SOURCES SOUGHT
68 -- Sources Sought for Liquid and Gaseous Nitrogen Supply and Maintenance of Systems
- Notice Date
- 1/27/2016
- Notice Type
- Sources Sought
- NAICS
- 325120
— Industrial Gas Manufacturing
- Contracting Office
- Department of the Army, Army Contracting Command, ACC - APG (W911QX) Adelphi, 2800 POWDER MILL RD, ADELPHI, Maryland, 20783-1197, United States
- ZIP Code
- 20783-1197
- Solicitation Number
- W911QX-16-T-0078
- Archive Date
- 2/17/2016
- Point of Contact
- Cristina M. Watkins, Phone: 3013942529, Rebecca Patterson, Phone: 301-394-5351
- E-Mail Address
-
cristina.m.watkins.civ@mail.mil, rebecca.patterson13.ctr@mail.mil
(cristina.m.watkins.civ@mail.mil, rebecca.patterson13.ctr@mail.mil)
- Small Business Set-Aside
- N/A
- Description
- This is a Sources Sought Notice only. This is not a request for proposal, but a survey to locate potential sources. This Sources Sought does not constitute an Invitation for Bids, Request for Proposals, or a Request for Quotations, and is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government to issue an order or otherwise pay for the information solicited, nor is it a guarantee of a forthcoming solicitation or contract. It is for market research purposes only. Respondents will not be notified of the results of the evaluation. The purpose of this Sources Sought Notice is to gain knowledge of interest, capabilities, and qualifications of various members of industry, to include the Small Business Community: Small Business, Section 8(a), Historically Underutilized Business Zones (HUB-Zone), Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB), Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB), and Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business (EDWOSB). The Government must ensure there is adequate competition among the potential pool of responsible contractors. Small business, Section 8(a), HUBZone, SDVOSB, WOSB, & EDWOSB businesses are highly encouraged to participate. Objective: To find sources that are qualified to meet the supplies/services as listed in the below Performance Work Statement (PWS) section. Note that the specific requirements in the PWS are subject to change prior to the release of any solicitation. Performance Work Statement (PWS) C.1 BACKGROUND C.1.1 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. C.1.2 The Contractor shall deliver liquid nitrogen to the ZPSL within sufficient time (see C.2.2) to ensure uninterrupted supply of liquid nitrogen to the liquid and gaseous nitrogen systems. This contract also requires the complete operation of these systems, including maintenance, operation and repair. C.1.3 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.1.4 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.1.5 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.1.6 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.2 DELIVERY OF LIQUID NITROGEN C.2.1 The Contractor shall provide an uninterrupted supply of liquid nitrogen to assure a continuous supply of liquid and gaseous nitrogen to the ZPSL. C.2.2 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% full. The Contractor shall have an automated system that communicates electronically with the nitrogen tanks electronic liquid level detection/monitoring system. C.2.3 Gaseous Nitrogen System. The Contractor shall supply liquid nitrogen to the nitrogen tanks that meets all purity level indicated below: Gaseous Nitrogen Purity Types IMPURITY - Purity Limits 99.999% Oxygen (02) - < 1 ppm Water (H20) - < 1 ppm Total Hydrocarbons (THC) - < 1 ppm Carbon Monoxide (CO) + Carbon Dioxide (CO2) - < 3 ppm Parts per Million (ppm) C.2.4 Load Analysis Report. The Contractor shall provide an actual (not typical) analysis report for each 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.2.5 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.2.6 Contractor Manpower Reporting. The Contractor shall provide data on Contractor manpower (including subContractor manpower) for performance of this contract. Detailed instructions, including the Contractor and SubContractor User Guides, are available at the CMRA (Contractor Manpower Reporting Application) website at: https://cmra.army.mil. The Contractor must create an account upon entering the site and is required to completely fill in the required information. For further assistance, email the CMRA Help Desk at Contractormanpower@hqda.army.mil. C.3 OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE OF ALL SYSTEM EQUIPMENT C.3.1 Liquid and Gaseous Nitrogen Supply Systems. The Contractor shall provide all labor, materials, and services necessary to operate, maintain and perform minor repairs of the nitrogen supply systems. C.3.2 Liquid Nitrogen System C.3.2.1 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. C.3.2.2 The Contractor shall operate the system per the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), as indicated in Appendix B. C.3.2.3 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.3.2.4 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.3.2.5 The Contractor shall ensure the remotely operated electronic liquid level detection system/monitor is compatible with their automatic monitor/notification system. C.3.2.6 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.3.3 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 are fabricated 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 ensure the remotely operated electronic liquid level detection system/monitor is compatible with their automatic monitor/notification 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 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.3.4.2 The Contractor shall operate the system per the SOP, as indicated in Appendix B. C.3.4.3 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.3.5 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.3.6 The Contractor shall perform a full laboratory analysis of the entire gaseous system once each year (if and when options are exercised). 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. C.3.7 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.3.8 Contact and Response. The Contractor shall provide a contact phone number that will be 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.3.8.1 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.3.9 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.4 UNSCHEDULED REPAIRS C.4.1 The Contractor may be required to perform unscheduled repairs under this contract. The Government will reimburse actual material costs associated with unscheduled repairs that are not included in Appendix A. Labor associated with such repairs will be reimbursed at the fixed hourly rate. The Contractor is required to obtain approval from the COR prior to perform any unscheduled repair and provide an estimate for the costs associated with the unscheduled repair. C.4.2 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.5 ANTI-TERRORISM / OPERATIONAL SECURITY (AT/OPSEC) C.5.1 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.5.2 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.6 DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT TO BE DETERMINED. 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. 21. Provide required documentation to the Government as outlined in the DD1423 form (Contract Data Requirements List). Responses: All interested parties should notify this office by e-mail to both Cristina M Watkins (cristina.m.watkins.civ@mail.mil and Rebecca Patterson (rebecca.patterson13.ctr@mail.mil) within the posted date. Responses shall include: (I) To what extent each of the specifications can be met. (II) Include your type of business (i.e. commercial, academia), whether your organization is classified as a large or small business based on the 1,000 employee standard that accompanies NAICS code 325120. If a small business, you must also list any small disadvantaged status you hold [HUBZone, 8(a), Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB), Women Owned Small Business (WOSB), Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business (EDWOSB), etc.]. (III) Past experience/ performance through the description of completed projects. Responses to this sources sought synopsis are due no later than 10:00 AM eastern standard time 02 February 2016. Submissions should be emailed to Cristina Watkins (Cristina.m.watkins.civ@mail.mil) and Rebecca Patterson at Rebecca.patterson13.ctr@mail.mil. Questions concerning this sources sought synopsis may be directed to Cristina Watkins at Cristina.m.watkins.civ@mail.mil and Rebecca Patterson at Rebecca.patterson13.ctr@mail.mil. Please be advised that.zip and.exe files cannot be accepted. Estimated Delivery Timeframe or Period of Performance: One (1) base year with four (1), one (1) year options.
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- Place of Performance
- Address: Adelphi Laboratory Center (ALC), 2800 Powder Mill Road, Adelphi, Maryland, 20783, United States
- Zip Code: 20783
- Record
- SN04002459-W 20160129/160127234421-0e18324b14cca1efee5c008edde24fe5 (fbodaily.com)
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