Gap analysis for National Control Center (NCC) with higher level of Variable Renewable Energy (VRE) systems, and propose initial design of the new NCC for EFL

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST - CONSULTANT’S QUALIFICATIONS BASED SELECTION (CQS) Name of Project Fiji Energy Transformation Project Preparation (P515153) Loan No/Credit No/Grant Number GFPP Grant No. TF0D0728 Assignment Title Gap analysis for National Control Center (NCC) with higher level of Variable Renewable Energy (VRE) systems, and propose initial design of the new NCC for EFL Procurement Plan Ref Number FJ-EFL-567211-CS-CQS Reference No. EOI-02/2026 Country of Delivery Republic of Fiji The Republic of Fiji, acting through Energy Fiji Limited (EFL), has received financing from the World Bank toward the costs of the Fiji Energy Transformation Project Preparation (P515153), and intends to apply part of the proceeds for the following consulting services. The consulting services ("the Services") comprise a comprehensive gap analysis of EFL's National Control Centre (NCC) at Vuda Back Road, Nadi, and the definition of an initial design and modernisation roadmap for a future NCC capable of securely operating the Fiji grid at high levels of variable renewable energy penetration. EFL is the primary electricity provider in Fiji, serving Vitilevu, Vanualevu, Ovalau and Taveuni. Demand on the main VLIS grid currently exceeds 213 MW and is expected to exceed 300 MW within ten years, while EFL's Renewable Energy Roadmap targets the installation of 165 MW of solar capacity and over 40 MW of battery energy storage within five years. The NCC's current infrastructure, systems and operating procedures must be assessed against this future state. The Services will cover : • assessment of the current SCADA/EMS infrastructure, data acquisition and analytics capability, and communications infrastructure (telemetry, fibre/OPGW, microwave, backup systems), including latency, signal loss and failover readiness; • evaluation of operational processes and readiness, including SOPs for normal and emergency conditions, demand and generation forecasting, grid security studies (contingency analysis, load flow, voltage stability), AVR and load frequency control performance, management of distributed energy resources and low-inertia conditions, disaster recovery and black-start coordination; • review of grid code and regulatory compliance against international standards and good practice, and delivery of a reviewed grid code document; • assessment of cybersecurity for operational technology and IT, and of physical security at the main and backup control centres, against Critical Infrastructure Protection standards; • assessment of staffing levels, competencies, training, control room ergonomics and human factors; • assessment of environmental and social aspects, including energy efficiency, waste management, sustainable procurement, disability inclusion and gender-appropriate facilities; • preparation of a Gap Analysis Report (inception, draft and final) mapping current versus desired "to-be" states, categorised by risk level, with a prioritised modernisation roadmap, action plan, timelines and cost estimates; and • support to EFL to define a fit-for-purpose procurement strategy — including packaging and contract type — and to prepare the corresponding draft bidding documents. The assignment requires desktop review, stakeholder consultations, site visits and physical inspection of the control room and backup facilities, and benchmarking against international best practice (e.g. IEEE, IEC, ENTSO-E). Implementation period : the assignment is expected to be completed within a maximum of seven (7) months from contract signature. Expected start date: October 2026. Terms of Reference : The detailed Terms of Reference (TOR) for the assignment can be found at the following website: https://www.tenderlink.com/efl(opens in new window) and is also attached to this REOI as Appendix 1. Energy Fiji Limited now invites eligible consulting firms ("Consultants") to indicate their interest in providing the Services. Interested Consultants should provide information demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the Services. The attention of interested Consultants is drawn to paragraphs 3.14, 3.16 and 3.17 of the World Bank's Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers, latest’s edition, ("the Regulations"), setting forth the World Bank's policy on conflict of interest. EOI Evaluation Criteria Criterion Weight 1. General experience of the firm in power systems, electricity utility modernization, control centres and/or related power-sector advisory services 20% 2. Relevant experience in SCADA/EMS and National/Regional Control Centre assignments, particularly gap assessments, modernization, design or upgrading of control centre systems 40% 3. Relevant experience in renewable energy integration and grid modernization, including high-VRE grids, BESS, grid stability and/or associated Grid Code work 20% 4. Relevant experience in developing technical specifications, procurement strategies and/or bidding documents for complex SCADA/EMS, control centre or comparable power-system investments 20% Total 100% Form and content of the Expression of Interest : Expressions of interest should not exceed 10 pages , excluding annexes, and should contain only the information necessary to assess the criteria set out above. Consultants are not required to submit technical proposals, methodologies, work plans, staffing schedules, CVs of experts, or financial proposals at this stage. In accordance with the Regulations, the qualifications and experience of Key Experts do not form part of this evaluation, and any such material submitted will not be evaluated. Consultants may associate with other firms to enhance their qualifications but shall indicate clearly whether the association takes the form of a joint venture and/or a sub-consultancy. In the case of a joint venture, all members shall be jointly and severally liable, and the lead member shall be identified. The firm assessed as best qualified against the above criteria will be invited to submit a technical and financial proposal and invited to negotiate a contract in accordance with the Regulations. Submission Further information can be obtained by emailing to tenders@efl.com.fj during office hours 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM (Fiji Time), Monday to Friday clear 3 days from the closing date of this EOI. Expressions of interest must be uploaded to the EFL e-Tender Portal (TenderLink) at https://www.tenderlink.com/efl(opens in new window), by registering your company, by 4:00 PM (1600 hrs) Fiji Time on Tuesday, 22 September 2026. Tender documents may be viewed and downloaded from www.efl.com.fj(opens in new window) or https://www.tenderlink.com/efl(opens in new window). Submissions by email or facsimile will not be accepted and will be deemed null and void. Hard copy submissions to the tender box at EFL Head Office, Suva, will not be accepted. Appendix 1 – Terms of Reference Terms of Reference (ToR) for Gap Analysis EFL’s National Control Centre (NCC) EOI-02/2026 This document outlines the Terms of Reference (TOR) for conducting a comprehensive Gap Analysis of the National Control Centre (NCC) of Energy Fiji Ltd. The purpose is to assess the current state of infrastructure, technology, processes, and personnel against international best practices and future utility requirements , whilst adhering to the best environmental and social safeguard practices to ensure sustainable development. Table of Contents 1. Introduction & Background. 4 1.1 The Renewable Energy Implementation Journey. 4 2. Objectives of the Assignment 4 3. Scope of Work. 4 3.1. Technical Infrastructure (SCADA/EMS/IT). 5 3.2. Operational Processes, Procedures & Readiness. 5 3.3. Cybersecurity & Physical Security. 6 3.4. Human Resources & Competence. 6 3.5. Environmental & Social Safeguards. 6 4. Methodology. 6 5. Key Deliverables. 7 6. Timeline. 7 7. Required Expertise. 8 7.1. Power Systems Automation & SCADA/EMS Specialist 8 7.2. Power Systems Protection & Telecommunications Engineer. 9 7.3. Grid Code & Regulatory Specialist 9 7.4. Cyber Security (OT/Critical Infrastructure) Specialist 9 7.5. International Procurement & Bidding Expert 9 Appendix: Current Technical Profile. 11 A. Hardware Infrastructure. 11 B. Software & Licensing Baseline. 12 1. Introduction & Background Energy Fiji Limited (EFL) is the primary electricity provider in Fiji, responsible for the generation, transmission, and retail of electricity across the four (4) main islands of Vitilevu, Vanualevu, Ovalau & Taveuni. Formerly known as the Fiji Electricity Authority (FEA) which was established under the Electricity Act in 1966, it was corporatized in 2018 to operate as a public company limited by shares. Energy Fiji Ltd (EFL) operates a National Control Centre in Vuda Back Road, Nadi on the North-Western side of Vitilevu which is responsible for real-time monitoring and control of the national electricity grid. As demand grows, and renewable energy integration increases, the current NCC infrastructure and operational procedures require assessment to ensure efficiency, security, and reliability are not compromised and are operating well in optimum conditions. 1.1 The Renewable Energy Implementation Journey EFL is currently embarking on a Renewable Energy Implementation Journey mainly focused on Variable Renewable Energy Sources (VRES) particularly, hydro, solar and wind which is intended over the next ten (10) years, majority of it will be solar. • Grid Demand Current demand for main VLIS grid currently sits at over 213MW which is expected to rise to over 300MW in the next ten years. As per the current Renewable Energy Roadmap, • Target Capacity: Under the current Renewable Energy Roadmap, EFL aims to install 165MW of solar capacity alongside 40MW+ of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) over the next 5 years Modernized equipment is vital to ensure continuous forecasting, real-time grid stabilization, voltage management, and optimal battery dispatch to protect power grid inertia and prevent blackouts. 2. Objectives of the Assignment The primary objective of this assignment is to identify technical, operational, and structural gaps between the NCC’s current capabilities and the required "future state". The future state must support a modern, secure grid running on 90% or more renewable energy as per EFL's national targets 3. Scope of Work The selected consultant will complete the following tasks: • Assessing current SCADA/EMS infrastructure. • Evaluating grid security and stability management practices. • Reviewing operational procedures, cybersecurity, and staffing availability & competence. • Providing a detailed roadmap to bridge identified gaps with an associated cost to carry this out – detailed list of hardware and software requirements, and required capacity for EFL (staffing and required certification) • Supporting EFL to define an appropriate procurement strategy and draft the procurement documents. The consultant will assess the available procurement options and recommend a fit-for-purpose procurement strategy, including packaging and contract type, based on the future-state architecture, market analysis and allocation of implementation risks. The appropriate bidding documents should then be prepared on the basis of the agreed strategy. To complete above tasks, the consultant shall perform a comprehensive, multi-dimensional assessment covering the following areas: 3.1. Technical Infrastructure (SCADA/EMS/IT) • Review the age, reliability, and functional capacity of the current SCADA/Energy Management System (EMS). • Generator-side response performance, including whether or not it is automated. • Review existing data acquisition, data management, and analytics capabilities of the NCC, including the definition of future-state data and analytics requirements to support advanced EMS functions, operator situational awareness, and grid modernization. • Analyze communication infrastructure (telemetry, fiber optics, backup systems). • Assess integration capabilities for new technologies (smart grid, renewable energy management). • Test for latency, signal loss, and failover readiness across fiber or microwave networks to ensure optimum communication links. 3.2. Operational Processes, Procedures & Readiness • Evaluate operating procedures (SOPs) for normal and emergency conditions. • Evaluate supply and demand management, including demand forecasts and generation forecasts, for normal and emergency conditions. • Assess grid security studies (contingency analysis, load flow, voltage stability). • Analyse compliance with grid codes and regulatory frameworks not only locally but to align to international standards and best practices • Analyze the center's ability to manage intermittent distributed energy resources (DERs) and low-inertia systems • Review automatic voltage regulation (AVR) and load frequency control (LFC) performance • Assess existing disaster recovery and black-start coordination procedures. • Identify state of the art weather forecasting tools to optimise generation mix in favour of our hydros and solar PVs 3.3. Cybersecurity & Physical Security • Review cybersecurity protocols for Operational Technology (OT) and IT infrastructure. • Assess physical security of the main NCC and disaster recovery/backup control center. Audit compliance with Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) standards, including electronic security perimeters and access controls 3.4. Human Resources & Competence • Assess staffing levels, skill sets, and training programs for operators and engineers. • Evaluate human factors, control room ergonomics, and mental workload. • Identify gaps in national energy policies or grid codes that hinder modern operations. • Evaluate the technical competency of operators in handling advanced grid planning and simulation tools. 3.5. Environmental & Social Safeguards • Assess current energy use, and waste management practices at NCC and • Evaluate energy-efficient technologies, waste reduction strategies and sustainable procurement practices aligned with Fiji’s National laws and Good International Industry Practice. • Assess infrastructure capacity for adequate disability inclusion and gender-based rest rooms/ablution facility. 4. Methodology The consultant is expected to carry out the following as part of the Gap Analysis: • Conduct Desktop Review: Review existing documentation (grid codes, annual reports, previous audits, processes & procedures). • Stakeholder Consultations: Conduct interviews with NCC operators, management, IT, Telecom/SCADA staff. • Site Visits: Perform physical inspection of the control room, hardware, and backup facilities. • Review of current Grid Code • Benchmarking: Compare findings against international best practices (e.g., IEEE, IEC, ENTSO-E). • Key Deliverables The outputs expected during and at the end of this consultancy are specified below • Gap Analysis Report (Inception report, Draft, and Final) will be prepared to cover the following: • Current State Description and functionality • Desired Future State Definition and functionality • Gap Identification (Technical, Procedural, Human). • Explicit mapping of current vs. desired "To-Be" states, categorized by risk level. • Modernized Roadmap, Action Plan and Budget: Prioritized recommendations with estimated timelines and cost implications. • Determine if the existing building will be able to cater for the proposed upgrades • Reviewed Grid Code Document • Procurement Strategy and Draft Bidding Documents will be prepared to cover the following: • Assessment report to recommend the appropriate procurement strategy; and • Draft bidding documents following above procurement strategy, in consultation with EFL. 6. Timeline The total duration of the assignment is expected to be a maximum of seven (7) /months from contract signing with rough timelines set below Activity Duration Expected Deliverables where applicable Inception & Data Collection 2-3 weeks Inception Report; Data Request Checklist; Stakeholder Engagement Plan. Existing NCC GAP Assessment 4-5 weeks "As-Is" Operational Technology Audit Report; Cyber Security Baseline Assessment. Substation, Feeder & Generation Assessment 2-3 weeks Field Telemetry & Signaling Matrix (covering 22 stations, 39 substations, 150 feeders). Renewable Readiness Assessment 2-3 weeks Dynamic Stability & AGC (Automatic Generation Control) Requirement Report for Hydro/Solar integration. Future NCC Architecture Development 2-3 weeks "To-Be" SCADA/EMS Functional Architecture; Telecom & Network Topology Design. Grid Code Review & Finalization 2-3 weeks Draft Amended Grid Code; Compliance Matrix for IPPs; Technical Consultative Memo. Procurement strategy and Draft Bidding Documents 4 weeks Technical Specifications (Employer's Requirements); Bill of Quantities (BoQ); Draft EPC Tender Package. Review Workshops & Finalization 2 weeks Presentation to Management on Findings Total 21-28 weeks Adjusting adds a 3-to-4 week buffer to protect against regulatory and data collection delays. Consultant engaged need to state expected submission dates, and timelines once engaged. EFL review periods, and corresponding payment milestones 7. Required Expertise The consultancy firm should be shown to have expertise in the following areas: 7.1. Power Systems Automation & SCADA/EMS Specialist This core expert evaluates the existing NCC and defines the future-state operational technology. • SCADA/EMS/DMS Expertise: Deep knowledge of Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition, Energy Management Systems, and Distribution Management Systems. • Interoperability & Protocols: Mastery of legacy and modern utility communication protocols (IEC 60870-5-101/104, DNP3, and IEC 61850 for substation automation). • Grid Hierarchy: Experience managing control boundaries down to the 11kV feeder breaker level to ensure distribution grid visibility. 7.2. Power Systems Protection & Telecommunications Engineer This domain ensures that control signals travel safely, reliably, and instantaneously across Fiji's geographical terrain. • Substation Integration: Expertise in integrating diverse thermal and hydro power stations with central SCADA. • Utility Telecommunications: Experience with power line carrier (PLC), fiber optic networks (OPGW), microwave links, and cellular fallback systems. • Protection Coordination: Understanding how modern EMS upgrades interact with existing line and transformer protection schemes. 7.3. Grid Code & Regulatory Specialist This expert translates the technical capabilities of the new NCC into legal and operational compliance frameworks. • Grid Code Compliance: Experience drafting or reviewing national Grid Codes, specifically for small, isolated island grids with high hydro penetration. • Ancillary Services: Defining rules for frequency control, voltage regulation, and spinning reserves relevant to Fiji's power mix. • Renewable Integration: Knowledge of technical requirements for grid-connected solar, wind, or battery storage (BESS) into an existing grid code. 7.4. Cyber Security (OT/Critical Infrastructure) Specialist Modernizing an NCC introduces digital vulnerabilities that must be mitigated from day one. • Operational Technology (OT) Security: Specific expertise in securing industrial control systems, distinct from standard corporate IT. • International Standards: Alignment of procurement requirements with global benchmarks like NERC CIP , ISO 27001, or IEC 62443. 7.5. International Procurement & Bidding Expert This specialist converts the technical GAP analysis into an actionable, legally binding international tender. • MDB Procurement Rules: Deep familiarity with multilateral development bank frameworks (such as the Asian Development Bank (ADB) or World Bank), which frequently finance critical infrastructure updates for Energy Fiji Limited (EFL). • FIDIC / Turnkey Contracts: Expertise in drafting EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) or turnkey contracts for complex software and hardware integration. • SLA Drafting: Crafting long-term Service Level Agreements (SLAs) for software patches, system maintenance, and vendor support. Appendix: Current Technical Profile • • Hardware Infrastructure Equipment Specifications Server Hardware 2 x NX-1465 G7 Nutanix blocks. Each block has 4 servers. Specifications for each node Nutanix NX-1465 G7 2 x Intel Skylake Processor 2.2GHz 10-core Skylake 4114CPU 384GB RAM (12 x 32GB per node) 1 x 1.92TB SSD & 2 x 6TB HDD 1 x 10GbE Dual RJ45 Hypervisor VMWare vSphere Virtual Machine OS Windows Server 2016 Client Hardware 6 workstations. Each workstation has 4 displays CPU: Intel Core i7-9700 RAM:32GB Hard Drive: 500GB SSD - M.2 24” LED/LCD Display • • Software & Licensing Baseline ORDER SUMMARY - SOFTWARE Item Product Description Qty Software Description 1 PROFICY IFIX ICLIENTS License 1 iClient v2024 Thick Runtime Only English iPower 1 PROFICY IFIX License 1 iFix v2024 Plus Runtime 10000 Points English 1 PROFICY IFIX License 1 iFix v2024 Plus Development 300 Points English iPower 1 PROFICY HISTORIAN License 1 Historian v2022 Essential 1000 Points Add On 1 IO DRIVERS License 1 Drivers DNP- DNP3 Master Protocol for 1000 Points 1 PROFICY HISTORIAN License 1 Historian v2024 Essential 1000 Points Add On 2 PROFICY HISTORIAN License 1 Historian v2022 Essential 1000 Points Add On 2 PROFICY IFIX License 1 iFix v2023 Plus Runtime 300 Points English iPower 2 PROFICY HISTORIAN License 1 Historian v2024 Essential 500 Points Add On 3 PROFICY IFIX License 1 iFix v2024 Plus Runtime Unlimited Points English SCADA Synchronization iPower 3 IO DRIVERS License 1 Drivers DNP- DNP3 Master Protocol for 1000 Points 3 PROFICY HISTORIAN License 1 Historian v2022 Essential 500 Points Add On 3 PROFICY HISTORIAN License 1 Historian v2023 Essential 100 Points Add On 3 Operations Hub Monitoring & Analysis License 1 Operations Hub v2024 Ultimate Windows 1 Number of Clients Add On 4 IO DRIVERS License 1 Drivers DNP- DNP3 Master Protocol for 5000 Points 4 PROFICY HISTORIAN License 1 Historian v2022 Essential 500 Points Add On 4 PROFICY HISTORIAN License 1 Historian v2024 Essential 1000 Points Add On 5 PROFICY IFIX License 1 iFix v2024 Plus Runtime 900 Points English iPower 5 PROFICY HISTORIAN License 1 Historian v2022 Essential 1000 Points Add On 5 Operations Hub Monitoring & Analysis License 1 Operations Hub v2024 Ultimate Windows 1 Number of Clients Add On 6 PROFICY IFIX License 1 iFix v2024 Plus Development Unlimited Points English SCADA Synchronization iPower 6 PROFICY IFIX License 1 iFix v2022 Plus Runtime 900 Points English iPower 6 PROFICY HISTORIAN License 1 Historian v2022 Essential 100 Points Add On 6 PROFICY HISTORIAN License 1 Historian v2024 Essential 500 Points Add On 7 IO DRIVERS License 1 Drivers IGS- Industrial Gateway Server for Basic Points DNP- DNP3 Master Protocol for 50000 Points Backup License 8 IO DRIVERS License 1 Drivers IGS- Industrial Gateway Server for Basic Points DNP- DNP3 Master Protocol for 50000 Points 8 Operations Hub Monitoring & Analysis License 1 Operations Hub v2024 Ultimate Windows 1 Number of Clients Add On 9 PROFICY HISTORIAN License 1 Historian v2024.0 Standard 10000 Points 2500 Additional CALs Backup License 10 PROFICY IFIX ICLIENTS License 1 iClient v2024 Thick Runtime Only English iPower 10 Operations Hub Monitoring & Analysis License 1 Operations Hub v2024 Ultimate Windows 1 Number of Clients Add On 11 PROFICY IFIX ICLIENTS License 1 iClient v2024 Thick Runtime Only English iPower 11 IO DRIVERS License 1 Drivers DNP- DNP3 Master Protocol for 1000 Points 11 PROFICY HISTORIAN License 1 Historian v2024 Essential 1000 Points Add On 12 PROFICY IFIX ICLIENTS License 1 iClient v2024 Thick Runtime Only English iPower 12 IO DRIVERS License 1 Drivers DNP- DNP3 Master Protocol for 1000 Points 12 Operations Hub Monitoring & Analysis License 1 Operations Hub v2024 Ultimate Windows 1 Number of Clients Add On 13 PROFICY IFIX ICLIENTS License 1 iClient v2024 Thick Runtime Only English iPower 14 PROFICY IFIX ICLIENTS License 1 iClient v2024 Thick Runtime Only English iPower 15 PROFICY IFIX ICLIENTS License 1 iClient v2024 Thick Runtime Only English iPower 16 PROFICY IFIX ICLIENTS License 1 iClient v2024 Thick Runtime Only English iPower 17 PROFICY IFIX ICLIENTS License 1 iClient v2024 Thick Runtime Only English iPower 18 PROFICY IFIX ICLIENTS License 1 iClient v2024 Thick Runtime Only English iPower 19 Proficy WebSpace License 1 WebSpace v6.0 iFIX 3 Clients Stand Alone Server Independent Server English 20 Proficy WebSpace License 1 WebSpace v6.0 iFIX 3 Clients Stand Alone Server Independent Server English Backup License 21 PROFICY HISTORIAN License 1 Historian v2024.0 Standard 10000 Points 2500 Additional CALs