Template revised January 10, 2019.
COMMISSION
AGENDA MEMORANDUM
Item No.
8c
ACTION ITEM
Date of Meeting
January 10, 2023
DATE : December 22, 2022
TO: Stephen P. Metruck, Executive Director
FROM: Randy Krause, Fire Chief
Krista Sadler, Technology Delivery Director
SUBJECT: Fire Station Alerting System (C801328)
Amount of this request:
$710,000
Total estimated project cost:
$710,000
ACTION REQUESTED
Request Commission authorization for the Executive Director to 1) proceed with the Fire Station
Alerting System project and 2) execute contract(s) for hardware, software, and implementation
services for a total project cost not-to-exceed $710,000.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This project will replace the antiquated Fire Station alerting system (FSA) used in both Seattle-
Tacoma International Airport (SEA) fire stations. This system is the method used by our 911
Dispatch to alert and often awaken firefighters when their services are required immediately
using audio tones and flashing lights. The Port’s current FSA was implemented over 30 years ago
and features have not been updated since. Unlike modern alerting systems, our existing system
has very limited configuration capabilities to target alerts to the specific teams that need to
respond. Instead, all personnel on all equipment at both stations are alerted and awakened for
every alarm.
Equipment newly installed for the alerting system in Fire Station Two will be utilized for the new
system. The Fire Station One Continuing Operations Preservation project will build upon the new
system with fully constructed dorm zones and communications infrastructure that will support
additional benefits.
This planned project is part of the 2023-2027 plan of finance as a $710,000 CIP. This project will
be completed by Information and Communication Technology, Aviation Maintenance, and Port
Construction Services.
COMMISSION AGENDA – Action Item No. 8c Page 2 of 4
Meeting Date: January 10, 2023
Template revised June 27, 2019 (Diversity in Contracting).
JUSTIFICATION
While replacement parts are getting scarce for this very old system, the health and safety benefits
for our Fire Department personnel are also significant. Modern systems offer capabilities to
configure audio and visual alerts only to the specific firefighters that need to respond to a specific
alarm and alerts can be modulated depending on the situation. Currently, Firefighters are
awoken six to eight times a night with the strident tones and harsh lighting regardless of whether
they need to respond. Following are some specific benefits of the new system.
(1) Psychological and physical stress reduction from the elimination of unnecessary alerts
that trigger transition from sleep, cognition of audible tones, and reactive intensity.
(2) Critical resources will react at more optimal capacity.
(3) Prevention of symptoms associated with the loss of sleep that can be experienced by
firefighters who currently face unnecessary and harsh awakenings. This can lead to
unsafe situations.
Diversity in Contracting
Project staff will work with the Diversity in Contracting Department to determine if a direct
women-and-minority-owned business enterprise (WMBE) aspirational goal should be assigned.
DETAILS
Scope of Work
(1) Procure and implement new system for both SEA Fire Stations and the 911 Dispatch
Center
(2) Installation of individual dorm room audio and visual equipment. The Fire Station One
Renovation project will utilize installed equipment when dorm rooms are fully
constructed but the benefit of the individualized alerts will be realized with this project.
Schedule
Activity
Commission authorization
2023 Quarter 1
Procurement Complete
2023 Quarter 2
In-use date
2024 Quarter 1
This Request
Total Project
Equipment, Software, and Vendor Services
$300,000
$300,000
Port Construction Services
$275,000
$275,000
Port Labor
$135,000
$135,000
Total
$710,000
$710,000
COMMISSION AGENDA – Action Item No. 8c Page 3 of 4
Meeting Date: January 10, 2023
Template revised June 27, 2019 (Diversity in Contracting).
ALTERNATIVES AND IMPLICATIONS CONSIDERED
Alternative 1 – Postpone project 2 years until after related fire station projects are complete.
Cost Implications: $0
Pros:
(1) Capital dollars are available for other projects.
(2) Avoid costs of interfacing to the current 911 Dispatch system and interface to the
planned system replacement scheduled for 2024.
Cons:
(1) Increased risk of FSA system failure due to aging and scarcity of parts.
(2) Postpones health and safety benefits for Firefighters that a new FSA system will provide.
This is not the recommended alternative.
Alternative 2 – Procure and implement a comprehensive FSA system.
Cost Implications: $710,000
Pros:
(1) Significantly reduce risk of FSA system failure.
(2) Reduces fatigue and stress on Firefighters caused by harsh and unnecessary
awakenings.
(3) Promotes improved safety and better performance on the job from rested crews.
Cons:
(1) Implementation of some features and benefits of the new FSA won’t occur until new
infrastructure improvements are delivered to Fire Station 1.
This is the recommended alternative.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
Cost Estimate/Authorization Summary
Capital
Expense
Total
COST ESTIMATE
Original estimate
$710,000
$0
$710,000
AUTHORIZATION
Previous authorizations
$0
$0
$0
Current request for authorization
$710,000
$0
$710,000
Total authorizations, including this request
$710,000
$0
$710,000
Remaining amount to be authorized
$0
$0
$0
COMMISSION AGENDA – Action Item No. 8c Page 4 of 4
Meeting Date: January 10, 2023
Template revised June 27, 2019 (Diversity in Contracting).
Annual Budget Status and Source of Funds
This project was included in the 2023-2027 capital budget and plan of finance for $710,000. The
project will be funded by the Airport Development Fund or revenue bonds.
Financial Analysis and Summary
Project cost for analysis
$710,000
Business Unit (BU)
Airfield Movement Area
Effect on business performance
(NOI after depreciation)
NOI after depreciation will increase due to inclusion of
capital (and operating) costs in airline rate base.
IRR/NPV (if relevant)
N/A
CPE Impact
Less than $.01 in 2024
Future Revenues and Expenses (Total cost of ownership)
Annual license and maintenance costs estimated at $18,000 will be budgeted in the Aviation
Maintenance operating budget.
ATTACHMENTS TO THIS REQUEST
None
PREVIOUS COMMISSION ACTIONS OR BRIEFINGS
None