CONTRACT RD-128, WORK ORDER #4, TASK ORDER #1 (SANITIZED)

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP78-03424A001300050001-3
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 8
• Document Creation Date: December 23, 2016
• Document Release Date: August 15, 2013
• Sequence Number: 1
• Publication Date: September 24, 1958
• Content Type: LETTER

7e7Tore
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/08/15: CIA-RDP78-03424A001300050001-3 .96
7/-7r 50X1
50X1
Attention:
Subject:
Enclosure:
Gentlemen:
Contract RD-128.
4 September 1958
50X1
Dec Alirig; BATF 6 TeT, By 441'313
ems cv.reLAT- 071 yypE Os/
CR CLS iiRF,S I RV CLAWS
JUST VXT REV 7**1 AUTH: HR 70-2
ontracting Officer
Mr
Work Order #4, Task Order #1-
(1) Three (3) copies
completing remai
(2) Three (3) copies
proposed modifica
Detailed Cost Breakdowns for
Recorders
Detailed Cost Breakdowns for
Ion of Video Recorders
Confirming recent telephone conversations with your office, we are forwarding
herewith our explanations and suggestions relative to the recorders under the
subject work order.
We have broken down our proposal herein into two parts. One is based on the
conditions as they exist relative to completion of work as it presently exists.
The second part of our proposal is based on the increase in costs and fee to
nodili'yexisting units in order to improve the performance of these recorders.
All funds under the subject work order have been completely expended and it
is estimated that $2,771.011 as detailed in enclosure (1), will be required for
engineering hours and material required to complete the job and is in addition
to the costs for modification of the rejected units, enclosure (2). 4-CO,c13
The allotted contract funds were insufficient to complete this job for the
following reasons:
1. When checkout of the units began in January 1958, it was found nec-
essary to spend additional time in an attempt to meet performance
requirements. Component selection was required and in some cases
even this would not suffice.
2. The Agency was notified as early as February that a number of the
units could not be made to work without certain circuit "fixes"
being made and some additional recorder parts Obtained. We were
? not allowed to make these "fixes" and consequently a large portion
of the remaining funds were expended in further attempts to make the
existing device work. 7 'gra
?
i
-,
50X1
50X1
50X1
50X1
? / 50X1
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/08/15: CIA-RDP78-03424A001300050001-3
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/08/15: CIA-RDP78-03424A001300050001-3
0.,atiPtit
Page a 24 September 1958
0
3, Some of the funds were expended in evaluating the "fixes" required
on the undelivered items and also evaluating the "fixes" required
on the units returned from the Agency.
The cost estimate of enclosure (1) is based on completing the work on the
subject work order as listed and qualified below:
1. The remaining six recorder units and associated amplifiers will be
modified by adding any necessary circuit modifications to the ampli-
fiers and adding a filter choke to the recorders. In addition, certain
mechanical difficulties in three recorders will be investigated and
repaired as explained below:
a. Recorder Serial No, 372
The drive mechanism of this unit is binding. Although the
specific trouble causing the binding has not been determined,
approximately one and a half days has been allocated to the
problem and it is felt that this represents a reasonable
estimate of the time required to repair the mechanism. If
the trouble cannot be found within this time the mechanism
should probably be replaced (GFE). Additional time would
then be required for this replacement.
b. Recorder Serial No, 378
This unit does not record. Although the specific trouble
causing the unit not to record has not been determined, it
is believed that the trouble is mechanical (possibly a
faulty switch); however, should the trouble be found to be
in the recording head, the head should be replaced (GFE).
Additional time would then be required for this replacement.
c. Recorder Serial No, 380
This unit has a defective head -which must be replaced in
order that the unit can operate. A GFE head will be needed
for this replacement. In addition there is binding of the
drive mechanism. Although the specific trouble causing the
binding has not been determined, one and a half days has
been allocated to the problem and it is felt that this
represents a reasonable estimate of the time required to
repair the mechanism. If it is not possible to repair the
unit in the allocated time, replacement of the drive
mechanism (GFE) would be required. Additional time would
then be required for this replacement,
2. Two of the five spare amplifiers are proposed to be modified by adding
any necessary circuit modifications. Of the five spare amplifiers
which are to be delivered, two of them are potted units (1 within
specifications and I just below specifications) and therefore,
iSECRET
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/08/15: CIA-RDP78-03424A001300050001-3
Declassified in Part- Sanitized Copy Approved forRelease2013/08/15 : CIA-RDP78-03424A001300050001-3
f
Page 3
24 September 1958
cannot be modified. Three are not potted (1 within specifications
and 2 require modifications as stated above).
3. Final data and test reports are proposed to be completed and submitted
to the Agency.
We are submitting herewith as enclosure (2) our detailed cost breakdown in
the estimated cost and fixed fee of $4,741.93, which is our proposal for the
modification and rework of the wire recorders, microphones, and earpieces
returned to us as enumerated by serial number herein below:
The returned units were evaluated by Quality Control and Egnineering
Departments. It is opinion that within the meaning of the interpre-
tation of the contract specifications with respect to "accurately recording"
a certain video pulse and voice modulation, these units met contract specifi-
cations when shipped. It is felt that certain design "fixes" are required
to improve the performance of recorders and amplifiers.
The cost estimate of enclosure (2) is based on making necessary modifications
to each recorder listed and qualified below.
Serial #352
We propose that this unit be modified by adding a filter choke to the motor
circuit.
Serial #353
We propose that this unit be modified by adding circuit modifications to
the amplifier and adding a filter choke to the motor circuit.
Serial #354
We propose that this unit be modified by adding circuit modifications to
the amplifier, adding a filter choke to the motor circuit, and removing
the mechanical noise from the mechanism. Although the specific trouble
causing the mechanical noise has not been determined, it is believed that
the time estimated is sufficient to repair the unit; however, should re-
placement parts be needed, these would have to be obtained as Government
Furnished Equipment and additional time allocated for their installation.
Serial #355
We propose that this unit be modified by adding circuit modifications to
the amplifier and adding a filter choke to the motor circuit.
Serial #357
We propose that this unit be modified by adding circuit modifications to the
amplifier and adding a filter choke to the motor circuit.
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/08/15: CIA-RDP78-03424A001300050001-3
Declassified in Part- Sanitized Copy Approved forRelease2013/08/15 : CIA-RDP78-03424A001300050001-3
SECRETA
Page 4
Serial #361
24 September 1958
We propose that this unit be modified by adding circuit modifications to
the amplifier, adding a filter choke to the motor circuit, and correcting
the drive mechanism troubles.
Serial #362
We propose that this unit be modified by adding a filter choke to the motor
circuit.
Serial #363
We propose that this unit be modified by adding circuit modifications to the
amplifier, adding a filter choke to the motor circuit, and rep7irnglhe
latch, connector, and motor switch. This unit-was received by with
a broken amplifier connector and a broken latch (on cover). The Agency
indicated that this unit had an intermittent motor switch, motor noise
(very noisy on recording wire), and that the amplifier was out. Because
of the broken connector, it is not possible to evaluate these troubles.
However, the cost estimate is based on making the modifications which
would normally be needed in such cases.
Serial #364
We propose that this unit be modified by adding circuit modifications to
the amplifier and adding a filter choke to the motor circuit.
Serial #365
We propose that this unit be modified by adding a filter choke to the motor
circuit.
Serial #367
We propose that this unit be modified by adding circuit modifications to
the amplifier and adding a filter choke to the motor circuit.
Serial #369
We propose that this unit be modified by adding circuit modifications to the
amplifier, adding a filter choke to the motor circuit, and:-adding polarity
markings on the battery holder.
Serial #370
We propose that this unit be modified by adding circuit modifications to
the amplifier and adding a filter choke to the motor circuit.
Serial #371
We.propose that this unit be modified by adding a filter choke to the motor
circuit.
S
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/08/15 CIA-RDP78-03424A001300050001-3
Declassified in Part- Sanitized Copy Approved forRelease2013/08/15 : CIA-RDP78-03424A001300050001-3
r
Page '5 September 1958
Serial #373
We propose that this unit be modified by adding circuit modifications to
the amplifier, adding a filter choke to the motor circuit, and adding
----polarity markings on the battery holder.
Serial #371.
We propose that this unit be modified by adding circuit modifications to
the amplifier and adding a filter choke to the motor circuit. Although
this unit is acceptable as is, better than marginal performance can be
obtained by adding the amplifier modification.
Serial #376
We propose that this unit be modified by adding a filter choke to the motor
circuit.
Serial #377
We propose that this unit be modified by adding a filter choke to the motor
circuit and investigation and repair of recording problems. Although the
specific trouble causing the unit not to record has not been determined,
it is believed that the time bid is sufficient to repair the unit. However,
should the trouble be found to be in the recording head, the head should
be replaced (GFE) and additional time allocated for this replacement.
Serial #381
We propose that this unit be modified by adding a filter choke to the motor
circuit.
Microphones and Earpieces
We propose that these items be repaired and adjusted as needed.
In addition to the above qualifications, the enclosed cost estimates are
based on the following:
1. Since the modifications proposed above for the units are circuit
',fixes', and do not represent a complete redesign of the unit, it
is probable that the modifications of the amplifiers may not be
identical. Because of this, no revision of the drawings or
handbook is contemplated.
2. An effort has been made to establish a quantitative checkout pro-
cedure, but this has not been found feasible. Instead, final
checkout will be performed by comparing the units to a unit that
has been mutually accepted as a standard by and the Agency.
Furthermore, in order to minimize the troub e arising from accept-
7ce_t7
ts, it is requested that the Agency accept all units at
npriassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/08/15: CIA-RDP78-03424A001300050001-3
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/08/15: CIA-RDP78-03424A001300050001-3
4.
Page 6 CONEiDENTAL 214 September 1958
3. Due to the restricted space it will be necessary to mount some
components on the printed circuit side of the amplifier board.
These components will be secured to the board by the use of an
adhesive.
It should be pointed out that the contract specifications are not definitive
and require considerable judgment in application. Most of the recorders
rejected by the Agency were concerned with problems which were qualitative
rather than quantitative, i.e., matters of judgment. These problems had
been discussed with representatives of the Agency and modifications to the
recorders which would minimize them were suggested by although the 50X1
Agency would not give the authority to incorporate them. 50X1
A demonstration of possible circuit modifications to the units was given
to the Agency during a meeting held at 4 June, between Agency 50X1
Representatives and personnel, was requested to submit 50X1
a cost proposal incorporating these changes.
EXperience has shown that the reliability of the amplifiers is very poor
and that it is very difficult to obtain repeatability in test results.,
Inasmuch as the pr odifications are circuit pfixeso rather th61 a
complete redesign, can not guarantee long term reliability; How-
ever, it is felt tha these nfixesn are the best practical solutions.
In additions the design "fie may result in only a compromise correction
of the various faults and that proper over-all operation can be reliably
achieved only by complete redesign.
In view of the circumstances surrounding this work order, and more spec-
ifically the specifications, our proposal contained herein is based on
exerting our best efforts to meet all requirements and suggestions of your
office, and therefore we would deem it feasible that adherence to all
details of the specifications should not belheld'mandatory.
In view of the developmental nature of this work order and also based on
the contractual provisions of the subject contract, relative to cost lia-
bility, and in view of continuous efforts to satisfy all your
requirements, we do not believe it feasible for to continue this
work at its own expense.
We appreciate the difficulties that have arisen in this program and will
be pleased to cooperate with you in order that this equipment can be com-
pleted and modified to meet its operational requirements.
If we may be of any further assistance or if any other data is required,
please advise the undersigned at an early date. Also, your suggestions and
your decision in this matter would be appreciated at your earliest convenience.
Very truly yours,
Contract Administrator
50X1
50X1
50X1
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/08/15 : CIA-RDP78-03424A001300050001-3
50X1
50X1
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/08/15: CIA-RDP78-03424A001300050001-3
?
TITLE Wire Recoiders - Costs to
Complete Remaining Items
Task Order 1 Work Order 4
BID NO.
DIRECT LABOR
COST ANALYSIS
CA.18. REV. 7.57
ITEM NO. ENCLOSURE
1
50X1
PROJECT GROUP
DRAFTING
4224.18
ENGINEERING SHOPS
TECHNICAL WRITING
MANUFACTURING
QUALITY CONTROL
TOTAL DIRECT LABOR
189.67
$ 1,413.85
ANTICIPATED LABOR INCREASES $
TOTAL DIRECT LABOR
1,413.85
VERHEAD
95 % $ la3113.**
TOTAL O.H. & DIR. LABOR $ 2,757.01
MATERIAL
SUBSISTENCE
TRAVEL
PREMIUM PAY
OTHER COSTS
TOTAL ESTIMATED COSTS $ 2,771.o1
PROFIT
% $
FEE
% $
TOTAL AMOUNT
PROJECT GROUP
ENG. SUPERVISION
PROJECT ENGINEER
SENIOR ENGINEER
ENGINEER
PROJ. PLANNER
JUNIOR ENGINEER
TECHNICIAN
& ENG. AIDE
FTI ND
SUPER & DESIGNER
DRAFTS & DETAIL
DUPL. MACH. OP.
ENGINEERING SHOPS
SUPERVISORS
MACHINIST
SHEET METAL &
PAINT SPRAY OP.
TECH. & ASSTS.
TECHNICAL WRITING
SUPER & TECH WTR.
TECH WRIT. ASST.
HOURS
RATE
COST
DETAILED ANALYSIS
33.
6.36
69,96
92
5.59
5111,28
182
3.35
609.70
16
1.89
30.2li
MANUFACTURING
SHOP SUPERVISORS
METHODS ENGINEERS
SHEET METAL
MACHINISTS
SUB-ASSEMBLERS
FINAL ASSEMBLERS
INSTR. ASSEMBLERS
MFG. ASSISTANTS
PLANNERS
PLANNING ASSISTS.
ENGINEERS
DESIGN DRAFTSMEN
ENG. ASSISTANTS
DRAFT.aDUPL.MACH.OP.
QUALITY CONTROL
QC SUPERVISORS
TEST SUPERVISORS
ENGINEERS
INSP. SUPERVISORS
TEST ASSISTANTS
INCOMING TESTERS
INCOMING. INSPECTORS
SHOP INSPECTORS
ASSEMBLY INSPECTORS
MATERIAL
PURCHASED PARTS
RAW MATERIAL
SUBCONTRACTS
DINER
HOURS
RATE
COST
5.5
311
1.6
14,131
3..37
2A.116
1PR J,
3.47
5.55
16
1,85
_2,969
31.40
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/08/15: CIA-RDP78-03424A001300050001-3
3.311,40
13,88
1.3?
3.14
40
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/08/15: CIA-RDP78-03424A001300050001-3
150X1
?
TITLE Modification of Video RecordersC OST ANA LYS IS
Task Order 1 Work Order It CA.18. REV. 7.57
BID NO.
DIRECT LABOR
ITEM No.
ENCLOSURE 2
-
PROJECT GROUP
1,962.90
MATERIAL
35.00.__
DRAFTING
SUBSISTENCE
ENGINEERING SHOPS
TRAVEL
TECHNICAL WRITING
PREMIUM PAY
MANUFACTURING
OTHER COSTS
QUALITY CONTROL
27048
TOTAL ESTIMATED COSTS
$ 142390068
TOTAL DIRECT LABOR
$ 2,233,68
ANTICIPATED LABOR INCREASES
$
PROFIT
% $
TOTAL DIRECT LABOR
29233448
FEE
11=2:1111tg5
TOTAL AMOUNT
$ 14741 93
RHEAD 95
%
$ 2 122 00
AL 0.16 a DIR. LABOR
$ 4,355.68
PROJECT GROUP
ENG. SUPERVISION
PROJECT ENGINEER
SENIOR ENGINEER
ENGINEER
PROJ. PLANNER
JUNIOR ENGINEER
TECHNICIAN
& ENG. AIDE
DRAFTING
SUPER & DESIGNER
DRAFTS & DETAIL
DUPL. MACH. OP.
ENGINEERING SHOPS
SUPERVISORS
MACHINIST
SHEET METAL &
PAINT SPRAY OP.
TECH. & ASSTS.
TECHNICAL WRITING
SUPER 8 TECH WTR.
TECH WRIT. ASST.
DETAILED ANALYSIS
HOURS RATE COST
23,
86
380
ho
6.36
133.56
5.59
h80.74
3.35
1,273.00
1.89
75.60
MANUFACTURING
SHOP SUPERVISORS
METHODS ENGINEERS
SHEET METAL
MACHINISTS
SUB.ASSEMBLERS
FINAL ASSEMBLERS
INSTR. ASSEMBLERS
MFG.. ASSISTANTS
PLANNERS
PLANNING ASSISTS.
ENGINEERS
DESIGN DRAFTSMEN
-ENG. ASSISTANTS
DRAFT. it DUPL.MACH.OP.
QuALiTY CONTROL
QC SUPERVISORS
TEST SUPERVISORS
ENGINEERS
INSP. SUPERVISORS
TEST ASSISTANTS
INCOMING TESTERS
INCOMING INSPECTORS
SHOP INSPECTORS
ASSEMBLY INSPECTORS
MATERIAL ,
PURCHASED PARTS
RAW MATERIAL
SUBCONTRACTS
OTHER
Cetr-v
" ILICA JAL
HOURS RATE COST
35.0o
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/08/15 : CIA-RDP78-03424A001300050001-3