Title
Gas/Electric Distribution Network Analysis Enhancement Project (NB)
Staff is requesting the purchase of MiddleLink, an Advantica, Inc. licensed extension to the base SynerGEE-Electric software, and associated customization/configuration services, that will enable the extraction of network information directly from the electric GIS network model.
Explanation
Energy Delivery currently uses the SynerGEE-Electric software application, provided by Advantica, Inc., for the analysis and modeling of the electric distribution network. Currently, the SynerGEE-Electric network model is maintained in parallel with the GIS network model, resulting in a duplication of model maintenance. The purchase of MiddleLink, an Advantica, Inc. licensed extension to the base SynerGEE-Electric software, and associated customization/configuration services, will enable the extraction of network information directly from the electric GIS network model.
Similar analysis/modeling functionality is required for analysis and modeling of the gas distribution network, which has experienced significant growth in the past several years. This functionality will be provided by the Advantica, Inc. SynerGEE-Gas software application. The gas distribution network has expanded to a size inconsistent with manual calculations. The purchase of Model Builder, an Advantica, Inc. licensed extension to the base SynerGEE-Gas software, and associated customization/configuration services, will perform a function similar to MiddleLink for the electric version, allowing extraction of network information directly from the gas GIS network model.
Although there are gas distribution analysis/modeling software systems available from other vendors, Energy Delivery staff have been very satisfied, for over twenty years, with the electric distribution system analysis/modeling software from Advantica, Inc. The gas software user interface has a similar 'look and feel' to the electric software; Energy Delivery Engineering staff, with minimal training, will immediately be able to commence analyzing the existing gas distribution system, and modeling competing rehabilitation/extension scenarios. Advantica, Inc. is also the most logical choice for providing the customization/configuration services necessary for the GIS network data extraction/conversion extensions. Staff feels that contracting with Advantica, Inc., will provide GRU with the most economical solution for procuring modeling/analysis software (with the required functionality, a proven record of accomplishment, and familiar user interface), and associated professional services.
Recommendations
The City Commission authorize the General Manager or his designee to negotiate and execute a contract(s) for the purchase of specific software licenses and associated customization and configuration with Advantica, Inc., subject to the approval of the City Attorney as to form and legality, in an amount not to exceed $170,000.
Fiscal Note
Funds for this project are available in the FY 2006 Utilities Capital Budget.
Drafter
Prepared by: H. Reid Rivers, Engineering Manager, Energy Delivery
Submitted by: Michael L. Kurtz, General Manager