Government
Arnold Engineering Development Center (AEDC)
GP is the Pressure and Hazardous Material Systems (PHMS) Certification Program contractor for the Arnold Engineering Development Center (AEDC) at Arnold Air Force Base in Tennessee and has performed these services on three consecutive contracts dating back to 1989. Because we developed the certification methodology currently in use at AEDC, our team understands PHMS, including key aspects of the following:
- Certification and recertification requirements and methodology
- Procedures for examination and testing of PHMS
- Approach to design and analysis and follow-up assessments
- Configuration management
- In-service inspection (ISI) planning
- Operations and maintenance
We have experience with high pressure gases, hypergolic fuels, cryogenics, fuels, and other high hazard commodities, as well as rocket engine test facilities and wind tunnels. Thus far, the program has certified more than 150 systems, more than 220 pressure vessels, and in excess of 75,000 feet (14 miles) of pipe.
Cost
This is a cost plus award fee (CPAF) contract with performance award fees twice a year. GP has received a score of 100% for 17 out of the last 17 possible awards and 31 of 37 since the program’s inception in 1989.
Schedule
This contract was awarded to GP in 1999 as a five year contract with one three-year option. The option was exercised in 2003. To date, GP has delivered all contract CDRL items on or ahead of schedule.
Performance
Comparability to Proposed Effort
The performance work statement contained in the request for proposal is identical to the current effort. GP provides engineering and inspection services to evaluate pressurized systems including wind tunnels, pressure vessels, piping systems, and all components/devices within the systems. We perform analyses in accordance with the ASME boiler and pressure vessel codes, ASME piping codes, API codes, and AEDC engineering and safety standards. In addition to the certification contract line item number (CLIN), GP performed two additional CLINs: the Safe Reliable Efficient Operation (SREO) Program and the Tank Integrity Program.
Innovations & Achievements
GP has performed more than 500 design calculations on pressure vessels, heat exchangers, filters, accumulators, moisture separators, and various other pressure-retaining items. To organize and catalog the information from the calculations, GP created a pressure vessel database. In addition, GP created a database of all the manufacturer’s drawings. The goal is to maintain all of the historical data for the pressure vessels and miscellaneous equipment located at AEDC that have been certified through the PHMS Program.
Technical Problems Overcome
Risk management is the primary task of GP’s efforts at AEDC. Through identifying areas in the infrastructure that may critically impact safety and the test mission requirements, GP not only identifies areas of concern, but formulates corrective actions. We have a working relationship with the Aerospace Testing Alliance (ATA) the Joint Venture providing operations, maintenance and support services to AEDC. This relationship fosters cooperation in addressing any problem that may impact AEDC’s mission. GP’s workforce possesses the skills and knowledge necessary to identify problems and formulate corrective actions to overcome them before they can impact AEDC’s mission.
Certification
GP developed the certification methodology currently used at AEDC. This methodology is based on more than 30 years of experience performing certification services at similar government aerospace test facilities and commercial sites. This five phased approach has been published and presented at ASME conferences, NASA safety conferences, and industry forums.
Management
GP brings a long history of managing performance-based contracts at numerous government facilities such as AEDC. Our management approach has resulted in numerous repeat awards from satisfied customers. GP knows how to manage staff and integrate changing customer priorities with minimal, if any, impact to program goals.
Contact us today to learn more about GP’s services for the government: