Template revised January 10, 2019.
COMMISSION
AGENDA MEMORANDUM
Item No.
8d
ACTION ITEM
Date of Meeting
June 11, 2019
DATE: June 3, 2019
TO: Stephen P. Metruck, Executive Director
FROM: Wendy Reiter, Director, Aviation Security
SUBJECT: Crowd Sourced Incident Reporting Application
Amount of Contract
$1,500,000
ACTION REQUESTED
Request Commission authorization for the Executive Director to execute a contract for up to 10
years to provide a Crowd Sourced Incident Reporting Application at Seattle-Tacoma
International Airport for an estimated cost of $1,500,000.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
A key initiative for the Port of Seattle is continuing to enhance the safety and security of the
traveling public, employees, and Port facilities. The purpose of this authorization request is to
competitively procure a mobile software application that can be used by the airport employee
community to report security, safety, and maintenance issues.
Empowering airport employees to quickly and anonymously report what they are seeing can
make a big different in public safety and operations. People are often reluctant to call 911
because they don’t want to get involved, are in a hurry, or aren’t certain that what they saw is
important. A mobile application designed to receive private, actionable communication
provides a bridge from a safety emergency and a scenario that could become a more serious
issue if not addressed. Crowd sourced incident reporting applications are used today in other
airports, transit locations, college campuses, and sports arenas to help people who see
something, say something.
Unlike the Sea-Tac Mobile App which is focused on customer service features for the traveler
and promotion of our concessions, the incident reporting mobile app will be marketed to
airport employees, tenants, and service providers. The strategy for an organization to support
multiple mobile apps that are smaller and focused provides a better experience tailored to the
user and more flexibility for enhancements. Outreach strategies for promoting the app will
include notifications in our printed airport employee newsletter Sea-Tac Insider, posters in
employee screening locations, notifications to station managers and through tenant meetings.
COMMISSION AGENDA – Action Item No. 8d Page 2 of 3
Meeting Date: June 11, 2019
Template revised September 22, 2016; format updates October 19, 2016.
A small capital project in the amount of $160,000 will be approved to complete the
implementation.
JUSTIFICATION
A crowd sourced incident reporting application, free to anyone to download, will provide the
following benefits.
Real-time reporting of security, safety, and maintenance issues
Ability to attach photos and precise locations allowing response teams to rapidly assess
problems
Ability for the airport to send important alerts about emerging incidents or engage users
to be on the lookout for specific targets
Supports Port efforts against human trafficking and awareness of the Department of
Homeland Security “If You See Something, Say Something®” campaign
While initially this mobile application will be deployed for the airport, it can easily
expand to our maritime locations
DETAILS
Schedule
Activity
Commission Authorization
2019 Quarter 2
Product Selected
2019 Quarter 4
In-use Date
2020 Quarter 2
ALTERNATIVES AND IMPLICATIONS CONSIDERED
Alternative 1 – Implement a text-only reporting application.
Total 10-year contract costs: $250,000 - $500,000 over 10 years.
Pros:
(1) Lower cost solution.
(2) Easy and quick to use by anyone.
Cons:
(1) No capability for the Port to send alerts to the airport community or traveling public as
there would in a mobile application.
(2) No capability to provide information such as answers to frequently asked questions on
human trafficking or national security programs.
(3) Limited reporting on report types, which will be important in determining where more
attention is needed, or whether the program is successful.
This is not the recommended alternative.
COMMISSION AGENDA – Action Item No. 8d Page 3 of 3
Meeting Date: June 11, 2019
Template revised September 22, 2016; format updates October 19, 2016.
Alternative 2 – Procure, configure, and implement a crowd sourced incident reporting app.
Total 10-year contract costs: $1,500,000 over 10 years
Pros:
(1) Directly impacts security, safety and customer support in positive and immediate
manner.
(2) Provides an anonymous tool for simple and easy reporting of safety, security and
maintenance issues.
(3) Port staff receive incident information more quickly and with valuable details including
location and pictures or videos.
Cons:
(1) Operating funds will not be available for other projects.
This is the recommended alternative.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
Annual Budget Status and Source of Funds
The annual, recurring cost of $150,000 will be budgeted in Aviation Division operating budget
beginning in 2020.
ATTACHMENTS TO THIS REQUEST
None
PREVIOUS COMMISSION ACTIONS OR BRIEFINGS
None
