Anyone work with the GSA?

[Chad Warner]

We've been approached about doing some work for a GSA contract, and I have no idea what the requirements are asking for... this is the description: "presentation must include all drawings and a 3d virtual automated cad representation of the proposed buildings. The program must be able to rotate the facility from a birds-eye and walk through views."

 

Anyone have some experience with this and know what to provide?

 

Thanks,

Chad

[TSuess]

Federal Clients want a 3d model that you can navigate them through. You can use 3ds max to show your model or whatever program you're most comfortable with. I wouldn't go into much detail with the "tour" model. Just use basic geometry. I've imported both Autocad and Revit models in the past and preset a few cameras in Max.

[Chad Warner]

So if I did a dwf export into autodesk viewer, that's what they are looking for?

[TSuess]

As long as you can easily navigate from a birdseye view to any specific interior view they ask for. You can use any application. I know of a firm which used an autocad model and navigated it using accurender. They're not looking for videogame quality images.

[AJLynn]

This requirement isn't hard to satisfy. You can even use Sketchup tabs. What's annoying about the GSA is when you're an architect and they say things like "You need to do this in Revit and work in Metric." To which you reply, "Metric? Do we look like communists to you?" and you quickly learn that they don't really have a sense of humor.

[Jonathan Sanchez]

To which you reply, "Metric? Do we look like communists to you?" and you quickly learn that they don't really have a sense of humor.

 

lol

[MarketUS]

Good morning to all;

 

I received this post via google. Thos of you contemplating doing any work with a GSA contract holder need to STOP and think.

 

This means that you will be a subcontractor. You will have to discount your rates deeply to the contract holder.

 

You will not get paid until they get paid. Depending on the arrangement you make with the contract holder, you could wait up to 60 days to get paid. The contract holder will get paid quickly, based on their normal payment terms but you will have to wait.

 

When you finally decide to get your own contract, the rates you have charged the original contract holder WILL become your rates to the government. This is a trap that almost every company in this position fall into. DO NOT DO IT.

 

How do I know this? My company has been working in the GSA contract field for almost 24 years.

 

You can view our web site to learn more about the process.

[leoA4D]

... this is the description: "presentation must include all drawings and a 3d virtual automated cad representation of the proposed buildings. The program must be able to rotate the facility from a birds-eye and walk through views."

 

Does this model have anything to do with BIM or is this eye candy? GSA is a principal force behind BIM and eye candy and GSA do not seem to go together.

[AJLynn]

Michael:

 

In this field, most work is done as a "sub" working for an architect. This shouldn't deter anybody. Writing the contract to make it clear you'll be paid in a reasonable time frame is your responsibility.

[Chad Warner]

Does this model have anything to do with BIM or is this eye candy? GSA is a principal force behind BIM and eye candy and GSA do not seem to go together.

 

At this point, I think it's just eye candy. As far as I know, it's a presentation to try to get the job only.

[TSuess]

You will not get paid until they get paid. Depending on the arrangement you make with the contract holder, you could wait up to 60 days to get paid. The contract holder will get paid quickly, based on their normal payment terms but you will have to wait.

 

Your contract with your own client should always be independent from any contractual agreements your client makes. Alarm bells should go off If your client is only able to pay you when they get paid.

[ctk111]

It sounds like Autodesk Design Review would work well for this. You can create saved camera views, create 3d sections and plans, as well as navigate through your model in first person. It works pretty well. It won't work with your vray textures so make sure you convert them before exporting.

[Chad Warner]

I got a response back from someone higher up the chain at the GSA than my potential client is. I thought I should share her program suggestions:

 

"Birds eye – would show all the elevations, site, surrounding features and let the committee see what the building by walking around it will look like

 

Walk through – the program should allow the committee to walk through the front door, into different spaces and see how it feels/looks when it would be finished.

 

Would need to use 3D autocad, spine3D, Sketchup programs. There is no way to meet the requirement with 2D autocad, flat images, or sketches"

 

I always knew Spine was good, but I had no idea they were on a list of software to use for GSA presentations.