High Capacity Geosynthetic Direct Shear Machine

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is seeking to procure a High Capacity Geosynthetic Direct Shear Machine through a single-source procurement process. The targeted vendor is Gilson Company, Inc., and the estimated dollar amount for the purchase is $46,000. FDOT has determined that this specialized equipment is only available from a single source and is seeking information from prospective vendors by June 23, 2023, to confirm the unavailability of competition. The High Capacity Geosynthetic Direct Shear Machine is required for FDOT's State Materials Office to perform direct shear testing on soil materials used in the design of Mechanically Stabilized Earthen Walls. The justification for the single-source acquisition is that the machine allows for testing of larger soil particle sizes, up to 2 inches, which is more representative of the materials used in construction of Mechanically Stabilized Earthen Walls in Florida. This is expected to result in increased friction angles and cost savings by reducing the length of geosynthetic straps required.

The procurement is open to any interested vendors, and there are no set-aside designations or restrictions on the types of organizations that can respond. The current contractor for this equipment is Gilson Company, Inc., and the procurement does not require the integration of any existing infrastructure or technology. The contract award value is estimated to be $46,000.