting Officer (KO) shall establish a separate contract line item for the over and above work.

C.3.8.1.1. The definition of this term (over and above work requirements) for the purposes of this PWS are tasks that the contractor identifies as needing repairs and recommends corrective action during contract performance that are above routine maintenance and repair identified in Appendix A. The Contractor submits a work request to identify the over and above work and, as appropriate, the Government authorizes the contractor to proceed. Over and above work requests must be within the scope of the contract. To the maximum extent practical, over and above work shall be negotiated prior to performance of work.

C.3.8.1.2. The clause at DFARS 252.217-7028, Over and Above Work, requires the contractor and the KO responsible for administering the contract to negotiate specific procedures for Government administration and contractor performance of over and above work requests.

C.3.8.1.3.The KO may issue a blanket work request authorization describing the manner in which individual over and above work requests obtains administering and setting forth a dollar limitation for all over and above work under the contract. For this contract action, the anticipated total costs of unscheduled repairs will not exceed (NTE) $50,000.00 total ($10,000.00 annually). The Government will reimburse actual material costs associated with unscheduled repairs (over and above work requests) that are not included in Appendix A. In addition, labor costs associated with over and above work request will be reimbursed at the fixed hourly rate. The Contractor is required to obtain approval from the KO and COR prior to performing any unscheduled repair(s) (over and above work requirements) and provide an estimate for the costs associated with the unscheduled repairs (over and above work requirements) to each. The Contractor shall not commence any repairs unless authorized by the KO in writing.

C.3.8.2. The Contractor shall provide, within two (2) months of contract award, a complete parts list of major components or frequently replaced parts with current prices.

C.4. Anti-terrorism (AT) / Operational Security (OPSEC) Requirements:

The following AT-OPEC requirements apply:

C.4.1. 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-contractors 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, HQDA 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.

C.4.2. 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 agreements and other theater regulations.

C.5. Distribution Statement A:

Distribution Statement A

Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.

C.6. Non-Personal Services:

ARL/ALC/GARRISON NON-PERSONAL SERVICES (JUL 2012)

The contractor, as an independent contractor and not as an agent of the Government, shall provide the necessary resources (except those furnished by the Government) to accomplish tasks of the type set forth in the Performance Work Statement.

Contractor employees performing services under this contract shall be controlled, directed and supervised at all times by management personnel of the contractor. The contractor's management shall ensure that employees properly comply with the performance standards outlined in this Performance Work Statement and as required by the contracting officer or the contracting officer's representative (COR). Contractor employees shall perform independent of and without the supervision of any Government official. Actions of contractor employees may not be interpreted or implemented in any manner that results in any contractor employee creating or modifying Federal policy, obligating the appropriated funds of the U.S. Government, overseeing the work of Federal employees, providing direct personal services to any Federal employee or otherwise violating the prohibitions set forth in Parts 7.5 and 37.1 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR). The Government shall control access to the facility and shall perform the inspection and acceptance of completed work and tasks.

C.7. Period of Performance (PoP:

Base Year PoP:

27 May 2021 – 26 May 2022

Option Year #1 PoP:

27 May 2022 – 26 May 2023

Option Year #2 PoP:

27 May 2023 – 26 May 2024

Option Year #3 PoP:

27 May 2024 – 26 May 2025

Option Year #4 PoP:

27 May 2025 – 26 May 2026

FAR 52.217-8, Options PoP:

27 May 2026 – 26 November 2026

C.8. Place of Performance: The work to be performed under this contract will performed at ALC, 2800 Powder Mill Road, Adelphi, Maryland 20783.

C.9. Deliverables:

C.9.1. Load Analysis Report. The Contractor shall provide an actual (not typical) analysis report for each delivery of nitrogen and each subsequent delivery to indicate the level of impurities in the actual load being delivered. Both actual load and load are both defined as product in the truck either as it is being filled or after it is filled.

C.9.2. Annual Gas Quality Report. The Contractor shall perform a full laboratory analysis of the entire gaseous system once after the base year and each option year (if options receive exercising). The Contractor shall include both systems and the crossover equipment. The Contractor shall perform this test at specified test ports after the filter skids, inside the ZPSL, with results certified in writing. The Contractor shall ensure that the impurity concentrations shall not exceed the levels specified in the Gaseous Nitrogen Purity Types Table at C.3.1.4. The Contractor shall deliver the annual gas quality report by December 31st of each year.

APPENDIX A: MAINTENANCE AND SYSTEMS OPERATIONS SCHEDULE/TASK CHECKS

A. Site Condition Checks

Tank is anchored to the foundation

The pad is concrete

The pad is free from severe cracking and surface deterioration

The pad is free of any signs of frost heave

The station is secured by a fence

The trailer access is adequate

The area over the tanks, vaporizers, and trailer unloading area are free of overhead power lines

The lighting is adequate for night time deliveries

The tank is located outdoors

All the auxiliary equipment is anchored to the foundation (vaporizer pumps etc.)

B. Tank (Receiver) Checks

The fill has a check valve, relief valve, and drain valve

The fill connection is in proper operating condition (straight, leak free, rigidly secured)

The fill connection is in a safe location with easy access

The fill line check valve holds properly

All driver operated valves are securely fastened and otherwise safe for filling operation

All driver operated valve hand wheels are in place and in good condition

All equipment on the tank (receiver) is supported properly

The tank (receiver) is free from excessive ice buildup under or on it

The outer Shell (skin) is free from dents or creases

The tank (receiver) is free from any type of damage

The tank (receiver) is free from frost spots or sweating

The tank (receiver) pressure gauge is in working and readable condition

The liquid level gauge reads zero

C. Physical Checks

All pipes, fittings, and valve packings are leak free

The liquid level gauge is within calibration

The tank is level

The bottom (liquid) fill valve(s) operate as designed

The top (vapor) fill valve(s) operate as designed

The full (determination) trylock valve operates as designed

The hose drain valve operates as designed

The vent valve operates as designed

The fill line check valve holds properly

If the tank (receiver) uses pressure switches and solenoids for pressure control, the system is working as designed

All pressure gauges are in good condition

All strainers in the system are clean

D. Labeling Checks

Proper product decal is on the tank or receiver and in good condition

Proper warning decal is on the tank or receiver (oxygen-deficient or enriched atmosphere) and in good condition

For oxygen tank, no smoking signs are posted

Emergency numbers are posted, readable, and current

An authorized personnel "Personnel protective equipment required" sign is posted and in good condition

E. Safety Checks

All safeties or rupture discs are mounted so both discharge away from personnel & tank components

All safeties or rupture discs are mounted so moisture drains accordingly

All safeties or rupture discs are free from ice buildup

All safeties or rupture discs are installed between all block valves

The discharge area of line safeties or rupture discs are free from any obstruction

Safety in the fill line is present

All safeties or rupture discs are of the proper relief settings

All safeties or rupture discs are of the proper type for the service they are in

All safeties or rupture discs are corrosion free

All safeties or rupture disks are leak free

APPENDIX B: STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE (SOP)

A. Health and Safety Precautions

1. All required PPE (Personnel Protective Equipment) below must be worn during the unloading process:

a. Hardhats with full face shield

b. Steel-toed safety shoes

c. Safety glasses with permanent affixed side shields

d. Hearing protection

e. FRC (Fire Retardant Clothing)

f. Cryogenic gloves

2. Smoking, open flames, and other ignition sources are prohibited within 50 feet around LOX (Liquid Oxygen) trailer (any direction). LOX requires non-combustible asphalt and oil free surface.

3. Personnel unloading trailer must remain alert and in attendance through the whole loading process, as per FMCSR 177.834(i) (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulation).

4. Personnel shall watch for vapor clouds that may create an oxygen deficient atmosphere, in the case of Liquid Nitrogen and Liquid Argon, and shall not enter a suspected oxygen deficient or enriched atmosphere. If oil, grease, or asphalt is found at an Oxygen unloading site, delivery shall be terminated and the Depot Manager shall be contacted.

B. Unloading Trailer

1. Review all shipping manifests and related documents and ensure customer location and requirements are correct.

2. Utilize GOAL (Get Out and Look) when parking or backing up. Tractor brakes and use of appropriate number of wheel chocks and cones shall be applied. Cones shall be placed at the front and rear of the vehicle. When feet hit the ground, chocks and cones go down.

3. Do not return to the cab or leave the equipment unattended.

4. Perform the following inspections and note on the shipping document:

a. Transfer hose and fittings are free of dirt and debris.

b. CGA connections are correct and in working order.

c. Inspect the fill hose gasket and replace, if necessary.

5. Close road relief valve and open the pump inlet and recirculation valve and allow the pump to cool for 10 – 15 minutes.

6. Remove the liquid hose and connect to the customer vessel fill connection. Ensure of the following:

a. Do not let hose end touch the ground.

b. Do not over tighten the connection.

c. Keep hose as straight as possible.

7. Open hose drain valve at the customer vessel.

a. Purge the fill hose by opening the pump discharge valve.

b. Continue purging until hose drain is frosted; then close valve.

8. Open top and bottom fill valves and adjust accordingly to maintain tank pressure.

a. Filling through bottom fill will raise tank pressure; filling through the top fill will lower tank pressure.

b. Open full trycock valve at start of fill process.

9. Run pump at low rpm for 10 – 12 seconds to catch prime.

a. Turn on flow meter and zero the counter.

b. Open discharge valve and close recirculation valve.

c. Liquid will flow into customer’s tank.

10. Monitor tank pressure and liquid level on customer tank.

a. Monitor full trycock line for liquid to discharge from the valve.

b. Tank is full when the full trycock line spills liquid.

11. Close pump discharge valve

a. Maintain trailer pressure at approximately 20 – 25 per square inch gauge (psig) to start pump

12. Close Pressure Build valve, if required.

13. Open recirculation valve and at the same time, close pump discharge valve.

a. Ensure that the pressure on the trailer is adequate (20 to 25 psig) to start the pump.

b. Reduce pump speed to idle.

c. Shut down pump close discharge valve.

d. Close customer full trycock valve and tank bottom fill valve.

e. Liquid will flash into tank through top fill.

14. Close pump inlet valve and tank top fill valve.

a. Open hose drain valve and allow liquid to escape.

b. Keep liquid away from body and wear all PPE.

Note: Do not over pressurize the customer vessel as it can cause violent vessel rupture

15. Disconnect hose at customer station and trailer, per the following:

a. Point hose down to redirect any liquid away from personnel.

b. Install hose plugs and place in hose tube.

c. Do not allow hose ends to touch the ground.

d. Close hose drain on customer vessel.

16. Record all customer vessel readings on liquid level and pressure gauges, and record meter reading, if required.

17. Close recirculation valves and open road relief valve.

a. Vent excess trailer pressure below road relief setting of 25.3 psig.

18. Seal cabinet doors as required by seal procedure.

19. Perform 360 degree walk around prior to leaving and ensure the following:

a. Check all hose disconnects are made.

b. Look for debris, safety hazards.

c. Recheck customer tank.

20. Enter all data into appropriate electronic device, such as:

a. Seal number, PO numbers, document number, etc.

b. Adjust manifest as required by DOT.

c. Obtain customer signature, if required.

Provide required documentation to the Government as outlined in the DD1423 form (Contract Data Requirements List).

Contracting Officer:

Legal Advisor: