Title
Approval of Replacement of the Legacy Schneider ArcFM Designer with an AutoCAD-Based Utility Designer Software for Electric and Gas Divisions (NB)
Explanation
At their March 21, 2019 meeting, the City Commission approved an amendment to GRU’s contract with SSP Innovations, recognizing SSP Innovations as a specified source provider of MIMS Mobile and related GIS applications.
GRU started using MIMS Mobile software from SSP Innovations with intentions to implement MIMS Designer as a replacement for the legacy Schneider ArcFM Designer software used in the electric and gas divisions. Since that time, the Planning Engineers in Transmission & Substations have decided to stop using external engineering firms for engineering designs of equipment for transmissions and substations and will now use internal Engineers for designing. GRU staff found that MIMS Designer cannot support these other engineering processes.
During this calendar year, knowing that the five (5) year software contract with SSP Innovations will expire in November 2021, GRU staff evaluated other potential solutions for the replacement of Schneider ArcFM Designer. The new approach of implementing the Spatial Business System (“SBS”), Spatial Business Systems Suite aligns with the GRU strategic goals and the preferred method for engineering and designing workflow. Also, it will integrate by configuration with our existing engineering analysis application, work & assessment management systems, and our new GIS Utility Network Data Model.
In addition, other key benefits of SBS are:
• Increase efficiency by 30%+, increase productivity by 40%+.
• Solve the problem of “partial posting” of complex or long-running construction projects into the GIS. This will allow the field crews, Utility Line Locators, and System Control Operators to view facilities under construction, or energized, in a timely manner.
• Reduce our software O&M budget and leverage Capitalization of the licenses.
Spatial Business Systems Suite is a combination of several applications such as:
• Automated Utility Design™(“AUD”)
• Utility DataHub™ - Design to GIS Module (ArcGIS) (“UDH GIS”)
• Utility DataHub™- Design to EAM Module (Cityworks / Lifecycle) (“UDH Design”)
• Substation Design Suite™
After conducting research, conversations with other municipalities, and evaluating several options, it was concluded that a sole-source/specified source would be the best procurement process to follow. Due to the unique and complex integration workflow with other applications GRU staff concluded that Spatial Business Systems Suite is the better long-term solution than MIMS Designer.
Fiscal Note
No additional financial impact as funds budgeted for SSP Innovations will be repurposed for the contract with Spatial Business Systems.
Recommendation
Authorize the General Manager or his designee:
1. To negotiate and execute an agreement with Spatial Business System, Inc to provide software licenses and professional services for the implementation of the SBS Software Suite in support of the Energy Delivery strategic and technological goals, subject to approval by the City Attorney as to form and legality.
2. Approve the issuance of purchase orders in amounts not to exceed approved budgeted amounts for these services and applications.
On August 12, 2021, the UAB voted unanimously (with three members absent) to advise the City Commission to approve the staff recommendation.