Template revised January 10, 2019.
COMMISSION
AGENDA MEMORANDUM
Item No.
8e
ACTION ITEM
Date of Meeting
July 23, 2024
DATE: July 12, 2024
TO: Stephen P. Metruck, Executive Director
FROM: Keri Stephens, Director, Aviation Facilities and Capital Programs
Eileen Francisco, Director, Aviation Project Management
SUBJECT: 400Hz Replacement C-D (CIP# 801225) – Design & Construction Authorization
Amount of this request:
$27,287,000
Total estimated project cost:
$27,487,000
ACTION REQUESTED
Request Commission authorization for the Executive Director to 1) prepare, advertise, and
execute a Public Works Building Engineering Systems Contract; 2) Execute related project change
orders, amendments, work authorizations, purchases, contracts, and take other actions
necessary to support and deliver the 400Hz replacement project within the approved budget 3)
Use of Port of Seattle crews to support design and construction activities. The amount of this
request is $27,287,000 for an estimated total project cost not to exceed $27,487,000.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This project will replace a total of four (4) 400Hz rotary motor-generators that are nearing end of
life. A set of two (2) generators are located on Concourse C and another set of two (2) are located
on Concourse D. The 400Hz systems provide ground power more efficiently to aircraft when
parked at the terminal during ground operations. This system removes the need for aircraft to
continuously run their engines, which conserves fuel, eliminates exhaust emissions, and reduces
noise on the airfield. This project will also replace up to seven (7) 400Hz gateboxes that are
nearing end of life at specific gates on Concourses D and C.
JUSTIFICATION
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) strives to be among the most environmentally
friendly airports in the United States by committing to responsible and efficient energy solutions.
Part of the airport’s energy commitment relies on reliable, well-operating 400Hz power
infrastructure, which powers serviced aircraft and allows for full engine shutdown, resulting in
COMMISSION AGENDA – Action Item No. 8e Page 2 of 5
Meeting Date: July 23, 2024
Template revised June 27, 2019 (Diversity in Contracting).
reduced emissions, fuel consumption, and noise. In cooperation with other environmentally
friendly systems utilized by SEA, the use of 400Hz power saves our airline partners, passengers,
and surrounding communities approximately 5 million gallons of fossil fuel use, $15 million in
fuel expenditures, 73 tons of nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions, and 40,000 metric tons of
greenhouse gases yearly.
With an expected service life of approximately 20 to 25 years, replacing 400Hz equipment at the
appropriate time is important to maintaining smooth airport operations and upholding the
Airport’s commitment to efficient energy. The work for this project will replace existing assets
that are highly utilized by our airline partners. Disruption to the 400Hz power systems have direct
impact to airport operations.
Diversity in Contracting
The design and construction services for this project will be completed by a project specific
Building Engineering Systems contractor. A WMBE availability analysis has been submitted and
12% WMBE participation is anticipated for this project.
DETAILS
Scope of Work
Replace a total of four (4) 400Hz rotary motor-generators and seven (7) 400Hz gateboxes that
are nearing end of life.
(1) Concourse C
• Two 400Hz rotary motor-generators
• Install three new gate boxes where existing gate boxes nearing end of life.
o Gate Boxes C3, C9, and C17
(2) Concourse D
• Two 400Hz rotary motor-generators
• Install four new gate boxes where existing gate boxes nearing end of life.
o Gate Boxes D1, D2, D7, and D11
(3) Regulated Materials Management (RMM) – Coordination and containment.
(4) Disconnect and reinstall existing equipment if necessary or required, which includes Gate
D1 Passenger Loading Bridge (PLB) and PC Air Unit.
(5) Modify or install generator foundation pads, if applicable.
Schedule
Activity
Advertise RFQ for BES Contractor
Q1 2025
Contract Execution for BES Contractor
Q1 2026
Notice to Proceed - Design
Q1 2026
Design Complete
Q4 2026
Notice to Proceed - Construction
Q4 2026
COMMISSION AGENDA – Action Item No. 8e Page 3 of 5
Meeting Date: July 23, 2024
Template revised June 27, 2019 (Diversity in Contracting).
Substantial Completion
Q4 2027
Cost Breakdown
This Request
Total Project
Design
$5,525,000
$5,725,000
Construction
$21,526,000
$21,526,000
Total
$27,287,000
$27,487,000
ALTERNATIVES AND IMPLICATIONS CONSIDERED
Alternative 1 – Status Quo. Do not proceed with the project.
Cost Implications: Approximately $200,000 for Notebook Development would be expensed.
Pros:
(1) Defers capital investment.
Cons:
(1) Significant risk of unplanned 400Hz power outages on Concourse C and Concourse D
due to aging equipment.
(2) Risk of equipment failure and emergency 400Hz generator and/or gatebox
replacement, resulting in increased time and cost.
(3) A future project would be required to address the aging equipment, likely resulting in
additional cost increases (material, labor, and inflation).
This is not the recommended alternative.
Alternative 2 – Reduced Scope – C Concourse Only – 2 Generators and 3 Gateboxes.
Cost Implications: $16,500,000 total project cost
Pros:
(1) Maintains original Status 2 budget.
(2) Eliminates gate outage conflict on Concourse D.
(3) Addresses the more critical generators that have illustrated increased maintenance
issues (C concourse generators are 5 years older than D Concourse generators).
(4) Potential to accelerate project schedule in design and construction phases.
Cons:
(1) Risk of unplanned outage or emergency replacement of D Concourse generators
remains.
(2) Follow-up project will be needed to replace D Concourse generators if this alternative
is chosen.
This is not the recommended alternative.
COMMISSION AGENDA – Action Item No. 8e Page 4 of 5
Meeting Date: July 23, 2024
Template revised June 27, 2019 (Diversity in Contracting).
Alternative 3 – Full Scope – 4 Generators and 7 Gateboxes
Cost Implications: $27,487,000 total project cost
Pros:
(1) Replaces all 4 aging 400Hz Generators and 7 Gate Boxes that are nearing end of
functional lifespan.
(2) Reduces the risk for unplanned failures and outages, which result in increased
maintenance costs.
(3) Significantly reduces the potential for an emergency generator replacement, which
would result in an overall increase in cost and outage schedule.
(4) Simultaneous replacement of critical electrical equipment helps maintain long-term
phasing and outage planning at the airport, which helps in the assessment of future
proofing opportunities.
Cons:
(1) Additional $10,987,000 capital cost over Status 2 budget.
(2) Requires significant gate outage time for Gate D1 (up to 10 months).
(3) Removal of Gate D1 PLB for generator access.
This is the recommended alternative.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
Cost Estimate/Authorization Summary
Capital
Expense
Total
COST ESTIMATE
Original estimate
$16,500,000
$0
$16,500,000
Current change
$10,751,000
$236,000
$10,987,000
Revised estimate
$27,251,000
$236,000
$27,487,000
AUTHORIZATION
Previous authorizations
$200,000
$0
$200,000
Current request for authorization
$27,051,000
$236,000
$27,287,000
Total authorizations, including this request
$27,251,000
$236,000
$27,487,000
Remaining amount to be authorized
$0
$0
$0
The change in cost from the original Status 2 estimate in 2020 is due to (1) a significant increase
in material and labor costs; (2) clarification on complex phasing and methodology required for
the replacement of the D Concourse generators; and (3) better accuracy of scope, activity costs,
lead time, and scheduling based on lessons learned from previous projects utilizing electrical
equipment and/or Building Engineering Systems for project delivery.
Annual Budget Status and Source of Funds
This project (CIP #C801225) was included in the 2024-2028 Capital Budget and plan of finance
with a total capital budget of $16,500,000. The capital increase of $10,751,000 was transferred
COMMISSION AGENDA – Action Item No. 8e Page 5 of 5
Meeting Date: July 23, 2024
Template revised June 27, 2019 (Diversity in Contracting).
from the Aeronautical Allowance
1
CIP C800753 resulting in no net change to the Airport capital
budget. The funding sources will be the Airport Development Fund (ADF).
Financial Analysis and Summary
Project cost for analysis
$27,251,000
Business Unit (BU)
Terminal Building
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
$0.07 in 2028
Future Revenues and Expenses (Total cost of ownership)
This project will likely have no impact on Aviation Maintenance operating & maintenance costs.
ATTACHMENTS TO THIS REQUEST
(1) Presentation
PREVIOUS COMMISSION ACTIONS OR BRIEFINGS
None.
1
The Aeronautical Allowance is included in the Capital Improvement Plan to ensure funding capacity for
unspecified projects, cost increases for existing projects, new initiatives, and unforeseen needs. This ensures funding
capacity for unanticipated spending within the dollar amount of the Allowance CIP.
