Sources Sought Notice, PCS Module Sub-system (PCMS) Integrator Services and Manufacturing Support, National Ignition Facility (NIF), LLNL

LLNS is conducting market research to identify qualified firms that could serve as the integrator for the National Ignition Facility (NIF) Power Conditioning Module Sub-systems (PCMS). These units provide electrical energy to flashlamps in the NIF main amplifiers. The overall Power Conditioning System (PCS) occupies multiple capacitor bays and stores hundreds of megajoules of energy. Each PCMS is an integrated pulsed-power module consisting of three primary sub-systems:

• Main Energy Storage Module (MESM)
• Pre-Ionization Lamp Check (PILC) cabinet
• Controls rack (includes control, monitoring, and power distribution functions)

Respondents should have demonstrated capability to plan, procure, fabricate, assemble, calibrate, and safely perform full-voltage and full-current testing of complete PCMS units at their facility using a contractor-provided test stand, then package, ship, and support installation, hook-up, inspection, and issue resolution in the NIF capacitor bays at LLNL. See additional project details below. This Sources Sought is for market research only and is not a solicitation, proposals/quotes are not requested, and no reimbursement will be provided for response preparation costs.

 Scope summary (anticipated)

Respondents should assume the integrator will be responsible for end-to-end execution including:

 Fabrication and assembly (at contractor site)

• Procure contractor-furnished materials, components, and subassemblies (except Government-Furnished Property/Equipment)
• Fabricate and assemble mechanical and electrical elements to produce complete PCMS units
• Implement cleanliness controls appropriate for high-voltage systems
• Implement configuration management and drawing control processes (engineering change control, redlines, as-built packages)

 Calibration and testing (at contractor site)

• Perform checkout of major subassemblies (controls rack, PILC, trigger generator) using defined procedures
• Provide a test stand and facility capable of safely conducting full-voltage and full-current testing consistent with the module requirements and hazards
• Conduct a minimum test program consistent with legacy expectations, including representative full-current shots and dump tests, and generate test artifacts (shot logs, calibration factors, summaries)

 System overview  (final values and configurations will be defined in a future solicitation):

Element

Representative characteristics from legacy documentation

MESM

Up to ~24 kV operation, stores up to ~2 MJ using ~20–24 self-healing capacitors, delivers energy to flashlamps in ~360–400 microseconds, spark gap triggered by ~100 kV trigger pulse

PILC

Provides low-energy pulse used for lamp check and pre-ionization, legacy description includes ~500 J per lamp for ~40 lamps supported by a module

PCS scale (facility)

Hundreds of megajoules stored across multiple capacitor bays, large fault-energy and arc/flash hazards

Testing environment

Requires high-voltage, high-current test capability, shrapnel mitigation, fire protection, and strict safety controls

Typical facility utilities (legacy minimums)

480 VAC, 120 A, 3-phase (wye); compressed air ~100 psig with specified filtration and drying; heavy lifting capability up to ~30,000 lb

 Anticipated deliverables (summary)

Final deliverables will be specified in a future solicitation, but respondents should be prepared to support deliverables below

Hardware deliverables

• Completed PCMS units (quantity anticipated: [24])
• Any specified spare subassemblies or sample components required for verification testing (for example, coils for separate testing, if required)

Documentation deliverables (examples)

• Project management plan, baseline schedule
• Fabrication/assembly procedures and quality control plan
• As-built drawing packages and native CAD deliverables (legacy CAD platforms were Pro/Engineer and AutoCAD, versions to be confirmed for the current effort)
• Test procedures, calibration factors, shot logs (spreadsheet), and test summaries (word-processing format)
• Certificates of conformance for each delivered module

Capabilities of interest

• High-energy pulsed power system integration (multi-kilovolt, high-current systems)
• Mechanical fabrication and electrical assembly at large scale
• Integration of spark gap switching, energy storage capacitors, inductive components, and high-voltage cabling interfaces

Test and safety infrastructure – Is the company able to perform

• Facility and test stand capable of full-voltage and full-current testing with credible hazard controls (shrapnel barriers, fire protection, interlocks, trained personnel)
• Experience developing and executing high-voltage test procedures, data capture, calibration, and traceability

Quality and configuration management

• Documented QA program, incoming inspection, verification of conformance, control of nonconforming material
• Engineering change control and as-built configuration documentation discipline suitable for safety-significant hardware

On-site execution

• Ability to mobilize to LLNL for installation activities and comply with site access and training requirements

 Requested response content (submission requirements)

Interested firms should submit a capability statement that addresses the items below. Please keep responses to 3 pages excluding past performance attachments.

Company information

• Legal name, UEI, CAGE (if available)
• Facility location(s) and where fabrication and HV testing would occur
• Primary POC name, phone, email

Relevant experience with similar complexity/ high voltage (past performance)

Submission method: Email PDF response to Maggie Cunningham at cunningham31@llnl.gov with subject line:
“Sources Sought Response, NIF PCS/PCMS Integrator”

 Notices and disclaimers (include in posting)

• This Sources Sought is for market research only and does not constitute a solicitation.
• LLNS will not reimburse costs associated with preparing a response.
• Responses will not be returned.
• LLNS may use responses to determine acquisition strategy, competition approach, and required capabilities.