Ultra high pressure hot isostatic press

RFI Number: N00173-24-RFI-CY15

Title: ULTRA HIGH PRESSURE HOT ISOSTATIC PRESS

Posting Date: 03/21/2024

Response Date: 04/05/2024

Primary POC: Name: Courtney Williams; e-mail:courtney.a.williams48.civ@us.navy.mil

NAICS: 333994 – Industrial Process Furnace and Oven Manufacturing

NOTE: THIS IS NOT A SOLICITATION OR AN INDICATION THAT A CONTRACTUAL COMMITMENT WILL EXIST AS A RESULT OF THIS RFI. This Sources Sought Notice (SSN) is in support of market research and procurement planning being conducted by the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL), Washington, DC. This SSN is for informational and planning purposes only and does not guarantee that this will be competed via FedBizOpps. The Government assumes NO financial responsibility for any costs incurred. A solicitation package is not available at this time.

Contracting Office Address: NRL, 4555 Overlook Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20375

OBJECTIVE: The intent of this RFI is to gauge industry interest and search for potential sources capable of fulfilling a requirement for an Ultra High Pressure Hot Isostatic Press with 100,000-psi max pressure in accordance with the following technical requirements. The Government is currently in the planning stages for this procurement and may continue to modify the language within the requirement as necessary. These specifications do not necessarily represent the final specifications.

The Ultra High Pressure Hot Isostatic Press must meet the following specifications:

1. Pressure Vessel capable of 100,000 psi working pressure in argon, nitrogen, or argon-oxygen (and vacuum):

   • Interior dimensions: 6” inner diameter, 18” length, or greater
   • Dual wall monoblock with non-threaded closures
   • Material: SA-723, Class 2, Grade 3 high strength steel, NDT tested to meet ASME requirements
   • Hydro-tested based on ASME procedures witnessed by authorized inspector with current commission, stamped with ASME U3 and National Board registration number
   • ASME Section VIII, Div 3 code stamped
   • Transducer for pressure measurement up to 100,000 psi
   • Semi-automatic hydraulic unit for lifting top closure with automatic movement system
   • High pressure gas valving, lines and fittings for 100,000 psi operation, with steel enclosure
   • Vacuum system for evacuating vessel with 4 cfm or greater pump and associated piping, fittings, valve, and gauge
2. Heating system including 2 separate furnaces capable of  a) 1400°C or greater and b) 2200°C or greater
   • 1400°C or greater furnace interior dimensions: 4” inner diameter, 6” length, or greater
   • 2200°C or greater furnace interior dimensions: 2.75” inner diameter, 4” length, or greater
   • Heating rate capability:
     1. Vacuum: 5°C/min or greater
     2. Pressurized: 10°C/min or greater
   • Maximum 10°C temperature gradient
   • 2 type C thermocouples for furnace control, 2 type K thermocouples for vessel monitoring
   • 150A rated electrodes
   • Removable external water cooling jacket
   • Cooling system including pump, reservoir, heat exchanger, and flow switches
3. Computer controls
   • Dell computer for operating pressure vessel and heating system
   • Software with graphical user interface
   • Logix controller with ethernet interface
   • Networking capability for remote operation and troubleshooting via internet
4. Canister sealing package
   • Welding package for assembling metal canisters to contain samples during processing including: AC and DC capable TIG welder with TIG torch and tungsten tips, variable amperage foot pedal controller, argon gas flow regulator, auto-darkening helmet, and welding gloves
   • Hydraulic crimping tool for sealing canister after evacuating, including hand-held pump attached to hydraulic cylinder via hose

CONTRACTOR RESPONSE FORMAT: Interested parties, at a minimum, shall supply all of the below required information in a Capability Statement. (Reference RFI N00173-24-RFI-CY15 in your response)

• CONTACT INFORMATION:

1.  Company Name and Address
2.  Point of Contact for questions/clarification
3.  Telephone Number and e-mail address
4.  UEI Number, CAGE Code
5.  PSC Code of the proposed solution (SEE https://psctool.us)
6.  Business Size/Socioeconomic Categories

• TECHNICAL INFORMATION:

a) List of capabilities/resources relevant to the above specification list.

• COMMERCIALITY OF PROPOSED ITEM

a) Whether item(s) offered/proposed is a commercial item and is customarily used by the general public or non-government entities for the other than Government purposes.

b) Whether the item has been sold, leased, or licensed to the general public, and if so, identify one or more such sales, leases, or licenses to document the commerciality of the item.

• PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

a) Provide a description of how the proposed product will meet or exceed each of the specifications as it is anticipated that ultimate evaluation will be lowest priced technically acceptable and a go/no go basis.
b) Provide a product brochure and highlight the areas that meet or exceed specifications.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENT DETAILS:

Responses should be no more than 10 pages.

PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: NRL-DC and Contractor Facility