Notice of Intent to Sole Source - Republic Machinery Co, Inc

This federal Sole Source Justification and Approval (Control Number: NWS-2026-332) authorizes the Seattle District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, to award a sole-source contract to Republic Machinery Co., Inc. (Republic Lagun). Under the authority of 41 U.S.C. 3304(a)(1), the agency will acquire one Republic Lagun American Turnmaster Precision Engine Lathe (Model ML-1760) for the Chief Joseph Dam in Bridgeport, Washington. The lathe is critical for the in-house machining, fabrication, and repair of hydro turbine and generator components across the facility's 29 hydroelectric generating units. The technical requirements necessitate specific features, including Tri-V ways for rigidity and a spindle bore diameter exceeding 3.0 inches. Due to the shift of machine tool manufacturing overseas, market research conducted through GSA eBuy and SAM.gov confirmed that Republic Machinery Co., Inc. is the only manufacturer capable of meeting these precise engineering specifications while fully complying with the Buy American Act (BAA). Procuring this specific lathe mitigates severe operational and financial risks. Without this equipment, the facility lacks the capacity to machine larger slip rings in-house. Relying on external commercial contractors would introduce six-month lead times and cost between $75,000 and $100,000 per slip ring set. More critically, resulting equipment downtime could cost the facility approximately $400,000 per week in lost generation. Securing this lathe ensures continuous operational readiness and vital organic maintenance capabilities.