GSA National 3D-4D-Building Information Modeling Program

Asset Management

GSA National 3D-4D-Building Information Modeling Program

Public Buildings Service Central Office

NOTE: This Best Practice was a 2007 Award Winner.

“The long-term objective is to use innovative 3D, 4D, and BIM technologies to complement, leverage, and improve existing technologies to achieve major quality and productivity improvements.” (www.gsa.gov/bim)

In 2003, the General Services Administration’s (GSA) Public Buildings Service (PBS) Office of the Chief Architect (OCA) established the National 3D-4D-BIM (Building Information Modeling) Program.

3D, 4D, and BIM are innovative technologies that offer virtual design and construction during the planning phase of the project. They represent three separate, but synergistic, ways in which computer technologies can aid GSA to manage its capital assets throughout a project’s lifecycle.

The National 3D-4D-BIM Program has been recognized widely by the design and construction industry for its leadership and its primary mission of promoting virtual design and construction through:

  • value-adding digital visualization,
  • simulation, and
  • optimization technologies

to increase quality and efficiency in developing and managing GSA’s capital assets.

Since 2003, GSA has initiated over 60 capital projects across the country using an array of 3D, 4D, and BIM technologies in support of GSA business needs.

Some of these projects include: spatial program BIM models for spatial program validation, 4D phasing for schedule optimization, 3D-laser scanning for accurate as-built documentation, and BIM-based energy analysis for predicting a facility’s future energy performance.

Highlights of the GSA National 3D-4D-BIM Program are:

  • Establishing policy to incrementally adopt 3D, 4D, and BIM for all major projects
  • Leading 3D-4D-BIM pilot applications and incentives for current and future capital projects
  • Providing expert support and assessment for ongoing capital projects to incorporate 3D, 4D, and BIM technologies
  • Assessing industry readiness and technology maturity
  • Partnering with BIM vendors, professional associations, open standard organizations, and academic/research institutions

To help replicate GSA successes, GSA has developed a BIM Guide Series on best practices, a public Web site (www.gsa.gov/bim), an internal GSA web-based portal, a community of regional BIM Champions, and national contractual language and deliverables.

Contact:
Charles Matta, FAIA
Director of Federal Buildings and Modernizations
U.S. General Services Administration
Public Buildings Service, Office of Chief Architect/Capital Construction Program
charles.matta@gsa.gov

This is a Federal best practice submitted to the U.S. General Services Administration Office of Real Property Management for competition in the GSA Innovative/Best Practices Achievement Award.