GEO5 Software Suite

Added: Aug 26, 2017 4:57 pm Sole Source Justification

One Source/Brand Name

1. Intended use of the supply of service.
Implement Geo5, which performs advanced geotechnical analysis. The software will enable the District to perform more comprehensive analyses for project design and construction support, and more effectively review work prepared by AE consultants that also use the software.

2. The critical or unique characteristics of the supply or service which are mandatory for the intended use.
Geo5 is both an analytical and finite element modeling software that enables the USACE Los Angeles District Geotechnical Branch to evaluate project designs and the impact of construction activities beyond conventional geotechnical analysis methods. Since the software can transfer the analytical solution into the finite element program, the District will be able to compare two independent solutions, thus increasing the safety of design. The software can model in two-dimensions the construction sequence and impact of typical District civil works projects, including integration of (for example) soil-structure interaction, groundwater/dewatering, excavation/backfilling, and seismic events; and can evaluate more realistically soil response/behavior (i.e. stress changes and deformation). These capabilities will benefit the District in refining project designs and minimizing/mitigating risk potentials.

3. Reason why only the selected "one source" or "brand name" can furnish the requirements to the exclusion of all other sources.
Geo5 is a widely used and recognized software program both in practice and academia. Many AE submittals to the District are also prepared using Geo5. Thus, it would be advantageous to acquire Geo5 to effectively review those submittals. The software developer, Fine Software, offers a strong customer support service.

4. Is this a follow-on or upgrade to a previous purchase? If yes, provide the purchase order number.
No

5. Describe efforts made to determine if other sources capable of satisfying the government's requirements exist:
Several other software programs exist (such as SIGMA/W and PLAXIS) that perform similar functions as Geo5. The District currently has SIGMA/W, which is a finite element program that is part of the GeoStudio suite. However, the program is not widely used and does not possess the same full capabilities that are offered by Geo5, including detailed modeling of the stability of rock slopes and advanced soil models. Input from SIGMA/W also cannot be exported easily to perform quality control review of the results. Because PLAXIS is based on elasto plastic material behavior, analysis is often more time consuming.

6. Basis for determination of a fair and reasonable price:

A. Current price list/catalog/advertisement: See attached pricing from Fine Software
B. Similar supply/service previously purchased: none
C. Value analysis: none