Wire Arc Additive Manufactured (WAAM) Parts

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Research and Development Center (ERDC), Geotechnical and Structures Laboratory (GSL) has a requirement for additively manufactured parts to support ongoing efforts in Civil Works Infrastructure requiring complex geometries and large components. Producing additively manufactured parts is the process of creating an object by building it one layer at a time. This process uses data computer-aided-design (CAD) software or 3D object scanners to direct hardware to deposit material, layer upon layer, in precise geometric shapes. This is different from traditional manufacturing as it allows the part to be built layer by layer, whereas traditional manufacturing often requires a part to be made by joining separate components or by machining away unwanted material to produce the part.

The GSL has a repetitive need to acquire metal additively manufactured parts to support ongoing projects over the next five years:

• Parts will range in materials from mild steels, stainless steels, and high strength steel systems
• Parts will range in size from 6”x6”x6” up to 5’x5’x5’
• Parts must be manufactured using the wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) process

The ERDC intends to issue a master Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) to Lincoln Electric Company (Cage Code: 8RAH3) on a sole source basis. Lincoln Electric Company is the only U.S. based company currently capable of manufacturing parts using the WAAM process.

The award will be issued in accordance with FAR 13.501(a). The applicable North American Industrial Classification System Code (NAICS) code is 333244 (Printing Machinery and Equipment Manufacturing) with a size standard of 750 employees. This notice of intent is for information purposes only.  

This notice is not a request for competitive quotes or proposals.  A solicitation will not be issued.  However, all responsible sources may submit a capability statement, proposal, or quotation, which shall be considered by the agency.  The information submitted must be provided in sufficient detail to demonstrate the vendor’s ability to fulfill this requirement.  The contractor must also provide a description of their past experience in fulfilling requirements which are the same or similar to this requirement and references for each. 

Information received will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement.  A determination by the Government not to compete this requirement on a full and open competition basis, based upon responses to this notice, is solely within the discretion of the government. Oral communications are not acceptable in response to this notice.  Responses to this requirement may be submitted to Allison Hudson at Allison.B.Hudson@usace.army.mil AND Jennifer Hoben at Jennifer.Hoben@usace.army.mil.  The solicitation number shall be included in the subject line of the e-mail submission.  Responses must be received no later than 1:00PM CST 05 August 2022.