SUBJECT/RECOMMENDATION:
Title
Authorize a purchase order to Trihedral Inc. of Orlando, FL, for the purchase of Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system software licenses, including the initial year of SupportPlus, in a not-to-exceed amount of $199,079.75, and authorize annual technical support services in the amount of $30,467.25 per year for a nine-year term following the initial year, pursuant to RFP 07-25, and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
Body
SUMMARY:
The Public Utilities Department uses a SCADA system to monitor, control, and analyze operations across the City’s water and wastewater treatment facilities and lift stations. The current platform, Citect SCADA 2016 R2, has been in service for several years but presents limitations in scalability, integration, and long-term vendor support.
As part of the City’s SCADA Master Plan (20-0016-UT), staff evaluated modern software platforms capable of supporting the City’s growing infrastructure, while enhancing reliability, and cybersecurity and overall performance. Based on the recommendations in the Master Plan, the City issued RFP 07-25 on March 7, 2025, to solicit proposals from qualified vendors.
The City received responses from two qualified firms. A selection committee comprised of Public Utilities staff along with an engineer from McKim and Creed thoroughly evaluated the submissions based on the RFP criteria and responsiveness. Following the evaluation, the committee recommended awarding Trihedral Inc. based on their VTScada software solution.
VTScada was selected due to its built-in redundancy, integrated toolsets, enhanced cybersecurity, user-friendly interface, and cost-effective licensing structure. The software will be implemented at the following facilities:
• Lift stations
• East Water Reclamation Facility (WRF), Marshall Street WRF, Northeast WRF
• Reverse Osmosis (RO) 1, RO2, and Water Treatment Plant 3
After refining the project's scope to meet the City's specific operational needs, Trihedral's initial quote was revised from $172,810.50 to $199,079.75. This increase reflects necessary scope adjustments, not higher unit prices, and includes several cost-saving measures.
The primary change involved correcting the software licensing model. The initial proposal had incorrectly bundled lift stations under plant licenses and underestimated the license size needed for the plants. The revised scope ensures each lift station is properly licensed and that plants have larger licenses to handle required data volumes.
This proactive adjustment prevents future coverage gaps and the need for costly add-ons. To help offset the increase, Trihedral honored its original discounted pricing for critical features and removed optional services, lowering the overall cost.
The initial contract term is anticipated to begin on November 1, 2025, and continue through project completion. If the project is delayed, the City may adjust the start date, end date and associated milestones accordingly. The RFP also specified a ten-year term for annual software support. The initial year is included with the purchase of the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system software licenses, with each subsequent year priced at $30,467.25 annually.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
Funding for the current year is available in Public Utilities operating cost centers 4211348, 4211354, 4211355, 4211356, 4212056, 4212057, and 4212058 in cost code 530300 (contractual services). Future year funding will be requested as part of the annual budget process.
The Public Utilities Department is funded by revenue from the Water & Sewer Utility Enterprise Fund.
STRATEGIC PRIORITY:
Approval is requested for funding to purchase Trihedral’s VTScada software. This aligns with the Council’s Strategic Plan for High Performing Government, furthering our commitment to maintaining public infrastructure via evidence-based measurement, systematic management, and fostering innovation.
