The Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command, Hawaii (NAVFAC Hawaii) is conducting market research to determine the availability of qualified sources capable of providing a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC), Input/Output (I/O) Module and programming software that meet or exceed the technical capability, cybersecurity posture, and seamless network integration performance of the Rockwell Automation Allen-Bradley ControlLogix 5580 (1756-L83E) PLC, Allen-Bradley Flex 5000 IO module (5094-), and Studio 5000 programming software suite. This market research will establish if or equal products can satisfy the mission-critical compatibility, cybersecurity standardization, and failover redundancy requirements of the existing SCADA system, or if a sole-source procurement under FAR 6.302-1 is required. The alternate product/service must meet the following requirements/specifications:
1. The existing PLCs installed throughout portions of the SCADA system are reaching mature lifecycle status. As part of the long term SCADA modernization effort, selection of a compatible new PLC platform is required. The proposed products shall be compatible with the cybersecurity and standardization requirements for the existing SCADA system. Proposed products must have regular firmware updates and security advisories. The proposed products shall be able to integrate and communicate with existing Allen-Bradley PLCs, RUGID PLCs, HSQ front end and I/O modules on the existing SCADA system without additional hardware or software added to the existing PLCs and I/O modules. The system shall also provide a fully redundant supervisory control system to maintain continuous operation during a controller failure. The system must maintain coordinated controller logic, process data, and distributed I/O status during failover. The existing legacy panels shall also be integrated directly into the new supervisory architecture over the existing EtherNet/IP network via radio and fiber optic connections.
2. Hardware: All process related functions, calculations, timers, and numeric manipulations must be accomplished in the PLC hardware and not in the HMI.
3. The PLC system must be microprocessor-based, capable of receiving binary and analog inputs and, through programming via the manufacturer's standard development software, must be able to control binary and analog output functions, perform data handling operations, and communicate with external devices. The PLCs must meet the requirements of Class A computing devices, comply with 47 CFR 15, and withstand conducted susceptibility tests as outlined in NEMA ICS 1, NEMA ICS 2, NEMA ICS 3, and IEEE C37.90.1. The PLC hardware must function properly at operating temperatures between 32 and 122 degrees F at 5 to 95 percent relative humidity non-condensing. The hardware must tolerate storage temperatures between minus 40 and plus 140 degrees F at 5 to 95 percent relative humidity non-condensing.
4. Modular PLC: The PLC must be based on a modular, field-expandable design allowing the system to be tailored to the process control application. The system must be expandable through the use of additional hardware and user software. As a minimum, the main PLC chassis must include a mounting backplane, a power supply module, a central processing unit (CPU) module, communications module, and input/output (I/O) module. The modules must be grouped together in mounting racks or cabinets. The backplanes and terminal bases must provide the communications mechanism to fully integrate the individual modules located within the rack. Modules other than I/O modules must plug directly into the backplane. Wire connectors between modules are strictly prohibited except for expansion of the system to include multiple backplanes. The rack size must be able to hold equipment necessary while performing required control functions. The system configuration must support Removal and Insertion Under Power (RIUP), allowing for the removal and/or installation of modules while the system is energized.
5. Central Processing Unit (CPU) Module: The CPU module must be a self-contained, microprocessor-based unit providing time of day, scanning, application program execution, storage of application programs, storage of numerical values related to the application process and logic, I/O bus traffic control, peripheral and external device communications, and self-diagnostics. The scan time must be 250 milliseconds or better including spare I/O channels. The controller must provide a minimum of 10 MB user memory. The controller must support a minimum of 4,000 analog I/O points and 128,000 discrete I/O points. The controller must include an embedded 1 Gigabit Ethernet communications port and support a minimum of 250 Ethernet devices. The controller must support periodic task execution intervals of 1 millisecond or less. The controller must support nonvolatile memory storage and online program modifications without interruption of controller operation. The controller must assign local time-stamps to changes within the I/O and retain time-stamped events during communication outages. The controller must natively communicate with Ethernet/IP communications and must support Modbus TCP Client and Server communications through add on instructions software configurations. The controller must support controller redundancy using redundancy modules, distributed I/O, and local event time-stamping.
6. Communications Module: The communications architecture must allow peer-to-peer communication with other PLCs, the central station, or workstations. The communication module must be capable of interfacing with ethernet connection at a minimum of 100 MB/s. The communication module must allow programming of the PLC to be done locally through a laptop computer or from the central station or remote workstation.
7. Power Supply Module: One or more power supply modules must be provided as necessary to power other modules installed in the same cabinet. Power supply modules must plug directly into the backplane. Auxiliary power supplies may be used to supply power to remote cabinets or modules.
a) Power supply modules must monitor the incoming line voltage level and must provide over current and over voltage protection. If the voltage level is detected as being out of range the power supply module must continue to provide power for an adequate amount of time to allow for a safe and orderly shutdown.
b) Modules must withstand a power loss for a minimum of 20 milliseconds while remaining in operation and providing adequate power to all connected modules.
c) Each power supply module must be provided with an on-off switch integral to the module. If the manufacturer's standard power supply module is not provided with an integral switch, a miniature toggle-type switch must be installed near the PLC and clearly labeled as to its function.
d) Power supply modules must feature indicating light that remains lit when module is operating properly.
8. Input/Output (I/O) Modules: The distributed I/O modules must be self-contained, microprocessor-based units that provide an interface to field devices. Each module must contain visual indication to display the on-off status of individual inputs or outputs. Each I/O channel must be protected against reversal of signal polarity. Analog inputs and analog outputs must feature configurable per-channel 'open circuit, short circuit, and out of range' detection.
9. Distributed IO Modules: Distributed I/O modules must be fully compatible with the PLC hardware, firmware, software, and network architecture for remote monitoring and control of field devices. Distributed I/O modules must be provided by the same manufacturer as the PLC. Distributed I/O modules must communicate with the PLC using EtherNet/IP communications and support automatic recovery following loss of communications or restoration of power. Modules must support hot-swappable replacement without disruption to operation of unaffected modules within the I/O assembly. Distributed I/O modules must provide diagnostic information for communication status, module status, and field signal status. Distributed I/O modules must be provided with 20 percent spare capacity for future I/O expansion.
10. Program Storage/Memory Requirements: The CPU must utilize the manufacturer's standard non-volatile memory for the operating system. The controller must feature electronically readable and writeable non-volatile memory (EPROM, EEPROM, or Flash PROM) for the storage of user programs. User programs must be loaded via the controller keypad, central station or laptop. The memory capacity must be properly sized and evaluated against the system's control requirements such that, when the system is completely programmed and functional, no more than 50 percent of the allocated memory is utilized.
11. Input/Output Characteristics: Each PLC system must allow for analog input, analog output, binary input, and binary output. The number and type of I/O points must comply with the sequence of control drawings, explicitly including a minimum of 20 percent spare I/O points (and no less than two spare points) for each installed point type. During normal operation, a malfunction in any isolated I/O channel must affect the operation of that specific channel only, without impacting the CPU or other active channels. All input and output circuits must utilize optical isolation (minimum of 1500 VRMS) and must be filtered to guard against high voltage transients from externally connected devices.
12. Analog Inputs: Analog input circuits must be available in 4-20 mA.
13. Binary Inputs: Binary input circuits must be available in 10-30 VDC.
14. Analog Outputs: Analog output circuits must be available in 4-20 mA.
15. Binary Outputs: Binary output circuits must be available in 10-30 VDC.
16. Pulse Inputs: Pulse inputs must be able to detect a pulse of 10 milliseconds or less.
17. Wiring Connections: Wiring connections must utilize heavy-duty, self-lifting, pressure-type screw terminals to provide easy wire insertion and secure connections. Terminals must be capable of accepting up to two #14 AWG wires. A protective hinged cover must be provided over the wiring connections, featuring a write-on area for the identification of external circuits.
18. On-Off Switch: Each controller chassis must be provided with an integral on-off power switch. If the controller/distributed node is not provided with a manufacturer's standard on-off switch, a miniature toggle-type switch must be installed in the control panel near the hardware and clearly labeled as to its function.
19. Diagnostics: Each PLC must implement diagnostic routines in firmware. The CPU must continuously perform self-diagnostic routines that will provide information on the configuration and status of the CPU, memory, communications, and I/O traffic. Diagnostic routines must be regularly performed during normal system operation. A portion of the scan time must be dedicated to performing these housekeeping functions. A more extensive diagnostic routine must execute automatically at power-up and during normal system shutdowns. The CPU must log system and I/O module faults in internal tables accessible for display. When a fault occurs on an I/O or communications module, the system must shut down only the affected hardware and continue operating utilizing healthy system components. All faults must be annunciated at the PLC and the central station. Diagnostic software must be useable in conjunction with the portable tester. The following diagnostics must be performed:
A. Analog Inputs: Sensor out of range detection, open loop detection, shorted loop detection, and analog-to-digital converter operational check;
B. Analog Outputs: Open or shorted loop;
C. Configuration: Check compatibility and availability of selected I/O hardware and software;
D. Memory: Checksum validation, parity checks, and end-to-end CPU memory verification.
20. Accuracy: Provide controllers with an accuracy of plus or minus 0.25 percent.
21. Primary/Secondary PLC: The Primary/Secondary PLCs must have redundancy built into the process control system by having two systems (power supply and CPU) either of which is capable of controlling the system. Redundant CPUs must be interconnected through dedicated redundancy modules and redundant fiber-optic communication links. Redundancy modules must continuously synchronize controller memory, program execution, and operating data between the primary and secondary controllers. Switchover between controllers must occur automatically upon detection of a controller fault without requiring operator intervention. Data must be transferred from the primary processor to the secondary processor each logic cycle. The Primary must perform the execution of the outputs unless a fault is detected in which case execution of the outputs is performed by the Secondary. Switchover must be automatic and indication of the switchover must be displayed on the Central Operator Workstation.
22. The Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM)-native engineering and configuration software environment for the programming and configuration of the proposed Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) and distributed Input/Output (I/O) platforms shall be provided. This software must serve as the singular, integrated engineering tool designed specifically for the proposed control architecture. To maintain hardware compatibility, ensure secure network integration, and provide reliable long-term lifecycle support for the supervisory control system, third-party bridging tools are prohibited. A single software package must natively handle controller logic, network configuration, and distributed I/O hardware setup. Furthermore, the software suite must natively configure, manage, and monitor standard industrial Ethernet communication protocols and high-availability controller redundancy schemes. Finally, the environment must provide centralized tools for auditing and updating the firmware of the CPU, communication modules, and distributed I/O nodes.
This notification is for market research purposes only and should not be construed as a commitment of any kind by the U.S. Government to issue a solicitation, request for proposals, quotes, or invitation of bids or award a contract.
Interested parties with a comparable product meeting the requirements described in this announcement are invited to submit complete technical data, information and specifications in order for the Government to conduct an evaluation of your product to ensure compatibility with the existing system. Technical response shall be typed, at least 11 point Times New Roman or larger, single-sided 8.5 by 11 inch pages and submitted in Adobe PDF format. Also, provide company information and point of contract (name, title, email, phone, mailing address).
The Government will not reimburse any responder for any costs associated with information submitted in response to this sources sought announcement. Any information provided to the Government in response to this request for information (RFI) will become U.S. Government property and will not be returned. All proprietary or classified information will be treated appropriately. The Government reserves the right to disregard any submittal that is incomplete or vague. Please do not submit your company brochure. Interested parties shall submit information and specifications to Ku'ulei Kamikawa, Contracting Specialist via email at kuulei.m.kamikawa.civ@us.navy.mil. Interested parties responding to this announcement by September 11, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. Hawaii Standard Time will be considered.
