Operational Technology (OT) and Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) Security Software & Services

NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION 2025-01

Operational Technology (OT) and Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) Security Software & Services

April 28, 2025

Overview

The purpose of Request for Information 2025-01 is for the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) and NYS Office of Information Technology (OITS) to seek information about marketplace availability from qualified vendors who can provide readily available software solutions to monitor and detect the use of and security of NYSDOT’s operational technology (OT) systems and intelligent transportation systems (ITS). Operations of NYSDOT’s OT and ITS field systems are managed and monitored at strategic locations throughout the state. NYSDOT’s Office of Traffic Safety and Mobility leads these efforts.

The information resulting from this RFI may be used to appropriately procure software and services from a qualified vendor (or multiple qualified vendors). This is NOT a Request for Proposal. A contract will NOT be awarded based on submissions. NYSDOT and OITS will not be liable for any costs incurred by any respondent pertaining to the preparation and submittal of any written responses or for participation in a demonstration in response to this RFI. All materials submitted by a respondent shall become the property of NYSDOT. All materials submitted by respondents are considered agency records pursuant to New York State’s “Freedom of Information Law” (FOIL) (See, Public Officers Law, Article 6).

Background

The New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) continues to mainstream transportation systems management and operations throughout the agency as documented in NYSDOT TSMO Strategic Plan. To progress this initiative and to gain further understanding and information, on August 16, 2023 NYSDOT released Request for Information (RFI #2023-01) entitled ‘Transportation Systems Management & Operations (TSMO) Control Systems Software Suite and Services’ to which eighteen RFI responses were received and considered. Subsequently, in January of 2025, NYSDOT released an RFP seeking a vendor to assist with modernizing the software and firmware used for Transportation Systems Management and Operations (TSMO) throughout the State. This RFP and its attachments can be found at:

https://www.dot.ny.gov/doing-business/opportunities/consult-opportunities. In addition, NYSDOT has been steadily preparing and advancing an internal Technology Plan as well as updating its statewide ITS architecture to assist with upgrading and modernizing various platforms used to safely and effectively manage traffic across the state. Via a ‘Planning Forward’ initiative, NYSDOT has also released a ‘NYSDOT Strategic Plan 2023-2028’ which provides high-level guidance and direction.

NYSDOT and OITS are presently evaluating currently available and emerging marketplace software solutions for OT (operational technology) and ITS (intelligent transportation systems) security. The objective is to learn more about how to achieve comprehensive asset management, network visibility, threat detection, and regulatory compliance via a potential future vendor procurement.

NYSDOT uses and operates operational technology and intelligent transportation systems to manage vehicular traffic flow across state highways. OT and ITS systems assist NYSDOT’s Transportation Management Centers (TMCs) to perform vital roles in managing congestion and incidents across the state. While the high-level functions of all the TMCs in New York State are similar, there is a range of conditions to which they respond. As a result, the services the TMCs offer or the activities that are prioritized vary from NYSDOT Region to Region. The 10 NYSDOT TMCs vary in size, road network, and associated field networks and hardware. All the equipment is currently connected to existing and independent Advanced Traffic Management Systems (ATMS) systems. These ATMS systems provide command and control of the field devices to the level allowed by the hardware. There are a few versions/types of ATMS in use today across the Regions that control cameras, dynamic message signs, and other ITS equipment. Capabilities and use of ATMS varies by Region. Existing ATMS combine multiple sources of data and camera images to allow TMC operators to implement strategies to assist roadway travelers. NYSDOT is the process of upgrading its ATMS systems statewide.

In addition, NYSDOT is responsible for maintaining approximately 6,300 three-color traffic signals statewide. NYSDOT’s Regional offices are primarily responsible for the day-to-day management and operations of the traffic signals within their jurisdiction. This includes timing implementations, operations, and maintenance. Regional staff prepare and review signal designs, inspect traffic signal construction, oversee preventative maintenance, and oversee signal ‘turn-ons.’ The Regional staff are also responsible for receiving, managing, and addressing customer complaints. NYSDOT also has a Main Office Traffic Signals Lab which plays a coordinating role across the State supporting product testing, standards, and approved/qualified product lists.

Each traffic signal contains software control systems for signal operations. Some sites incorporate modern technology such as adaptive signal control (ASC), transit signal priority (TSP), and non-intrusive detection (NID). These technologies are employed across the State and their increased use is driving new processes for managing traffic.

NYSDOT is also in the process of upgrading its traffic signal control systems statewide. NYSDOT’s signal operations and maintenance has historically been separate from TMC operations and infrastructure with separate systems used to manage traffic signals. These systems allow managing and editing of signal timing databases. All NYSDOT signals operate on a common operating platform for both hardware and software. NYSDOT uses 330 cabinets and 2070 controllers. Today, these systems are managed on an ad hoc basis from an enterprise network standpoint. To improve communications and control, NYSDOT is in the process of installing modems at its traffic signals across the state. The modems are connected to a central server via a network managed by OITS. NYSDOT’s ongoing procurement seeks to upgrade and modernize all of the above.

OT & ITS Security Software Functional and Technical Requirements

NYSDOT and OITS are seeking information to better understand OT and ITS cyber security software currently available in the marketplace. To communicate what your firm can offer in this regard, please complete and submit RFI 2025-01 Functional and Technical Requirements Checklist as part of your RFI response. These requirements aim to enhance the security and efficiency of NYSDOT's OT and ITS environments, ensuring robust protection against cyber threats and compliance with regulatory standards.

Respondents are also being asked to provide additional concise, brief narratives, explanations and/or available product information to further describe or explain how your firm can provide the desired functions and technical requirements. Discuss trends, issues and/or topics that may influence your offerings now or in the future. Describe the service features offered by your firm to support and maintain your products. Provide your firm’s implementation approach, onboarding, and user training methodologies. Provide information regarding any offered warranties and assurances. What other support services and agreements have been provided to other similar clients? Can your RFI response include other support services and agreements provided to other similar clients? Can your RFI response include descriptions of any applicable proof of concepts (POCs) and are you able to remotely demonstrate POCs to NYSDOT as part of a follow-up to receipt of your RFI response? NYSDOT prefers to receive concisely prepared narratives addressing these issues within a ten (10) page limit (not including an up to two (2) page cover letter).

Instructions and Inquiries

Please submit your organization’s RFI2025-01 response, checklist and questions to Patty Kappeller of NYSDOT Office of Contract Management at Patricia.Kappeller@dot.ny.gov.  Please be advised that in order to be considered, responses must be submitted on or prior to the submission date. Late submissions may or may not be considered.

Please present your completed RFI 2025-01 functional and technical requirements checklist by submitting the attached excel document entitled: ‘RFI2025-01_TechRequirement Checklist’.

Please present your RFI2025-01 questions by completing and submitting the attached excel document entitled: ‘RFI2025-01_Question Template’.

Please submit any general inquiries regarding RFI 2025-01 to Patty Kappeller at the above email address. Please do not submit questions by telephone or by any other means.

Issuance and Intent

Responses to RFI 2025-01should not anticipate the award of a contract; this is an information-gathering process only. A response does not bind or obligate the responder or NYSDOT to any agreement regarding provision or procurement services referenced. By responding to RFI 2025-01, you understand that you are committing to responding to a written request from NYSDOT to prepare and present a remote demonstration of your offerings/ NYSDOT reserves the right to select some, all or none of the RFI responders to demonstrate their offerings. By submitting a response to this RFI, you are also agreeing to prepare a response to any written clarification questions NYSDOT may send you.

Costs Associated with Preparation of Responses

NYSDOT and OITS shall not be liable for the costs incurred by a vendor in preparing or submitting a response to RFI 2025-01.

Timeline

NYSDOT reserves the right to adjust key events and dates.

Submission Requirements

Do not submit bids or proposals in response to RFI2025-01. NO AWARD WILL BE MADE. RFI Submission requirements and any supplemental information will be posted at: https://www.dot.ny.gov/doing-business/opportunities/consult-ads. Respondents shall submit an electronic copy of their RFI Response on the RFI Response Form in Microsoft Word format to the Designated Contacts above per the above schedule. Responses to this RFI should be limited to qualified vendors with proven expertise providing the services for systems of similar size and requirements when compared to this RFI. This RFI is for planning purposes only and is not a request for competitive bids or a competitive request for proposals. Any responses received in reference to this RFI will be treated as information only. Interested firms are encouraged to submit a response to this RFI Response characterizing their interest and background, and practical knowledge gained from relevant experience. NYSDOT may subsequently invite respondents to participate in further discussions.

Since this RFI is designed as a tool to collect information and shall not result in a procurement contract, it does not fall under the requirements of State Finance Law §§139-j and 139-k (the Procurement Lobbying Law) and there is no restricted period.