Writing a Request for Proposal (RFP) for a water utility SCADA system is more than just a procurement exercise—it’s a strategic opportunity to modernize your infrastructure, improve operational efficiency, and ensure long-term reliability. Whether you’re a small municipality with limited IT resources or a mid-sized utility looking to upgrade, a well-crafted RFP sets the stage for success. At Mission Communications, we’ve helped hundreds of utilities navigate this process. Here’s how to do it right.
1. Define Your Operational Goals First
Before diving into technical specs, clarify what your utility wants to achieve. Are you looking to reduce site visits? Improve leak detection? Automate pump control? These goals will shape your RFP and help vendors tailor their proposals. Mission’s managed SCADA platform, for example, is designed to support remote monitoring, real-time alerts, and automated control—all without requiring in-house IT infrastructure.
2. Specify the Scope of Assets and Sites
List the types and number of assets you want to monitor—tanks, wells, lift stations, manholes, booster pumps, etc. Include whether you need remote control capabilities, volumetric flow calculations, or rainfall monitoring. Mission’s RTUs are pre-configured for rapid deployment across diverse site types, making it easy to scale your system over time.
3. Prioritize Ease of Use and Support
Many utilities struggle with complex, proprietary systems that require constant IT support. Your RFP should ask for:
- Web-based access with no software installs
- Mobile app availability
- 24/7 technical support
- Training resources and onboarding assistance
Mission’s 123SCADA platform includes all of the above, plus weekly webinars and a responsive support team.
4. Address Cybersecurity and Compliance
SCADA systems are increasingly targeted by cyber threats. Include requirements for:
- Encrypted data transmission
- Multi-factor authentication
- Secure cloud hosting
- Audit trails and compliance reporting
Mission’s platform is built with security in mind, meeting industry standards and offering detailed reporting for regulatory compliance.
5. Request Transparent Pricing and Lifecycle Costs
Avoid hidden fees by asking vendors to detail:
- Hardware costs
- Annual service fees
- Cellular data charges
- Software licensing
- Support and training costs
Mission’s pricing model is transparent and predictable, with no surprise charges. Everything—from cellular service to alarm callouts—is included in the annual service fee.
Bonus: Include a SCADA Specification Template
To streamline responses, provide a technical specification template. Mission offers a customizable SCADA RFP template that includes:
- RTU requirements
- Alarm protocols
- Data logging intervals
- Integration options (e.g., OPC-UA)
This helps ensure apples-to-apples comparisons and reduces ambiguity for bidders.
Conclusion
A strong SCADA RFP is clear, goal-oriented, and focused on long-term value. By emphasizing ease of use, security, scalability, and support, municipalities can attract the right partners and avoid costly missteps. Mission Communications is here to help—whether you need a template, a demo, or a full proposal.
Ready to get started? Schedule a Consultation.