ITHACA AREA WASTEWATER TREATMENT
FACILITY
On-Call SCADA Service Contract
Request for Proposals
Posting Date: 05/11/26
Submission Deadline: 06/11/26
Ithaca Area Wastewater Treatment Facility
525 Third Street
Ithaca, NY 14850
The City of Ithaca is requesting proposals from qualified firms or individuals to establish an
on-call contractual relationship with a qualified SCADA and I&C service provider to support
ongoing maintenance and modernization of existing systems.
This document outlines the scope of work for an On Call SCADA Service Contractor.
Electronic proposals will be accepted until 06/11/26, at 5:00 PM. Proposals shall be
submitted by email* to:
bzarzynski@cityofithaca.org
*An email reply will be sent confirming the City’s receipt of the proposal. Please contact the City if you do not receive
a confirmation email within two business days.
Summary
This solicitation seeks a Contractor capable of supporting both legacy and new control infrastructure while
maintaining system integrity, operational reliability, and cybersecurity compliance. The City’s goal is to
establish an on-call contractual relationship with a qualified SCADA and I&C service provider to support:
Integration of new process equipment and control infrastructure
Ongoing maintenance, on-call troubleshooting, and modernization of existing SCADA and
I&C systems; and
Implementation of cybersecurity measures consistent with CIRSA, CISA, and ISA/IEC 62443
guidance to enhance reliability, resiliency, and system integrity. All work shall also comply
with DEC 6 NYCRR Part 750 Wastewater Cybersecurity Regulations.
The selected Contractor shall provide professional, responsive, and technically proficient support services
to ensure seamless coordination between newly implemented systems and existing operational
infrastructure.
Background
1.0 Existing Systems
The Ithaca Area Wastewater Treatment Facility currently operates control and automation systems of varying
age and vendor platforms, including:
Johnson Controls instrumentation and process control equipment
Building Automation System (BAS) operating on the Metasys platform
Limited documentation of SCADA, PLCs, field devices, and network infrastructure
o Typical devices include but are not limited to pumps, motors, blowers, probes, meters, VFDs,
etc.
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The Contractor shall perform field verification, system inventory, and coordination with City staff to document
existing conditions prior to performing work.
1.1 Scope of Work and Deliverables
Capital improvements introduce new process control components, including Programmable Logic
Controllers (PLCs), network architecture, and Human-Machine Interface (HMI) systems, all of which require
integration and coordination within the City’s existing Control System environment. These improvements
also provide an opportunity to implement enhanced cybersecurity controls and standardized system
architecture across both legacy and newly constructed systems.
Proposers shall clearly describe their experience, technical capabilities, service approach, and resources to
perform the Scope of Services outlined below. The selected Contractor shall provide professional SCADA
and I&C support services on an as-needed basis. Services may include, but are not limited to, the following
areas of work:
1.1.1. On-Call Emergency Support
The Contractor shall provide 24/7 on-call response and emergency support for SCADA and I&C system
issues. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Providing 24/7 availability for emergency response and troubleshooting of SCADA and I&C
system failures. Contractor shall provide emergency response within 2-3 hours of
notification.
Performing rapid remote and on-site diagnostics, repair, and recovery for software,
programmable logic controller (PLC), and network communication failures.
Establishing and maintaining defined response time targets and escalation procedures
appropriate to the severity of each incident.
Implementing and following communication protocols for incident reporting, status updates,
and coordination with City personnel.
Including in the proposal a brief example or summary of the Proposer’s procedures for incident reporting,
escalation, and client communications
1.1.2. Cybersecurity for ICS Networks and Facilities
The Contractor shall support the City in strengthening the cybersecurity posture of its industrial control
system (ICS) environment and associated infrastructure. Services may include, but are not limited to:
Performing annual or periodic cybersecurity assessments of the City’s ICS networks, remote
telemetry units (RTUs), and process control systems.
Identifying, documenting, and recommending mitigations for system vulnerabilities in
alignment with CIRSA, CISA, and other applicable industry guidance (e.g., ISA/IEC 62443).
Providing clear deliverables and documentation, including assessment reports, prioritized
recommendations, and implementation support for approved improvements; and
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Assisting the City in secure architecture planning, system hardening, and configuration of
existing and new control system components.
Proposers shall include a summary of their experience performing ICS cybersecurity assessments and
system improvements, particularly for municipal or utility environments.
1.1.3. SCADA and I&C Support and Modernization
The Contractor shall provide ongoing support and modernization services for the City’s SCADA and I&C
systems. Services may include, but are not limited to:
Provide HMI programming and configuration to ensure consistent, intuitive, and user-
friendly operator interfaces across all facilities.
Boundary flow monitoring and remote communications
Performing PLC programming, troubleshooting, and data management to support reliable
and efficient control operations.
Assisting with the integration and consolidation of remote sites, field devices, and operator
interfaces from multiple vendor platforms into a unified, City-managed system.
Supporting the development or hosting of a secure in-house remote operator data portal,
designed for safe and efficient remote access to authorized users.
Recommending best-practice service models, staffing approaches, and technology
strategies to enhance long-term system reliability, maintainability, and standardization.
Proposers shall describe their experience supporting and modernizing SCADA and I&C systems for
municipal or utility clients, including examples of prior system integration or modernization projects.
1.1.4. Compliance with Standards
The Contractor shall perform all work in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations,
and in conformance with recognized industry standards governing SCADA, instrumentation, control
systems, and cybersecurity for municipal wastewater operations.
All services, equipment, and deliverables shall meet or exceed current professional and technical
standards, including those established by ISA/IEC 62443, NIST SP 800-82, and CIRSA/CISA cybersecurity
guidance, as applicable. The Contractor shall remain responsible for ensuring compliance with all
manufacturer specifications and accepted engineering practices throughout the term of the Contract.
1.1.5 Future Project List
List of potential future projects the owner and awarded contractor shall discuss and plan for
implementation.
Cybersecurity assessment
New dialer system with specific alarm list and texting capabilities
Critical asset list and associated problems
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SCADA system improvements. Trend development abilities and new screens.
Metasys alternative evaluation and HVAC integration into alarms and dialers.
More comprehensive control over systems, no local passwords. Remote access via high
security link.
Integrated camera system with remote access capabilities
1.2 Special Conditions/Provisions:
1.2.1. Non-Mandatory Pre-Proposal Meeting and Site Visit: A non-mandatory pre-proposal meeting
and site visit will be held to provide prospective Proposers with an opportunity to gain a clear
understanding of the project requirements, existing conditions, and the Scope of Work.
Attendance is strongly encouraged, as the Ithaca Area Wastewater Treatment Facility includes
multiple process areas and remote system components relevant to this solicitation.
Meeting Details: IAWWTF – 525 Third Street, Ithaca, NY 14850
Date: 05/28/26 at 10am
Attendance is not required to submit a proposal.
Statements made during the meeting or site visit shall not modify the solicitation.
RFP Submission Requirements
The City of Ithaca (“City”) encourages prospective partners to submit the following documents
electronically to Brodey Zarzynski.
Submissions will only be accepted via email using the following address and subject line:
Email: bzarzynski@cityofithaca.org
Subject Line: RFP Response, IAWWTF On Call SCADA Service Contract
Responses submitted to this Request for Proposal (RFP) will become property of the City of Ithaca at the
time of submission. Any confidential information, such as a company’s financial status, if required by the
specifications, shall be submitted separately and marked “Confidential.” All responses may be released
pursuant to the Freedom of Information Law. This RFP is subject to the City of Ithaca Purchasing Policy
and Procedure Manual and all applicable local, state, and federal law. All proposals must be submitted by
06/11/26. The City of Ithaca may extend the advertising period of this RFP in its sole discretion.
Each proposal will be evaluated based on the following documents and requirements. Submissions must
include all of the following, including a cover letter, to be deemed complete. Notwithstanding the weight
indicators below, the City reserves sole award discretion.
1. Cover Letter
Provide a cover letter summarizing the applicant’s qualifications, operational experience, and proposed
approach to the execution of this project.
2. Qualification & Capabilities
Describe the qualifications and capabilities of the firm, team, and/or individual(s) as they relate to the
requested project work. If any aspect of the project is to be outsourced, this must be noted in the proposal
and include the outsourced firm’s identifications and qualifications.
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This is the opportunity summary page. It provides an overview of this opportunity and a preview of the attached documentation.