75 Year of Engineering and Scientific Consulting, Testing Labs

Statement of Qualifications

MEI-Charlton, Inc.
Email : business@meic.com
Web page: www.meic.com

Dear Prospective Customer,
The purpose of this document is to introduce MEI-Charlton, Inc (MEIC) as a suitable and qualified professional service provider in performing Engineering and Scientific services including
field evaluation/metallurgical analysis, fitness for purpose and testing services. MEIC is a capable and renowned engineering and scientific consulting and R&D company and can provide
distinguished engineering and scientific services and support to its customers in a number of areas, including the following:
Nondestructive testing services including liquid penetrant testing (PT), magnetic particle testing (MT), ultrasonic testing (UT), radiographic testing (RT)
Field testing of components, parts, products, materials, structures with a host of instruments
Materials and metallurgical consulting and testing services including physical testing, fatigue and fracture testing, macro and micro evaluations of material and fracture surfaces
Failure analysis and evaluation
Pipeline and structure integrity analysis and evaluation
Materials composition and chemical analysis
Microscopy, elemental analysis, environmental sample analysis
Machinery, material and product inspection and evaluation with regard to electric and mechanical systems
Third party compliance and standards testing (tailor made and regulatory)
Environmental planning and testing
Energy planning and evaluations
Technical Education planning and implementation
Research and development in Engineering and Sciences

The key issues that MEIC as Consultant and Testing Lab will address during delivery of a typical work order contract (WOC) include understanding of each project, formation of a team
with balanced expertise, preparation of a quotation for the WOC, selection of required instruments for inspection and testing, use of metallurgical laboratories for sample analysis (and the
ability to take samples from the inspection site), ability to work in shifts during the day or night; appreciation of the need of a multi-site operation and coordination of project activities with
Customer assigned managers, engineers, administrators, and their material suppliers (if need be); problem related urgency and work safety; rapid and accurate assessment and service
and timely completion of the project within agreed costs; and preparation and submission of a technical report.

MEIC’s vast knowledge of engineering and science in the consulting field has been gained over 74 years, with a distinguished track record, by way of highly qualified, experienced and
dedicated manpower. Currently, the MEIC Project Team consists of ten full time employees, nine technical board members, and several designated sub-Consultant firms. The full time staff
consists of professional engineers, PhD scientists and engineers, Bachelors/Masters level engineers, and technicians with expertise in the disciplines of mechanical engineering,
metallurgical and materials engineering, chemistry, electrical and electronic engineering and controls, and electrical/product safety. Our project teams are supported by highly equipped
laboratories, staff and consultants with relevant project knowledge, and a thorough understanding through first-hand experience in the area of service. Past WOC’s successfully
delivered by MEIC have ranged from small to large and include nondestructive testing (such as PT, UT and MT), field testing of structures with multi-channel data acquisition systems,
materials testing services including physical testing, fatigue and fracture toughness testing, macro and micro evaluations of material (metals, polymers, composites, etc) and fracture
surfaces, failure analysis of components and parts of large and small products/systems, machinery inspection and evaluation applied to heavy movable structures (bridges, cranes,
etc.), machinery parts, products, samples, contaminants, etc, pipe failure analysis, including strength, life, composition, corrosion, fatigue, and strain gaging.

Selected Relevant Projects
A few representative projects that reflect MEIC’s capabilities and professionalism anticipated under proposed contract are listed below:

MEIC was retained to evaluate the Asbestos Cement pipe failure and useful life evaluation 2004-2005 and again in 2007-09 and most recently from 2009-11
MEIC was retained to perform Material analysis, Hydroelectric Turbine Bottom ring and Guide Bearing, metallurgical inspection and microstructure analysis: 2006-2009, project completed.
Recently we have been awarded another contract for a period of 2009-2011.
MEIC conducted a pool paint failure analysis which involved analyzing paint, structural features, chemical parameters and the cause of the failure.
MEIC conducted a pool slide and child safety alarms for a major organization in Play equipment business for last 10 years, we have tested various models of pool slides and structures to
ASTM standards.
MEIC was retained by Oregon Department of Transport (ODOT) as main supplier of materials, metallurgical, and physical testing (including Non-destructive Testing) consulting services
during 2004-2007. We have been retained to perform several other projects during 2007-to date.
A Canadian company retained MEIC during 1997- 2008 on several WOC’s. These projects consisted of multiple assignments over a nine-year period and combined several on-site failure
investigations, laboratory failure analyses, materials testing and consulting service at a compressor manufacturing facility to determine the cause and corrective action of two service
failures of a 5,800 RPM, 4,000 HP, 6-foot diameter rotary compressor. These projects involved coordinating MEIC’s activities with multiple parties, including the user, manufacturer, and
other consultants.
MEIC was retained to provide failure analysis of broken components, non-destructive testing, and performance testing using multi-channel data acquisition equipment analyze several
failures in the structures and hydraulic systems of five industrial garbage compactors. The project included a failure analysis, nondestructive testing, measurement of service stresses
through computerized data acquisition, and consulting with the owner, user, and manufacturer.
A major Semiconductor manufacturer retained MEIC, routinely to test materials compatibilities and analyze materials failures on various samples. One project concerned the compatibility
testing of pipes and connectors with the transported liquid in a liquid handling system. Another case involved the failure analysis of fire sprinkler pipes that had developed a leak.

2. QUALIFICATIONS FOR WORK DISCIPLINES

Transportation – Capital Improvement Projects: MEIC has long reaching experience in Field Performance Testing and Inspection through data acquisition evaluation of numerous
structures by means of multi-channel, computerized data acquisition systems, utilizing strain gages, displacement transducers, and accelerometers. These assignments have varied from
simple to complex, with use of up to 200 strain gages in both static and dynamic applications within multiple projects for Oregon Department of Transportation, as well as various
industrial customers.
MEIC engineering teams have completed countless Non Destructive Testing (NDT) assignments of the type anticipated under this work discipline, utilizing many different NDT methods.
These assignments have ranged from routine inspections of small shafts, pins, and bolts to fitness-for-purpose evaluations of large welded structures. In the past, MEIC’s team
developed an inspection procedure, along with the necessary calibration standards, to enable ODOT inspectors to inspect the anchor rods on large, highway cantilever sign supports
and sign bridges.

Municipal Water and Systems: Pipeline Useful Life Analyses, System Renewal and Replacement Analysis, Pipeline Condition Assessment. Water Quality Monitoring, etc
Municipal Sewer Systems: System Renewal and Replacement Analysis, Pipeline Condition Assessment, Water Quality Monitoring, Storm Water Quality
Materials testing and Evaluation teams of MEIC engineering teams have inspected and tested asbestos-concrete pipes for a City in 2004/2005. 13 pipe samples were analyzed in-house
with a series of tests (visual inspection, hardness, crushing strength, hydrostatic strength, cross-section inspection, phenolphthalein staining, and elemental analysis) to evaluate if the
pipes confirmed to specifications and to estimate the additional service life before failure. The testing procedure followed ASTM C500 guidelines and pipe properties were compared to
ASTM C296 specifications. It was established that all the sample pipes exhibited a wide range of remaining service life, from as few as zero to as many as 40 years.
Our experience in materials testing for physical and chemical properties like compressive strength or chemical composition, combined with tremendous
experience in failure analysis of metallic, polymeric, ceramic, and composite components, makes our team capable of completely understanding and analyzing the
assigned problem. Skilled and competent field testing and inspection of pipeline systems leads to completion of assigned tasks with outstanding performance.

Miscellaneous Engineering Services: Corrosion Investigations, Construction Material Inspection, Material Inspection & Testing in general.
MEIC engineers have tremendous experience in Material Inspection & Testing, including corrosion evaluation, failure analysis, metallographic evaluation, and fitness-for-purpose and
remaining life evaluations. Our team has experience in metallic, polymeric, ceramic, and composite materials, covering most potential areas. For example, engineering teams have prepared
and tested compact tension fracture toughness specimens and performed in-house fatigue testing and crack growth rate testing. Additional experience includes, hardness testing, tensile
strength analysis, and detailed lab based examination, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and metallographic evaluationi of coupons from large structures (such as bridges) or
small parts from machines.

Asbestos Cement Structures
MEIC is a highly equipped and qualified Asbestos testing lab has carried out numerous pipe inspections involving metals (Steels, aluminum, copper, bronze etc.), plastics (PVC, CPVC,
HDPE, ABS etc.) and asbestos Concrete (AC) pipes (Class 150, used as water main line and sewer pipe lines). MEIC engages to investigate the condition of the asbestos cement (AC)
pipe in water distribution system and in its wastewater collection system. These investigations are helpful to gain a better understanding of the condition of the AC pipe in the systems
and estimate the remaining useful life. In addition to perform materials evaluation, MEIC performs strength and condition assessment testing of AC pipe segments adjacent to AC pipe
failures, such that these tests could be used to establish the cause of the pipe failure and estimate the remaining useful life of the remaining AC pipe. The total scope of a typical testing is
as follows.
Visual inspection on the exterior and interior surfaces
Crush strength testing (per ASTM C296 and C500)
Hydrostatic Strength testing (per ASTM C296 and C500)
Ring cross section examination
Phenolphthalein indicator staining
Hardness testing with Type D durometer
Chemical analysis using energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) on ring cross sections to determine compositional gradients

Parks Design, Planning & Engineering Services: Materials Inspection & Testing, water line corrosion, leaching and water use maximization via finite element analysis.
MEIC engineers have tremendous experience in Material Inspection & Testing, including corrosion evaluation, failure analysis, metallographic evaluation, and fitness-for-purpose and
remaining life evaluations. Our team has experience in metallic, polymeric, ceramic, and composite materials, covering most potential areas.

To support the above described capabilities in the various areas/disciplines, MEIC maintains extensive laboratory facilities dedicated to materials-related problem solving through the use
of analytical instrumentation, as well as the design, development and engineering production and characterization of various mechanical, electronic, and optical devices. MEIC’s
laboratories span over 7,600 sq. ft. and include state-of-the-art electrical, chemical (wet labs), analytical, characterization, thin and thick film preparation, sensor engineering and
fabrication, and opto-electronics laboratories. These labs are complemented by our well equipped mechanical testing facility, design and engineering facility, computer labs, electronics
shop, and machine shop.

School, Hospital Equipment Safety
MEIC conducts electrical instrument safety and is approved by the State of Washington and several other states to conduct Field evaluation. Our Inspector is a qualified Electrical
Engineer.
MEIC laboratories can test the quality of the material and used in the play ground and school use play equipment. Exposure to sun, heat and cold can degrade the material strength, In
addition continuous use can deteriorate the instrument/structure strength and a mechanical inspection/ materials evaluation can put the mind to rest. MEIC specializes in such testing and
inspections. We can help customer to assess the quality of new or old instrument and test them or their materials to ASTM and other standards.

Energy Planning, Environmental Planning and Testing
Energy and Environment are two vital areas for the future survival of any organization, city, county or simply put mankind. MEIC with its Parent organization Bishanti can provide scientific
analysis and realistic planning for the development of future projects, both in urban and rural areas. Weather is is the landfill related issue or air quality matter. Water contamination or the
disaster initiated environmental or energy crisis we can help. We test environmental samples, conduct both long and short term studies to understand and solve the problems.

We can help the customer, in preparing national and state level bids for infrastructure development and sustainability.

Metallurgical and Materials Characterization: MEIC is highly equipped to handle material characterization via a full-service materials science laboratory, with metallurgical, chemical,
and physical testing capabilities. Our facilities include a full-service materials science laboratory, with metallurgical, chemical, and physical testing capabilities. We have two metallurgical
microscopes, four stereo microscopes, and a scanning electron microscope, all with full photographic capabilities. Our scanning electron microscope is equipped with an energy
dispersive x-ray spectrometer to allow rapid, semi-quantitative analysis of materials, and when the project requires full quantitative chemical analysis, we have the capabilities to carry
out complete chemical analysis.

Analytical and Wet Laboratories: We have fully equipped chemistry facility to support quantitative chemical analysis, environmental and chemical testing.

Mechanical Design and Engineering Facility: Drawing upon its extensive background in mechanical engineering and material technology, MEIC has developed and maintains a
state-of-the-art mechanical test and R&D laboratory that supports CAD designing, numerical analysis, computer simulation, and materials testing and evaluation. A well equipped
machining facility allows fabrication of test fixtures, machining of samples, and rapid prototyping of designs. Our mechanical testing laboratory includes three universal testing machines
and a Charpy/Izod impact testing machine as well as a machine shop to make the test bars and prototype test fixtures in house. We have the capability to perform fracture toughness
tests and in-house fatigue testing and crack growth rate testing, including steel and polymer composite components in conformance to internationally accepted ASTM/ ASNI standard. We
have completed and also have the capability to design and build fatigue test systems that will enable us to test new designs per client’s requirements.

Strain gaging, vibration monitoring, and data acquisition
Utilizing our Somat E-daq data acquisition system we can perform analysis in most location on all types of materials. This analysis includes strain, vibration, position, temperature, and
acceleration. Using the information collected with these sensors MEIC can determine the stress in a material, condition of rotating and moving parts, and verify performance. Some of the
places that this tool can be useful are bridges, water lines, structures, buildings, railings, play field equipment, swimming pool, and dams.

Product Evaluation
At MEIC we can validate a products design, material composition and performance to ensure that it meets or exceeds customer design and governmental requirements. This can be done
on most any product ranging from house hold appliances to industrial machines. MEIC can also verify that a product purchased is performing as specified. This is valuable information to
have in hand in the event of a warranty claim on a piece of machinery.

MEIC can assist customer in the assessment of the products that are being purchased from various vendors, for example the composition of steel bars used in the construction, quality of
pipes, joints deployed in the lines both sewage and water distribution. We have experience in investigating protective and decorative coating and paint failure. Various mechanical and
electromechanical components including shaft, fan, cooking ovens, fryers electric heaters can be tested fr their fitness for purpose and material and failure analyses. Such investigations
prevent future failures. We can load test the structures, joints, etc. Our NDE inspections cover tanks, boilers, pipelines, fermentors, bridges, and play field instruments. Such as slides,
rubber mats/flooring.

Load Testing
MEIC has two universal load machines, one capable of applying 120,000 lb and one capable of precision loading up to 1000 lb. Both can apply tension or compression. These machines
can be used to perform mechanical tests to determine material properties, tension test wire rope, determine flexural properties, and test any other items needing loading.

Field Tests: In addition to our laboratory capabilities for materials testing, we can perform many of our services in the field at customer sites. We have a portable metallurgical
microscope, enabling us to conduct metallographic examinations of structures on site, thereby avoiding the need to remove samples from critical members. In addition to the portable
microscope, we can replicate structures on site with the use of acetate, thereby allowing a more detailed examination later in the laboratory. For projects in which samples must be
removed from a structure for more detailed examination back at the laboratory, we have designed and built special drilling fixtures for removing metallographic coupons from bridges and
other large structures with minimal intrusion to the structure. We also have coating thickness testing equipment and several portable hardness testers for on-site field measurements.

Failure Analysis: Failure analysis has always been a core part of our business, and it is to this end that many of the aforementioned capabilities are employed. That is, we frequently
utilize the many tools at our disposal to solve some larger engineering problem involving either a failure or the determination of a structure’s suitability for continued service. To do this, our
inspectors must be fully cognizant of the complex interrelationships between design, material properties, manufacturing, assembly, and service. We have a wide range of experience in
many different materials and have performed comprehensive failure analysis of metallic, polymeric, and ceramic components in a variety of service conditions.

NDT Testing Lab: MEIC engineers and scientists, with their extensive practical experience and subject knowledge, use field and laboratory non-destructive testing not only to assess
the condition of subject components, but to identify potential causes for failure and conditions which may lead to abnormal material behavior. MEIC’s in-house NDT laboratory and field
capabilities include magnetic particle testing, ultrasonic testing (shear wave and thickness) and liquid penetrant testing, each activity supported by several sets of equipment. These
in-house capabilities are strongly complemented by our long standing sub-contractors.

Computer Labs: MEIC computer labs are equipped with state-of-the-art computers and have various scientific and technical programs available, including TurboCAD, SolidWorks for
modeling, and Algor finite element analysis (FEA). Additionally, the usual office support programs are also available. Other scientific computation software is available upon need.

Electrical and Electronics Engineering Lab: The MEIC Electrical and Electronics Engineering Lab is equipped with various devices and instruments that make it capable of carrying out
tasks such as circuit prototyping, data acquirement, signal monitoring, in-system communication, sensor testing, etc. Additional instruments and tools are available upon need.

Penetrant Testing: MEIC’s engineers frequently utilize liquid penetrant testing, not only for non-magnetic alloys, where MT is not useable, but also for confirmatory purposes on
magnetic alloys where MT indications have been found but are suspected of being due to non-relevant causes. MEIC utilizes both solvent base visible penetrant testing materials and
water washable fluorescent materials as needed. Fluorometers (portable and fiberoptic) and MEIC has substantial supplies of both, manufactured by Sherwin, Ardrox, and Mangnaflux.

Radiographic shooting services if needed are usually subcontracted to one of our former employees.

Debriefing and Safety Program

MEIC’s Compliance with Regulations Status: The asbestos related procedures are carried out under full compliance with Oregon OSHA – DEQ regulations. The tests are carried out
under the constant supervision of a certified inspector who is a 'Certified Supervisor for Asbestos Abatement Projects', with a staff well-trained and certified to work on non friable
asbestos containing materials (ACM). The work starts with a notification to be filed with DEQ to inform the work being done. Control measures have been in place to contain and isolate
the processes producing airborne asbestos dust from other work areas. The regulated area with local exhaust ventilation that provides negative pressure in the working environment,
equipped with HEPA filters have been provided. Workers use wet methods to cut the asbestos material, use vacuums equipped with HEPA filters to clean up loose material, and utilize
personal protective equipment, such as respirators, coveralls, and gloves, in addition to any other gear appropriate for the job. All waste will be sealed in double bags, have been
disposed of in an approved facility.

During typical course of work various precautions being taken to prevent any personnel and environmental hazards that may potentially occur are:
Like in any other chemical laboratory, spills and contact with chemicals may occur due to accidents during transfer of chemicals, sampling, transportation, and preparation of reagents. At
all times, small amounts of the chemicals will be stored in safety bottles with appropriate caps. These small bottles will be filled/refilled using stock chemicals that will be stored in large
safety cabinets. All staff are debriefed about the safety sheets (OSSHA and supplier provided) and will be required to follow them. An eye wash will be available on the work bench and
a shower in the wet lab. Staff will transport the samples in trays made of unbreakable epoxy, and all large amounts will be transported using push carts. When possible, lifting of the
chemicals will be avoided.

For the optics lab, optical and electrical safety procedures will be followed. In brief, these include protective glasses (goggles), proper earth of the connections, no direct staring into the
line of the optical beam, and no direct contact with the electric wiring. The electronics work will be carried out by trained personnel only that will have proper earth and safety gear. At all
time, personnel assigned to the project will use a protective lab coat, disposable gloves, and safety glasses, and where needed, a protective nose mask to avoid spills of chemicals,
direct body contact with the reagents, and dust.

The Company maintains first aid boxes in the work shop, labs, and office, as well as fire extinguishers and smoke detectors on appropriate designated sites within the building.
Accidents, if any, are logged and reported to appropriate regulatory agencies. A work place safety committee (WPSC) and a Laboratory Review Board (LRB), consisting of office staff,
scientists, and engineers, meet on regular intervals and assure that MEIC is safe and compliant with the safety regulations.

MEIC policy requires that all Project Team Members (MEIC staff as well as sub-Consultants) observe the highest level of safe work practice, in full compliance with
OSHA and any customer -specific requirements. Field engineers must have safety gear including appropriate hard hats, safety vests, gloves, industrial shoes,
emergency light, hazard indicators and test equipment, and, when necessary, fall protection and/or respiratory protection. Work crews must also carry first aid
kits and fire extinguishers. Our laboratory and offices are equipped with necessary safety equipment and there is a formal Safety Committee overseeing the
implementation of Company policy. Principal Investigator is required to assure that all Team Members are aware of the hazards at a work site and are equipped to
safely perform the required services. Principal Investigator must identify potential safety hazards and debrief the Team Members before the start of the project.
Regular reminders and unannounced inspections are carried out to assure the safety of our staff and other workers. In the event of accident, Company cell
phones are available for contact of emergency services. MEIC has a policy of maintaining sufficient Professional and General Liability insurance coverage, currently
at $2MM.