US ITER - Request for Interest - SS316L(N)-IG Raw Material Components

The agreement contemplated may include, but not necessarily be limited to, the following work:
US ITER is looking for a vendor to supply raw material of an ITER grade Stainless Steel material. Preliminary estimates are 270,000-330,000 LB (135-165 tons) of material, mix of plate and forge blocks. Forging and inspection requirements will depend on shape and size but include cross forging to reduce risk of inclusions.

In the case of this SOW, components will be delivered in their rough machined state, not in a final machined state. The fabrication of all components will require a large and varying supply of materials with strict requirements to meet ITER quality. Materials of these components will be 316L(N)-IG (ITER Grade) steel. Generally, 316L(N)-IG steel is grade 316L steel with narrower alloying element ranges and controlled impurities. The closest analog is X2CrNiMo17-12-2 with controlled nitrogen content austenitic stainless steel described in the RCC-MR Code, Edition 2007.

The SOW is based on the product procurement specifications RM 3321 for blocks, RM 3324 for round bars, and RM 3331 for plates in RCC-MR 2007, plus additional requirements arising from the features of the ITER vacuum vessel and port components. The components are considered for equipment Class 2 (in accordance with RCC-MR classification). The supply by the Seller will include the following items:
• Produce/procure 316L(N)-IG forgings.
• Manufacture the total quantity of 316L(N)-IG stainless steel rough-machined products.
• Validate and approve quality plans and standards.
• Review and approve all related procedures for manufacturing, inspection (including analyses), cleanliness, packaging, storage, and delivery.
• Adhere to notification, hold, witness, and authorization to proceed points as outlined in the Seller-generated inspection plan, reviewed and approved by the Company.
• Provide monthly reports of status, supply of documentation, and schedules.
• Perform all inspections and tests during and after manufacturing as required.
• Store materials until time of delivery is requested

Past work history with ITER project is preferred as the requirements and documentation needs are complex. Material supplier will be required to follow ITER procedures, including ITER Vacuum Handbook, complying to witness and hold points at deliverable milestones before proceeding. Raw material suppliers will be required to verify chemical compositions and perform testing of materials in accordance with ITER procedures. A Quality plan will be established and procedures related to this contract will be reviewed for approval by US ITER and ITER Organization teams. Material test reports must be provided with required information and approved prior to delivery.

Procedures to be reviewed for approval will include but not limited to the following subjects:
1) Quality and Project Management
2) Raw Material
3) Mixing
4) Melting
5) Casting
6) Forging
7) Heat Treatment
8) Cutting
9) Machining
10) Sampling
11) Inspections
12) Testing
13) Marking
14) Cleaning
15) Packaging
16) Storage
17) Shipping

Certifications of personnel performing quality inspections will be reviewed for approval by US ITER and ITER Organization. Due to stringent cleanliness requirements of the vacuum conditions of the application requirement, multiple measures of monitoring and verification will be taken to ensure quality is met.
Please provide requirements of ordering such as batch size, order minimums, facility capabilities, storage options and relevant information.

This Request for Interest applies to US ITER scope, however, potential for further scope with other Domestic Agencies and ITER Organization exists.