Summary of NCSX System Integration Team (SIT) Meeting of Friday, April 2, 2004

1.   Critical FDR issues needing attention (Brad)

• Material properties testing and design criteria:  A new test sample has been fabricated, which is expected to provide the critical tension data needed to draw conclusions.  Brad’s assessment is that we are likely to soon have in hand the minimum data base (compression, flexure, tension) needed to have a good enough story for the FDR.  Brad was not sure if we would have fatigue-life results for the FDR; however, in a separate conversation, Phil expressed optimism.
• Modular coil deflections:  There is a lot of analysis activity going on, executing the plan that was adopted a few weeks ago.  A special effort is needed to pull together a coherent assessment of the current status and likely trajectory of the deflection story between now and the FDR. It was agreed that Brad would take it on and report at the next SIT meeting. The issues are:  what do we know now and is it a problem?  what is our position at the FDR likely to be?  What management actions could be taken now that would help?  Action: Brad report to SIT on April 12.
• Machine geometry issues:  Assembly interference problems persist. Brad’s assessment is that there is no fundamental reason they cannot be solved, but ProE modeling limitations make it a slow process. Tom Brown is working on it. Action: Brad stay on top of it.
• Large volume of deliverables:  The deliverable requirements have been quantified; now we need to track progress.  It was decided not to use meetings for this purpose. Instead, Brad will gather the information and report status to Wayne. Action: Brad.
• MC and VV B-Spec (SRD) peer reviews this week yielded an extensive set of chits.  Wayne agreed to assist the WBS managers by producing the next iteration of these documents as well as the FMECA for the VV.  Action: Wayne.
  

2.   Critical-path issues needing attention (Wayne)

• Chill plates:  There is a risk that the chill plates will hold up coil fabrication activities (twisted racetrack, full-scale prototype) unless a cost-effective fabrication concept is produced soon.  It was decided to assign the problem to Bob Parsells. Action: Brad contact Parsells and get him started.
• Planar racetrack coil tests:  Meetings addressing the coil test facility, test plan, ES&H issues, etc. are happening. Wayne’s assessment is that a large number of action items has been identified.  Wayne will follow up will Al von Halle for support in addressing the issues. Action: Wayne.
• Weld joint R&D:  A plan for completing the R&D program by the end of FY-04 has been presented by Larry Dudek. The estimated cost to complete is $142K (versus $130k shown in the March 1 WAF status, not so different).   The plan includes a series of small-sample tests followed by full-scale tests.   The full-scale tests depend on procurement of a full-scale sample at a cost of $62k, which will be considered in updating the project’s FY-04 discretionary spending plans in the next week or two.  If the full-scale test could not be completed until after the VVSA contract is placed, there is a risk that the results may lead to changes in the product specification, but the risks are considered manageable. Action: Hutch & Ron consider when updating spending plan.
• VVSA Procurement:  Next milestone is to release an advance Spec and SOW to the suppliers on April 13. A peer review of these documents is scheduled for April 9.  The SOW is likely to be ready, but the current status of the C-spec is unknown. A version dated May 9, 2003, was issued to the suppliers for budgetary estimating purposes.  An updated status and forecast will be obtained at the April 5 WAF status meeting.  Action: Hutch follow up on SPEB-Project interface issues.
• MCWF Procurement:  Next milestone is to release an advance Spec and SOW to the suppliers on May 5. A scheduled peer review of these documents was postponed and has not been re-scheduled.    An updated status and forecast will be obtained at the April 5 WAF status meeting.  Action: Hutch follow up on SPEB-Project interface issues.
  

3.  Other Issues

• C-Site power supply study:  A study of the C-site power supply option, under way since the beginning of the fiscal year, has not produced a case for changing the baseline. A decision was made to terminate the  study.  A recommendation to this effect was subsequently sent to the Deputy Director.  Action: Hutch bring to closure.
• FY-04 spending plans.   The project has proposed a plan for spending out most of the remaining budget, including current management reserves, calling for an increase in discretionary spending authority.  The Laboratory is considering this request; a decision will be made after completing an update of institutional spending plans for the rest of the year. Responsibility: Hutch & Ron.
• Baseline updates:   ECP-6 is in preparation to capture changes since ECP-5. The main feature will be the change in machine configuration associated with the major reconfiguration of the VV ports since the PDR. Other necessary updates will be included as well.  ECP-6 will establish the FDR baseline. A successful CCB is needed by April 23 to support DOE approval by the end of April.  At least one more ECP will be needed after that to establish the CD-3 baseline, reflecting the actual VVSA and MCWF contract price proposals.  Responsibility: Bob.
  

4.  Next SIT Meeting: Monday, April 12 at 11:00 a.m. EDT.

Summary by:
Hutch Neilson