Trace Gas Impurities Chromatography System

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is a Simplified Acquisition Single Source Justification for the procurement of one Trace Gas Impurities Gas Chromatography System. The system is required to perform quantification of trace permanent gas impurities in Propellant-Grade Nitrogen, Helium, and Hydrogen. This will be used for specification testing required by MIL-PRF-27401H (Nitrogen), MIL-PRF-27407E (Helium), and MIL-PRF-27201E (Hydrogen), and for quality assessment and monitoring of DoD/DLA products, as well as propellant pressurizing gases for space launch activity.

• One Trace Gas Impurities Gas Chromatography System.

• Instrument must be fully compliant and provide test results in accordance with MIL-PRF-27407E (Helium), MIL-PRF-27401H (Nitrogen), and MIL-PRF-27201E (Hydrogen).

• Capable of quantifying trace Hydrogen, Argon, Oxygen, Neon, and Nitrogen in bulk Helium gas per MIL-PRF-27407E, para 4.4.2.

• Estimated Contract Cost: $127,222.00

• This document is a justification for a single-source award, not a solicitation for proposals.

• The justification states that Custom Solutions Group LLC is the only known vendor capable of building and providing the required instrument. Market research indicated no other sources could reliably detect and quantify neon and helium in the specified conditions.

• The government intends to award this contract on a sole-source basis to Custom Solutions Group LLC.

• Future acquisitions will include market surveys to identify potential sources.

Statement of Work (SOW)

To procure one Gas Chromatography System for the Aerospace Fuels Laboratory (AFPET/PTPLE) at Vandenberg Space Force Base. The system will perform quantification of trace permanent gas impurities in Propellant-Grade Nitrogen, Helium, and Hydrogen to satisfy specification testing requirements for MIL-PRF-27401H (Nitrogen), MIL-PRF-27407E (Helium), and MIL-PRF-27201 (Hydrogen).

• The system must be a robust unit for routine specification and/or investigative testing.

• It must be capable of automatically running Gaseous and Liquid Phase samples.

• The system must be electrically configured for standard 100-240V single phase, 50/60Hz electricity and equipped with a 3-wire electrical cord with a 20 amp NEMA connector plug.

• It should be suitable for benchtop use with dimensions not exceeding 96"x 30"x48".

• The system must be capable of testing for the following impurities in Nitrogen, Helium, and Hydrogen: hydrogen, argon, oxygen, neon, helium.

• Specific concentration ranges for quantitation of impurities are detailed.

• The system will be configured as a 3-channel system with specific columns and detectors (PLOT capillary columns with molecular sieve 5Å stationary phase and Pulsed Discharge Helium Ionization Detectors (PDHID) for channels 1 & 2; Silico-steel packed column with molecular sieve 5Å stationary phase and Thermal Conductivity Detector (TCD) for channel 3).

• It must include pneumatically actuated rotary heart-cut valves and 6-port rotary gas sampling valves.

• The oven must operate from 20 °C to 450 °C with specific ramp programming and cooling capabilities.

• Retention time repeatability must be ≤0.008% or ≤0.0008 min, and peak area repeatability <1% RSD.

• The system must have an LCD touch display and at least one USB 2.0+ port.

• Operating software for visualization, programming, and reporting is required, including a traceable audit trail.

• An instrument controller (computer, monitor, keyboard & mouse) is required.

• Retention time repeatability: ≤0.008% or ≤0.0008 min.

• Peak area repeatability: <1% RSD.

• Oven temperature setpoint resolution: 0.1 °C.

• Oven cooling time: ≤ 5 min from 450 °C to 50 °C.

• Delivery and installation within 12 weeks after contract award.

• Location: Aerospace Fuels Laboratory, Vandenberg Space Force Base, CA 93437-5220.

• Installation, commissioning, and 4 hours of training for up to 4 personnel at Vandenberg Space Force Base are required.

• Technical support (phone/e-mail) during business hours (9AM-3PM M-F Pacific Time) is required.

• Electronic copies of all manuals and instructions for instrument operation and maintenance must be included.

• Products must be manufactured in a qualifying country source per DFARS 225.872. Products from other than qualifying countries will not be accepted.

• The product shall be free from defects and carry a warranty of at least one (1) year after receipt.

• Shipping costs, including insurance, are the contractor's responsibility.

• Vehicles larger than a pick-up truck require inspection at the Vandenberg Space Force Base Commercial Vehicle Delivery Gate (CVDG).