JA Sole Source Machine Lathe Signed_Redacted.pdf

Control Number: NWS-2026-332

1 SEP 2026

Justification Review Document

For Sole Source per RFO Part 6.103-1

Program/Equipment: This is a requirement for one (1) high-speed precision gap Lathe machine that will be used to help maintain and support the twenty-nine (29) hydro electric generating units at Chief Joseph Dam.

Authority: 41 United States Code (U.S.C.) 3304(a)(1) as implemented in Revolutionary Far Overhaul (RFO) 6.103-1 Only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements

Amount: $95,128

Prepared by:

Typed Name: Brantley Dowell

Phone:206-638-6252 E-Mail: brantley.w.dowell@usace.army.mil

Contracting Officer:

Typed Name: Shemekia McMillan

Phone: (206) 764-3730 E-Mail: shemekia.r.mcmillan@usace.army.mil

Technical Representative:

Typed Name: Daniel Bennett

Title: Mechanical Engineer Phone: (509) 686-2226

Requirements Representative:

Typed Name: Connie Chow

Phone: (206) 764-6691 E-Mail: connie.s.chow@usace.army.mil

Reviews

I have reviewed this justification and find it adequate to support other than full and open competition.

2 SEP 2026

Legal Counsel

Typed Name:Nathan Sadowski Email: Nathan.K.Sadowski@usace.army.mil

Signature:

Deputy, Office of Small Business Programs

Typed Name: Enshane Nomoto Email: enshane.nomoto@usace.army.mil

Signature:

Sole Source Justification and Approval

Under RFO 6.103-1(a)

1. Contracting Activity:

Seattle District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Contracting Division, 4735 East Marginal Way South, Seattle WA 98134-2388

2. Description of Action:

Approval is requested for a Sole Source Justification to support Chief Joseph Dam (CJD) in the direct acquisition of a precision lathe machine from Republic Machinery Co., Inc. (Republic Lagun). Direct procurement from the manufacturer is necessary to obtain equipment that satisfies required engineering specifications while maintaining full compliance with the Buy American Act (BAA).

3. Description of Supplies/Services:

Approval is requested to award a sole-source order to Republic Machinery Co., Inc. for one (1) Republic Lagun Machine Tool American Turnmaster Precision Engine Lathe (Model ML-1760), complete with standard and specialized accessories. The lathe is required for precision machining, fabrication, and repair of hydro turbine and generator components supporting the 29 hydroelectric generating units at Chief Joseph Dam, Bridgeport, Washington. Key salient characteristics include:

Tri-V Ways: Provides the necessary rigidity and alignment tolerances required for precision machining of heavy hydroelectric equipment.

3 SEP 2026

Spindle Bore Diameter: A bore exceeding 3.0 inches (>3”) to accommodate critical shaft, sleeve, and tooling dimensions.

Acquiring this machinery is vital to sustaining continuous operational readiness and preventing downtime across the generating units.

4. Authority Cited:

Authority: 41 U.S.C. 3304(a)(1) and soliciting from one source RFO 12.102(a) For acquisitions valued at or below the simplified acquisition threshold (SAT), document the decision that only one source is available and the basis for the decision.

5. Reason for Authority Cited:

a. Background: Domestic machine tool manufacturing has largely transitioned overseas, resulting in a significant reduction of available BAA-compliant engine lathes. The unique mechanical requirement for Tri-V bedway construction severely limits the number of commercially available systems.

b. Justification: Extensive market research confirms that Republic Machinery Co., Inc. is the sole manufacturer & distributor capable of delivering an engine lathe that meets all required technical specifications (notably Tri-V ways and >3” spindle bore) while maintaining certified BAA compliance.

c. Impact if not approved: This procurement directly compromises facility readiness and increases operational risk by leaving the facility without the in-house capacity or precision required to machine larger slip rings. The existing two smaller machines cannot handle these components, forcing reliance on external commercial contracting or inter-facility support. Commercial contracting introduces a minimum six-month lead time for specifications, solicitation, and award, while incurring direct costs of $75,000 to $100,000 per slip ring set. More critically, the resulting extended downtime exposes the facility to potential lost generation valued at approximately $400,000 per week, assuming a conservative 50% run-time baseline driven by resource constraints and demand.

Alternatively, attempting to offload machining to another USACE facility is not a viable mitigation due to extremely limited enterprise-wide capacity, unpredictable scheduling availability, and unverified machine precision and quality. Procuring the requested lathe mitigates these substantial financial and operational liabilities, prevents catastrophic downtime, and secures vital organic maintenance capability.

6. Efforts to Obtain Competition:

Efforts to identify potential competitors and maximize public visibility included issuing Requests for Information (RFIs) on both GSA eBuy and SAM.gov, providing the commercial market with comprehensive purchase descriptions and technical requirements. A Notice of Intent to Sole Source was published on SAM.gov, on 3 September 2026 and requested any applicable responses from industry by 18 September 2026. To date, no responses have been received.