SOW Barrier PLC replacement Questions and Answers.pdf

Gate Barrier PLC Replacement Questions & Answers Document for 27th SOCES

1.

Q - . It appears the SoW is to replace 5 Modicon M238 controllers with Allen Bradley MicroLogix 1400s or equal PLCs. Were you aware that there is an upgrade path for the M238s to M241s that would not require a program re-write, just a conversion via software? If your staff already understands CODESYS programming, there won't be a need to retrain with this upgrade path.

Are you open to this approach? Do you have back-ups of the current programs? Are all 5 programs identical?

A - I am not aware. However, the intent is to be compatible with the existing servo-controllers. Furthermore, we would not be programming these, this will need to be done by the contractor.

The reason behind converting to the Allen Bradley M238 is to ensure future upwards software compatibility. This has already been done once, thus the identification of what to install as it appears to be upwards compatible with minimal code changes, which is where we want to be.

I do not want this to become a science experiment and risk a compatibility issue with the servo motor controllers or other peripherals. As such, I politely decline the proposal to upgrade beyond the request on the statement of work.

2.

Q – Could you provide specifications for the existing wedge barrier system? Are there any traffic lights integrated with the system, and if so, could you share the associated electrical specifications?

A - These were originally hydraulic Delta Scientific TT-205 wedge barriers that were retrofit to a Smith and Wesson designed electronic actuator system. The PLC’s are obsolete and while we are still able to obtain new/old stock PLC’s, this is not sustainable. /// The only traffic signals that are integrated with this are the flashing yellow/red lights to warn of barrier activation. Normal configuration is flashing yellow. On activation this turns to solid red.

3.

Q - The SOW references an M258 MOOG Controller. I do not believe MOOG made or makes an M258 Controller. I assume since a Modicon is referenced as well that this will be replacing a legacy Schneider Electric M258 Controller? Please confirm. /// Are the existing drawings of the control panel available? If so will those be provided prior to the solicitation due date? And what format will those be provided? /// Are the existing programs available?

If so will those be provided prior to the solicitation due date? And do they need to be downloaded from the existing controllers? /// What days/times will the control panels be available to be worked on (i.e. does this need to be done during off hours or can it be done during normal business hours).

A – M-258 is the PLC. Moog is the servo-controller brand that the PLC must interface with. They will be replacing legacy Schneider Electric M258 PLC. /// Manufacturers drawings are available and will be provided. /// Programs beyond what is in the PLC’s right now is not available, these will have to be pulled off of the PLC’s or obtained through Global Grab (Previously Smith & Wesson). /// Work will have to be confirmed with SOSFS but should be available during normal duty hours. Testing must occur at discretion of SFS and may be required to be done after normal duty hours.

4.

Q – The PWS specifies “MicroLogix 1400 or equal” That family is in a mature/retirement stage, which can create supply chain and grey market risk. To protect availability and lifecycle, would the government consider revising to “Commercially supported PLC with published availability/support through at least 2035 (or ≥10 years from award), IEC-61131-3 Ladder/ST, ≥16 DI and ≥16 DO, functionally equivalent to existing logic (e.g., AB CompactLogix 5380 or Micro800 series, Siemens S7-1200/1500, Schneider M241/M251, Omron NX/NJ), or equal.” This keeps the spec performance-based while illustrating market options and aligns with the SOW’s forward-compatibility intent and promoted best value. /// Is an HMI required for command/monitoring? If not, how are command issued (Guard Shack push buttons, HOA), and how are faults/alarms presented and acknowledged by 27 SOCES personnel? Also, please confirm expectations for testing (FAT/SAT scope and acceptance criteria). /// Are the five PLC’s networked to a single operator point or fully standalone per lane? If networked, please confirm the intended protocol and any constraints (e.g., isolated switch vs. connection to a base network). /// May the contractor assume 24 VDC is available in each control cabinet? If not, should we include new 24 VDC power supplies (with 120 VAC input) in scope? /// Please confirm whether the scope is PLC replacement only, or if it also includes relays, pilot/stack lights, E-stops, switches, breakers, power supplies, and control enclosures. /// Would you require any integration to a supervisory SCADA/safety/law enforcement system, or do the gates operate standalone? /// The SOW calls for updated one-lines and schematics (do you require both PDF and native CAD/DWG)? Will the government require delivery of the controller source code and comments/tag database as part of the final turnover package?

/// What is the expected period of performance for the expected contract? ( recommended is 120 days of award) /// What are the evaluation criteria for this solicitation.

A - MicroLogix 1400 was listed as the ideal platform as it has forward compatibility. There is proof of concept that this PLC has been successfully integrated into similar barrier systems, so this is a proven platform. As this is a system that has high visibility, I am risk averse to venturing outside the manufacturer’s approved upgrades. /// -HMI exists already, consisting of numerous Emergency Fast Operate (EFO) buttons, single lane raise/lower buttons and reset from EFO. This also has lane indicator lights showing position of the barrier. This does not, nor should not be updated as I do not want to venture outside of manufacturer’s approved upgrades. ///

-These systems are networked per controller series (i.e. inbound has 3 barrier networked together while outbound has 2 barriers networked together). /// -25 VDC is available in the cabinets as well as battery backup systems. /// -Scope is PLC replacement and programming for operation as per manufacturer’s design. All peripherals must operate as the currently do (2or 3 Moog servo-controllers in each cabinet controlling Moog actuators, yellow flashing and solid red warning lights at each lane, barrier position sensor in each barrier, position indicators at the HMI, position lights at the HMI, raise and lower buttons at the HMI, EFO’s at each guard station and at the control panel, reset at the control panel, and traffic detectors at each lane. /// -The gates are stand-alone per section (3 inbound lanes and 2 outbound lanes). The HMI is in the guardhouse. ///

-This should be primarily PLC only. If there are additional modules needed, this would be included.