Template revised January 10, 2019.
COMMISSION
AGENDA MEMORANDUM
Item No.
8d
ACTION ITEM
Date of Meeting
July 23, 2024
DATE : June 10, 2024
TO: Stephen P. Metruck, Executive Director
FROM: Steve Kennard, Aviation Business and Properties, Property Manager
Jim Dawson, ICT
SUBJECT: DAS License Extension and RFP for selection of DAS Licensees
ACTION REQUESTED
Request Commission authorization for the Executive Director to extend the current AT&T DAS
(Distributed Antenna System) license agreement for the purpose of preserving current system
function while Port staff issues an RFP to solicit a licensee under a new license for DAS services
before the extension period expires.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The current airport DAS (telecom infrastructure that provides in-airport signal for voice wireless/
cellular carriers such as AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile) license expires July 31, 2024, and needs to
be extended to continue these critical services while an RFP is developed to select a new licensee.
DAS services are currently provided by AT&T as a neutral host carrier under a contract issued in
2004. The system requires upgrading, and component replacement will be complex. The airport
needs time to develop an RFP to ensure a robust, competitive, and thorough solicitation of a new
neutral host provider. AT&T has agreed to continue providing DAS services under its existing
license under substantially similar terms for an additional period of 1 year with 3 six-month
optional extension periods.
JUSTIFICATION
The current DAS license was issued in 2004 at a time when in-building cellular antenna network
technology was in its early stages. By extending the current DAS license, Port staff will have the
time needed to solicit proposals for replacement of the current license and system with one that
reflects current technology and industry standards. With the new license, the airport can
maintain and improve voice wireless performance and the SEA customer experience.
Port procurement standards prevent further extension of the current license other than for the
purpose of issuance of an RFP to ensure a competitive process for licensee selection.
COMMISSION AGENDA – Action Item No. 8d Page 2 of 2
Meeting Date: July 23, 2024
Template revised June 27, 2019 (Diversity in Contracting).
Diversity in Contracting
Diversity in Contracting will be included in the review of proposals.
DETAILS
The current license required the licensee to fund system installation, maintenance and operation
of the DAS for a 10- year contract term. As airport expansion and renovation occurred after the
initial 10-year term, the airport offered contract extensions in consideration of additional capital
investment from licensee to expand the DAS infrastructure.
The goal of the RFP is to obtain a neutral host provider and ensure greater control of system
infrastructure and customer experience. We anticipate bringing the RFP, which includes the
proposed new license terms, to Commission for approval in the near future.
Scope of Work
Execute the 4
th
Amendment to extend the License Agreement for Wireless Communications
Access System Executed January 27, 2004. The extension amendment will provide up to 30
months of additional time for RFP issuance, selection, contract negotiation and system
implementation to ensure a seamless transition to a new DAS system.
ATTACHMENTS TO THIS REQUEST
(1) AT&T DAS License Amendment 4 (term extension)
PREVIOUS COMMISSION ACTIONS OR BRIEFINGS
None.
