NIHS RFP – Hydraulic Modeling
March 31, 2009
The National Institute for Hometown Security
Request for Proposal
Studying Distribution System Hydraulics and Flow Dynamics to
Improve Water Utility Operational Decision Making
Kentucky Critical Infrastructure Protection Program
Solicitation Based on Department of Homeland Security Capability Gap Statement
2008-004-Water: “Hydraulic Modeling”
April 2009
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NIHS RFP – Hydraulic Modeling
March 31, 2009
Table of Contents
1.0
Introduction ..................................................................................................................... 1
2.0
Objective........................................................................................................................... 1
3.0
Capability Gap..................................................................................................................2
3.1
Threat Identification .......................................................................................................2
3.2
Gap Statement....................................................................................................... 2
3.3
Research Framework ........................................................................................... 2
3.4
Development Considerations .............................................................................. 3
4.0
Possible Approach .........................................................................................................3
4.1
Baseline Recommendations for Implementation ............................................. 4
5.0
Goal and Desired Outcomes ........................................................................................4
5.1
Deliverables............................................................................................................ 5
6.0
Evaluation Criteria ..........................................................................................................5
7.0
Proposal Submission.....................................................................................................6
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1.0 Introduction
The National Institute for Hometown Security (NIHS or the Institute) was formed in 2004 to
assist the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate
(S&T) in creating and delivering new and innovative technologies to address the nation’s
community-based critical infrastructure challenges. NIHS is tasked by DHS S&T to manage the
Kentucky Critical Infrastructure Protection (KCI) program which focuses on research,
development, and transition-to-use of technologies designed for community, state, and regional
applications.
Technologies developed under this program are defined by a user-driven needs and requirements
process. A “need” is a mission-oriented capability gap within an operational context (e.g., a new
threat environment is at risk for exposure to chemical agents; the emergency response
community will therefore need solutions to detect and define the chemicals to both prevent
unnecessary exposure and, should exposure occur, to ensure the most appropriate remedial action
is taken in a timely manner). “Requirements” are the functional specifications associated with a
technology solution (e.g., “the chemical detector will have a false-positive rate of less than 5%, a
range of 100 meters, include both visual and audio alarms, and be able to detect blood, blister,
choking, and nerve agents”). To enable the development and eventual deployment of critical
infrastructure protection (CIP) technology solutions, NIHS has worked with DHS to identify and
define the actionable requirements presented in this solicitation based upon user needs.
Needs identification is a function of the annual KCI project proposal and awards process. S&T
and NIHS receive a vetted list of sector-specific prioritized needs from DHS Office of
Infrastructure Protection (IP) and then distill them into highly specific requirements used for KCI
request for proposals (RFPs). When this task is complete, NIHS prepares the RFPs and solicits,
awards, and manages the contracts that fill the identified gaps. RFPs are disseminated to the
Kentucky Homeland Security University Consortium, and participation by other universities and
private industry stakeholders is encouraged where appropriate.
This solicitation is in response to capability gap statement “2008-004-Water: Hydraulic
Modeling,” identified by DHS IP as a critical need for the Water Sector.
2.0 Objective
Despite advances in the modeling of water quality in water distribution systems and in the more
sophisticated area of sensor placement, many questions remain about the flow dynamics and
system hydraulics of water distribution systems. The objective of this project is to enhance
understanding of flow dynamics and system hydraulics in community water systems in order to
improve water utility operational decision making from event detection to system recovery.
Since water chemistry depends on flow, this work can also be useful to people doing real-time
water quality monitoring and to enhance research activities being directed at event detection
systems and real-time modeling.
3.0 Capability Gap
3.1 Threat Identification
Water quality changes can arise because of a malevolent threat or as a result of operational and
hydraulic changes that impact water quality parameters. Proper interpretation of distribution
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system water quality data and the ability to respond effectively to unanticipated changes in water
quality parameters depends on an understanding and consideration of flow dynamics occurring
within the system. It is important to detect events as early as possible and understand how flow
dynamics can affect water quality causing an impact on the operation of distribution system
monitoring systems.
3.2 Gap Statement
The Water Sector Research and Development Working Group has stated that water utilities
would benefit from a clearer and more consistent understanding of their system flow dynamics.
Understanding flow dynamics is important to interpreting water quality measurements and to
inform basic operational decision making of the water utility.
Water quality changes may be predictably associated with normal operational flow patterns
within the distribution system or changes in flows from the operation of pumps, hydrants, or as a
result of main breaks. It is hypothesized that these kinds of hydraulic and operational data are
foundational to development of real-time water quality models.
An understanding of the sensitivity of water quality to variations in system flow dynamics is
needed. Hydraulic and operational variations (pump cycling, flow direction changes, etc.) seem
to be associated with a significant water quality changes. A simple modeling tool is needed to
help utilities understand basic system hydraulics during normal operational flow conditions and
also during abnormal flow patterns resulting from unanticipated events. This can aid in
interpreting reliably if a change of state has occurred within the distribution system outside of
normal system flow dynamics that would indicate further sampling should be undertaken.
3.3 Research Framework
Recent studies by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) (Allgeier, 2008) have shown that
variability in flow affect water quality detection and instrument performance. Many questions
remain about the flow dynamics as precursors to water quality changes their effect on
performance of contamination warning systems. Currently, in-line monitoring is performed for
water quality parameters such as pH, turbidity, conductivity, oxidation reduction potential, free
chlorine residual, temperature, and total organic carbon. While the instruments being used can
provide reliable data, the interpretation of this data is troublesome. Variations in the values for
these parameters can be associated with a real-time contamination events or flow dynamics.
Flow modeling is needed to reduce the uncertainty in monitoring systems. A better
understanding of distribution system flow dynamics is necessary in order to identify typical and
potential change of state sites or segments of the transmission system. This information will be
valuable in aiding emergency response and critical when determining best locations for
installation of water quality instrumentation.
EPA’s National Homeland Security Research Center has sponsored the development of tools,
such as the CANARY software, that include several event detection algorithms. It is
hypothesized that the CANARY software could be improved by incorporating additional event
detection system tools, such as flow modeling capabilities that capture and interpret operational
and hydraulic changes that naturally affect the water quality parameters. The successful
proposer should keep in mind that the results of the proposed modeling activity might be useful
to future prototypes of CANARY and other similar tools.
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3.4 Development Considerations
There is a need for better understanding of flow dynamics and system hydraulics occurring
within distribution systems of varying sizes throughout the water industry. Recently, a NIHS
sponsored workshop concluded that improved flow modeling coupled with real-time sensor data
could significantly aid in developing contamination warning systems. Since this supports the
conclusion that flow modeling is highly important, the following considerations apply to the
development of the flow model or study resulting in a better understanding for the water
industry.
The following development considerations should be taken into account by the project team:
 What is the state of understanding of distribution system flow dynamics in the drinking
water industry

The project should outline how understanding flow dynamics can improve response to
water quality events.

The project should help utilities determine where flow sensors should be placed in order
to best understand their system’s flow dynamics

The project should not focus on the development of standards.

The decision-making timeline will be a key part of the tool’s value, as information must
be obtained quickly for utilities to be able to respond appropriately.

The project should focus on the most benefit for the greatest number of utilities.

The project should provide a flow dynamics decision support tool useable by the majority
of water utilities.

The decision support tool should be capable of supporting the next generation of
contamination warning systems and consequence management tools.
4.0 Possible Approach

Develop a methodology and approach to understand how existing flow dynamics models
can be used with the addition of flow and pressure monitors to improve understanding of
network flow dynamics, their relationships to system operational changes and user
demands, and thus to water quality dynamics throughout the system. The methodology
should allow an understanding of flow dynamics in real-time or near real-time.

Propose a methodology for selecting water distribution systems (small, medium, large)
that best represent the composition of the water industry.

Determine the type of models needed for each candidate water system.

Propose modifications to the models or develop new ones.

Propose sensor placement for flow and pressure monitors.

Test and validate models where appropriate.

Develop a toolkit with processes designed to assist utility operators in understanding flow
dynamics and decision making processes.
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
Develop a path forward to deploy this model to reduce false-positives. This will be dealt
with at the next level of research.
4.1 Baseline Recommendations for Implementation
To facilitate the research project, the following tasks are provided as a baseline for
implementation:

Step 1: Conduct research on utilities of various sizes. Determine the following:
o Percentage of utilities (by size) that use modeling and analysis to understand flow
dynamics
o Percentage of utilities (by size) that use some type of SCADA or telemetry
system.
o The type, sophistication, and extend of the SCADA system.

Step 2: Indentify gaps in currently available flow dynamic models.

Step 3: Develop improved flow dynamic model or sensor data interface/template for
existing models.

Step 4: Determine the extent to which water quality predictions using real time flow and
pressure sensor data can be improved by augmentation with flow dynamics information
obtained from a water distribution flow dynamics/water quality model.

Step 5: Prepare a toolkit of approaches to assist small, medium, and large utilities in:
o Selecting appropriate SCADA capabilities based on utility size and financial
resources
o Placing flow and pressure sensors
o Integrating real time sensor data with a flow dynamic model
o Predicting water quality impacts associated with system operational changes

Step 6: Test and evaluate toolkit and improved dynamic model or data
interface/template at different utilities. Field demonstrations will be required for small,
medium, and large utilities

Step 7: Develop and submit a summary report.
5.0 Goal and Desired Outcomes
The goal of this project is to improve understanding of water distribution system, flow dynamics
and hydraulic systems, thereby improving decision-making processes. This can be accomplished
by helping water utility personnel understand how to interpret real-time data from deployed
systems.
5.1 Deliverables
The proposal should include the following deliverables with dates suggested by the proposer:

Work plan for overall project (due within 1 month of project initiation);

Report on use of SCADA/hydraulic modeling by water utilities;
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
Report on gaps in existing models;

Workplan for flow dynamic model or sensor data template/interface;

Toolkit templates for small, medium, and large water utilities, especially those in rural
communities;

Development and testing of toolkit and dynamic model/sensor data template/interface;

Evaluation of model performance;

Final toolkit; and

Final report.
6.0 Evaluation Criteria

Technical Merit: Projects will be reviewed by subject matter experts from DHS, SectorSpecific Agencies, and the Water Sector R&D working group under the National
Infrastructure Protection Plan partnership framework. They will evaluate the proposed
research for uniqueness, its ability to improve mission sustainability, its potential for
achieving national acceptance, and its relationship to existing technology and other
similar research efforts currently underway.

Technical Feasibility: The review panel will provide an assessment of the overall
feasibility of the project within the time and budget proposed. Included in this
assessment will be the depth and range of the present state of the technology being
proposed, as well as the capabilities of the proposed development team and facilities.

Collaboration and Cooperative Research: Proposers are strongly encouraged to
organize teams across the Kentucky Homeland Security University Consortium to
provide the multi-disciplinary, collaborative research approach that is necessary to
address this complex problem. Proposers should demonstrate leveraging and unifying the
research assets of the Kentucky Homeland Security University Consortium to focus the
appropriate research capabilities on the problem

Relevance and Integration: The proposal should clearly identify the DHS/IP capability
gap that the proposal is addressing. The DHS team will evaluate, from a systems
perspective, how effectively the proposed research or product can be utilized to address
the specified credibility gap. The proposal should demonstrate a systems understanding
of the need being addressed, and provide a clear concept of operations or description of
how the product would be used. In addition, the proposal should include potential
customers for the product, an estimate of the size of the market that would be served,
competing technologies or research activities, potential for commercialization, and an
estimate of the system cost.

Commercialization/Conversion to Use Plan: Proposals will be evaluated on the level of
thought, pre-planning, and steps taken to demonstrate a path forward for successful
commercialization or utilization of the project results in support of community-based
critical infrastructure protection.

Project Management and Execution Plan: Evidence of a demonstrated competence in
managing and executing other similar research and development projects should be
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highlighted. The establishment of a realistic plan of execution at a reasonable total cost
will influence the selection decision.
7.0 Proposal Submission
7.1 Proposal Format
A proposal template is available on the NIHS website at www.thenihs.org. This form must be
filled out in its entirety detailing approach, tasks, costs, research team composition and
capabilities, system concept of operations, and commercialization approach.
7.2 Response Deadline and Submission Requirements
The proposals must be received by NIHS by 4:30 p.m. EST on Monday, June 1, 2009.
Deliver an electronic copy of the proposal to John Taylor at jdtaylor@thenihs.org.
Print a master copy of the proposal and mail it to:
NIHS
c/o John Taylor
610 Valley Oak Drive, Suite 1
Somerset, Kentucky 42503.
Ensure appropriate authorization signatures (page 7 of the proposal template) and BIP
signatures (section 4.3 of the proposal template, if applicable) are on the printed master.
Both the signed master copy (hard copy) and the electronic copy are required for evaluation.
7.3 References
1. BOSC, (2008) “Review of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of
Research and Development’s Homeland Security Research Program, Board of Scientific
Counselors, Subcommittee on Homeland Security Research Program,
http://www.epa.gov/osp/bosc .
2. EPA, (2005), “The Water Security Research and Technical Support Action Plan:
Progress Report for 2005. Available online at
http://www.epa.gov/NHSRC/pubs/reportWIPDprogress092905.pdf
3. NRC, (2005) “Public Water Distribution Systems, Assessing and Reducing Risks,” First
Report, Committee on Public Water Supply Distribution Systems: Assessing and
Reducing Risks, Water Science and Technology Board, National Research Council of the
National Academies, The National Academies Press, Washington, DC.
4. NRC, (2006a) “Facing Hazards and Disasters: Understanding Human Dimensions,”
Committee on Disaster Research in the Social Sciences: Future Challenges and
Opportunities, Division on Earth and Life Studies, National Research Council of the
National Academies, The National Academies Press, Washington, DC.
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5. NRC, (2006b) “Drinking Water Distribution Systems: Assessing and Reducing Risks,”
Committee on Public Water Supply Distribution Systems: Assessing and Reducing Risks,
Water Science and Technology Board, National Research Council of the National
Academies, The National Academies Press, Washington, DC.
6. NRC, (2007) “Improving the Nation’s Water Security: Opportunities for Research,”
Committee on Water System Security Research, Water Science and Technology Board,
National Research Council of the National Academies, The National Academies Press,
Washington, DC.
7. Allgeier, et al, Proceedings of the American Water Works Association's Water Quality
Technology Conference, Cincinnati Ohio, November 2008.
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