Template revised January 10, 2019.
COMMISSION
AGENDA MEMORANDUM
Item No.
6e
ACTION ITEM
Date of Meeting
October 27, 2020
DATE: October 19, 2020
TO: Stephen P. Metruck, Executive Director
FROM: Eileen Francisco, Acting Director Aviation Facilities and Capital Programs
Wayne Grotheer, Director, Aviation Project Management
SUBJECT: Emergency Generator Controls Upgrade Project (CIP #C800784) Request for
Construction Authorization
Amount of this request:
$1,500,000
Total estimated project cost:
$2,500,000
ACTION REQUESTED
Request Commission authorization for the Executive Director to (1) advertise and execute a
major works construction contract for the Emergency Generator Controls Upgrade project at
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA); (2) use Port of Seattle crews and small works
contracts for preconstruction activities. The amount of this request is $1,500,000 for a total
estimated project cost of $2,500,000.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This project will replace and upgrade the existing control system and thereby extend the useful
life of the generators that provide emergency electrical power to Concourses B, C, D, the Central
Terminal, and the South Satellite. Emergency power is required by code for egress lighting within
the terminal buildings and at other locations where interruption of power could produce life
safety hazards. While the generators are in good working condition, the manufacturer has
discontinued support for the microprocessor-based control system and no longer provides
technical support or replacement parts.
JUSTIFICATION
This project extends the useful life of the existing emergency power system and minimizes
operational costs and impacts of code-required compliance testing. This project will address
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) requirements for emergency generators to provide
safety for passengers and public. It will enhance the function of the emergency power system
with the installation of new, reliable controllers that are currently supported by manufacturer.
COMMISSION AGENDA – Action Item No. __6e__ Page 2 of 4
Meeting Date: October 27, 2020
Template revised June 27, 2019 (Diversity in Contracting).
Diversity in Contracting
The project staff discussed the project with the Diversity in Contracting (DC) department, and
both project staff and the DC department decided that it is not feasible to subcontract on this
project. Thus, the project will not have a woman and minority business enterprise (WMBE)
aspirational goal. The project staff will continue to work with the DC department on outreach to
determine if the work can be performed by a WMBE prime contractor.
DETAILS
The Port of Seattle currently utilizes two 1500 kW emergency generators to supply NFPA/
National Electrical Code (NEC) required emergency power to Concourses B, C, D, the Central
Terminal, and the South Satellite. These emergency generators are located at the Loading Dock
level of the SEA Airport Main Terminal building and are approximately 20 years old.
The control and operation of these generators is through a set of microprocessor-based
programmable logic controllers that have been discontinued and are no longer supported by the
manufacturer. This project will replace and upgrade the existing control system and thereby
extend the useful life of the generator sets, valued at $10 million, by an estimated 20 years.
This system provides code-required emergency power. The Washington Administrative Code
(WAC) 296-46B-700 states all exit and emergency lights must be installed in accordance with
Article 700 of the NEC. Emergency systems may also provide power for such functions where
interruption would produce life safety hazards. During construction staff will be on standby to
manually engage emergency power if necessary.
Scope of Work
This project will replace and program new programmable logic controllers (PLCs) for the
emergency generator control system, for the two 1500kW generators in the generator control
room. Controller installation and related work shall be accomplished in the generator control
room, near the central terminal loading dock. The existing Generator Ancillary Systems Control
Panel shall have the existing PLC upgraded with a new PLC due to space constraints. Electrical
installation work will occur in the generator room, generator control room, PLC cabinets, and
other locations necessary to route power testing. The existing Direct Digital Controls panel
located at the entry way into the generator room will be upgraded with a direct replacement.
Schedule
Activity
Construction start
In-use date
COMMISSION AGENDA – Action Item No. __6e__ Page 3 of 4
Meeting Date: October 27, 2020
Template revised June 27, 2019 (Diversity in Contracting).
Cost Breakdown
This Request
Total Project
Design
$0
Construction
$1,500,000
Total
$1,500,000
ALTERNATIVES AND IMPLICATIONS CONSIDERED
Alternative 1 – Status Quo
Cost Implications: None
Pros:
(1) Limited capital investment
Cons:
(1) Risk of extended emergency power system failure
(2) No manufacturer support for troubleshooting
(3) Must utilize used parts with uncertain condition
This is not the recommended alternative.
Alternative 2 – Replacement of the PLCs, a like for like replacement that will extend the life of
the generators.
Cost Implications: Commission to approve additional $1,500,000, for full project funding of
$2,500,000.
Pros:
(1) New control system allows for continued reliable operation of emergency power system
Cons:
(1) Capital Investment
This is the recommended alternative.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
Cost Estimate/Authorization Summary
Capital
Expense
Total
COST ESTIMATE
Original estimate
$2,500,000
$0
$2,500,000
AUTHORIZATION
Previous authorizations
$1,000,000
0
$1,000,000
Current request for authorization
$1,500,000
0
$1,500,000
Total authorizations, including this request
$2,500,000
0
$2,500,000
Remaining amount to be authorized
$0
$0
$0
COMMISSION AGENDA – Action Item No. __6e__ Page 4 of 4
Meeting Date: October 27, 2020
Template revised June 27, 2019 (Diversity in Contracting).
Annual Budget Status and Source of Funds
The Emergency Generator Controls Upgrade project (CIP #C800784) was included in the 2020-
2024 capital budget and plan of finance as a business plan perspective project with a total capital
budget of $2,500,000. This project will be funded by the Airport Development Fund and revenue
bond.
Financial Analysis and Summary
Project cost for analysis
$2,500,000
Business Unit (BU)
Terminal Building
Effect on business performance
(NOI after depreciation)
NOI after depreciation will increase
IRR/NPV (if relevant)
N/A
CPE Impact
$0.01 in 2021
Future Revenues and Expenses (Total cost of ownership)
The preferred alternative will not substantially increase operational costs. Total cost of
ownership is $2,600,000, reflecting the up-front capital costs and the net present value of
relatively minimal ongoing operating costs.
ATTACHMENTS TO THIS REQUEST
None
PREVIOUS COMMISSION ACTIONS OR BRIEFINGS
December 3, 2019 – The Commission authorized the Executive Director to increase project
authorization by $200,000 to support design and construction for the Emergency Generator
Controls Upgrade project at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Total project authorization is
$1,000,000, for a total estimated project cost of $2,500,000.
December 5, 2016 – The Commission authorized the Chief Executive Officer to prepare design
and construction bid documents for the Emergency Generator Controls Upgrade project at
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport not to exceed $713,000 for a total estimated project cost
of $2,500,000
September 30, 2016 $20,000 Design authorization
April 19, 2016 $35,000 Design authorization
January 13, 2016 - $32,000 Design authorization