Title
Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) System Upgrade
History
The Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system has performed all functions relative to the water system and twenty-four (24) hour monitoring of the sanitary system since 1985. With technological changes over the years, the system has evolved utilizing modern computers and software. The system was last upgraded in 2005 with the addition of new desktop computers and a software upgrade. No additional improvements have been made since. The current system, according to industry standard, is considered beyond its serviceable life.
In order to ensure the reliability and security of the SCADA system, an assessment was completed in December 2011 by the Utility Division’s SCADA consultant and integrator, B&W Control Systems, LLC of Crystal Lake, Illinois. The assessment results indicated that:
1. The computers that operate the system are failing and are in need of immediate replacement.
2. Software upgrades are needed to improve operations and minimize the vulnerability to viruses and cyber attacks.
3. Environmental improvements to protect the computer equipment from heat, dust and humidity are needed to avoid premature equipment failures.
Due to the complexity of our SCADA system and the current role B&W plays for the Village as our integrator, a proposal for equipment and software upgrades was requested from B&W Control Systems, LLC of Crystal Lake, Illinois. They were the previously selected vendor from 2005, completed the assessment in 2011 and have an overall understanding of the project with the ability to provide continued support. Upon review with the MIS Department, it was determined the computer equipment could be purchased independently at a lower cost. A revised proposal was submitted including only installation, software upgrades and ongoing support in the amount of $38,240.00.
The MIS Department, after consultation with B&W, has obtained proposals from previously awarded bids for the computer equipment. Staff received quotes for computer servers and technical support from three vendors: CDW, IBM and Elarasys Worldwide, LLC. Elarasys Worldwide of Elgin, Illinois, provided the low quote of $4,430.00. The SCADA system will require two servers; therefore, the total price will be $8,860.00.
The core of our SCADA system is located within the Main Pump Station. Its interior spaces are inherently susceptible to heat, dust and humidity that corrode and degrade computer equipment. Improvements to the existing HVAC system would first require a complete evaluation from an outside engineering firm. Projected costs for engineering and replacement were estimated by maintenance staff to exceed $50,000.00. Staff has researched numerous alternatives and has concluded that a self contained environmental rack system to be the best option. Environmental rack systems are custom designed for the customer to provide a secure, temperature controlled and dust-free environment for electronic equipment. Rackmount Solutions located in Plano, Texas, manufactures and sells custom racks and submitted a proposal for $8,423.54. A second proposal was obtained from Mainline located in Powell, Ohio, for $15,499.00. Mainline represents several Manufactures.
On September 17, 2012, this item was reviewed and approved by the Public Works and Engineering Committee and referred to the Board for approval.
Financial Impact
There are sufficient funds available within the Water and Sewer Fund to cover the total cost of this project. Funds were rolled over from FY11 for some of the project and the remainder was budgeted in FY12.
Recommended Action/Motion
I move to approve waiving the bid process and to accept the quote from B&W Control Systems, LLC of Crystal Lake, Illinois, in the amount of $38,240.00 for the SCADA system software upgrades and ongoing support;
And
Approve the purchase of replacement SCADA computer equipment from Elarasys Worldwide, LLC, of Elgin, Illinois, in the amount of $8,860.00;
And
Approve the purchase of an environmental rack system from Rackmount Solutions of Plano, Texas, in an amount not to exceed $8,423.54.