NCSX Procurement Update of 3/2/05

1. MCWF procurement

* Metal Tek has finished with all of their preparations (cleaning) for
welding Coil C1. MetalTek forecast that the casting should be ready to ship
to Major Tool by the second week of March. Major Tool advised that they are
prepared to give the casting top priority when it is received and they will
endeavor to gain any efficiencies by working weekends etc, where possible.
Barring unanticipated challenges, the C-1 casting should be ready for
shipment to PPPL by the end of May.

* The EIO team has determined the cause of the greater than expected amount
of flaws in the C-1 casting, a very positive development. In the original
solidification model, a solidification parameter of 75% (a measure of the
solidification rate) was assumed.   Once Metal Tek evaluated the problems
encountered on the C-1 casting, they re-ran the model changing this
parameter to 50%. This iteration showed problems in the model consistent
with the flaws in the actual casting. Since all of the original
solidification models for the A, B & C patterns were run assuming 75%,
modeling is being reworked with the new parameter.

* Lawton has made substantial progress on the A pattern this week. Two
components which needed to be remodeled are complete.
 
2. VVSA procurement

* Major Tool continues to machine the dies. Fifteen blocks have been
received. Two dies have been machined.

* Engineering for the 60- and 120-degree weld fixtures and port extension
fixtures continues.

Hutch Neilson