BPUB INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND OPERATIONAL TECHNOLOGY COLLABORATION STRATEGY

Brownsville Public Utilities Board (BPUB) seeks qualified consulting firms to develop a comprehensive IT and OT collaboration strategy. The utility operates combined electric, water, and wastewater systems serving the city and surrounding areas, with approximately 600 employees. Historically, IT and OT networks have operated independently, but recent user requests have prompted the need for improved data sharing between these networks to support operational analysis and efficiency.

The consultant shall conduct a thorough assessment and discovery phase, reviewing existing IT and OT network architectures, cloud infrastructure, data center resources, cybersecurity practices, and current policies and procedures. This shall be followed by requirements gathering through meetings with BPUB departments and IT/OT teams to understand data collaboration needs. A comprehensive risk analysis must identify potential security vulnerabilities and develop mitigation recommendations.

The consultant will develop a strategic IT/OT collaboration framework including recommended cybersecurity practice changes, configuration and equipment updates to maintain industry standards, policy and procedure updates for compliance with NERC, DHS, and cybersecurity insurance requirements, and updated roles and responsibilities for both departments. Deliverables shall include a strategic IT/OT collaboration plan, network architecture diagrams, cybersecurity analysis report, NERC CIP compliance alignment matrix, implementation roadmap with prioritized recommendations, cost estimates for capital and O&M expenses, and executive summary with stakeholder presentation.

Key dates include the last day to submit questions: November 18, 2025 by 5:00 PM; proposals due December 3, 2025 at 5:00 PM; proposal acknowledgment December 4, 2025 at 10:00 AM; evaluation period December 5-19, 2025; and tentative Board approval January 12, 2026. The consultant will not perform actual implementation, only planning. BPUB will provide access to relevant documentation, personnel, and reasonable access to test environments as needed.