Agenda Item
a. FY25 Heavy Equipment Operations Pathway Simulator Grant (Not to exceed $324,000)
Summary: Presented by: Ms. Stacy E. Stepney, Chief Academic Officer, Division of Curriculum & Instruction
Request: It is requested that the Board of Education approve the Georgia Department of Education (GADOE) Heavy Equipment Operations (HEO) Pathway Simulator Grant in the amount of $324,000 to purchase heavy equipment simulators from SIMFORMOTION for the implementation of the Heavy Equipment Operations pathway at Dunwoody High School during the 2024-2025 school year.
Why: The GADOE HEO Pathway Simulator Grant will establish the first HEO pathway at Dunwoody High School in January 2025. This pathway addresses the growing demand for skilled heavy equipment operators in metropolitan Atlanta, thereby meeting local industry needs. Students will have the opportunity to earn industry credentials such as the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) Level 1 HEO Certification through hands-on learning that provides practical, industry-aligned skills.
Details: With support from industry partners such as CW Matthews, E.R. Snell, and Stewart Brothers, students will receive instruction aligned with industry standards, hands-on learning with the latest simulators, and exposure to work-based learning and industry experiences to aid career and workforce development.
The DeKalb County School District agrees to:
Collaborate with local industry partners and Dunwoody High School to monitor and support the implementation of the new pathway.
Implement the three approved HEO pathway courses. These courses are Industry Fundamentals and Occupational Safety (Level 1), Introduction to Heavy Equipment (Level 2), and Operations of Heavy Equipment (Level 3).
Ensure a standard classroom is used to accommodate the required simulators and support direct instruction in each course.
Purchase HEO simulators to be used in all HEO pathway courses.
Make available the industry credentials and certifications and work-based learning opportunities for students.
Partner with post-secondary institutions to provide Dual Enrollment opportunities for students enrolled in the HEO pathway.
Increase enrollment in the HEO pathway and the number of students earning an industry credential.
Plan and implement Capstone Projects that require live utilization of the heavy equipment by the student at an approved industry-partner or employer worksite to demonstrate the skills developed at the completion of the HEO pathway.
Financial impact: Grant funds will be used to reimburse DeKalb County School District for the purchase of the simulators required for the HEO pathway implementation in an amount not to exceed $324,000.
Charge Code:
100.1000.573000.74241.7940.3574.8010.035.0000
Contact: Ms. Stacy E. Stepney, Chief Academic Officer, Division of Curriculum & Instruction, 678.676.0731
Dr. Sean R. Tartt, Deputy Chief Academic Officer, Division of Curriculum & Instruction, 678.676.0137
Dr. Rose Prejean-Harris, Assistant Superintendent (6-12), Division of Curriculum & Instruction, 678.676.0137
Mrs. Doryiane Gunter, Director, CTAE & STEM/STEAM Programs, Division of Curriculum & Instruction, 678.676.0451
Effective: October 8, 2024 - June 30, 2025
Status: Approved by Office of Legal Affairs
18 Sept 2024
Simformotion LLC (dba Cat Simulators) is the sole distributor of Cat Simulators. There are no
other distributors of Cat Simulators. Since 2009, Simformotion has been licensed to produce
Cat branded simulators. Under the licensing agreement, Caterpillar provides machine
technical data, engineering specifications, audio recordings of machine sounds and subject-
matter experts for realism and training content. Simformotion brings superior software and
hardware development, production and 24x7 support to its customers.
Cat Simulators has the following unique capabilities that no other simulator providers offer:
• The expertise from the worldwide leader in heavy equipment in development
• Caterpillar OEM controls
• Convertible application with the chassis to be used with various applications in
the Forestry, Construction or Mining industries.
o The conversion kits available for the full simulator chassis include the
applications of Track Feller Buncher, FM Log Loader, Medium Track Type
Tractor, Advanced Dozer, Larger Track Type Tractor, Small Wheel Loader,
Large Wheel Loader, Mining Truck, Off Highway Truck, Underground Load
Haul Dump, Electric Rope Shovel, Hydraulic Excavator, Advanced
Construction Excavator, Motor Grader, Articulated Truck, Backhoe.
• SimLite family of simulators
• SimScholars Curriculum training
• Multiple monitor configurations
• Optional Virtual Reality capability for select simulators
• Motion system with 3-Degrees of Freedom
• Mobility module that allows for ease of transport
• SimU Campus
o Records reporting software that tracks the progress of the operator
o Benchmarks set by Caterpillar expert operators with ability to customize
benchmarks to fit the need of the instructor/operator
• Live, US based, support department available 24x7x365
• Commonality across multi-generations from existing to future simulators
Caterpillar is committed to helping customers get the most efficiency, production and longevity from
their machines. That begins with well-trained operators who know how to use and maintain machines
correctly. Operators trained using Cat Simulators can learn and master machine applications and
techniques faster than with traditional methods of training.
Caterpillar and Simformotion are dedicated to developing the most realistic training simulators on the
market. Cat Simulators are sold in countries around the world to train heavy equipment operators
efficiently, effectively and safely. Organizations considering the purchase of heavy equipment
simulators should consider the benefits and value of Cat Simulators.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Regards,
Nate Hurn
Government Account Manager
nhurn@catsimulators.com
309-670-2632