Template revised January 10, 2019.
COMMISSION
AGENDA MEMORANDUM
Item No. 8e
ACTION ITEM Date of Meeting May 27, 2025
DATE: May 20, 2025
TO: Stephen P. Metruck, Executive Director
FROM: Leslie Horton, Program Manager & Data Analyst for Aviation, Workforce
Development
Anna Pavlik, Director, Workforce Development
Bookda Gheisar, Senior Director, Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
SUBJECT: Multi-Year Funding Request for Aviation Security Training
Amount of this request: $208,500
Total requested project cost:
$208,500
ACTION REQUESTED
Request Commission authorization for the Executive Director to approve OEDI to invest $208,500
in aviation security training for the next three years, 2026 - 2028. This authorization will direct
the Port of Seattle to contract up to a total of $208,500 to an organization capable of providing
aviation security training to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) employees and near-port
community members.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Commission has approved two training pathways at SEA, which are both now being delivered
in partnership with South Seattle College and Port Jobs: Aviation Maintenance Technician and
Ground Support Equipment Mechanic. To invest more Port resources into preparing people for
quality, family-wage careers, this third training program will target the many growing career
options in aviation security and offer near-port community members access to wage progression.
The aviation security training will provide SEA employees and near-port community members
with training in aviation security regulations and the international organizations behind them,
common airport and in-flight security measures for responding to threats, artificial intelligence
as a mechanism to aid security measures, SIDA badge overview, and more. The training will
COMMISSION AGENDA – Action Item No. 8e Page 2 of 4
Meeting Date: May 27, 2025
Template revised June 27, 2019 (Diversity in Contracting).
prepare participants for an entry-level career in aviation security. The successful bidder for the
solicitation will enter into a three-year contract with OEDI in partnership with Port Jobs.
JUSTIFICATION
OEDI recommends the aviation security training for a number of reasons:
1) People with limited work experience and/or limited English skills will benefit from
introductory aviation security training and SIDA badge training, making them more
competitive for open positions.
2) Demand for trained security employees is forecasted to remain high.
3) There is strong potential for wage/career progression in the field of security and other
aviation careers.
4) Local training programs exist, including many online trainings.
5) SEA has in-house experts to advise on training development to meet the Port’s hiring
needs.
6) Aligns with the Port’s Century Agenda to increase equitable access to quality wage jobs.
7) The training is short, making it more accessible for working adults. Participants may be
eligible for security jobs within one quarter.
DETAILS
OEDI committed to developing a third training pathway at SEA after successfully launching the
Aviation Maintenance Technician and Ground Support Equipment Mechanic bridge training
programs. Upon approval, OEDI will execute a solicitation to hire an organization to develop a
new or modify an existing one to two quarter program in AV Security, which would prepare SEA
employees and near-port community members for the Port’s Level 1 security role as well as other
entry-level security roles.
Scope of Work
The Port seeks a training provider to help SEA employees in entry-level positions, near-port
community members, and other King County residents transition from low-wage jobs to higher-
paying careers. The Consultant will:
Develop curriculum, if necessary, or modify existing curriculum to meet Port hiring
needs; partner with the Port’s Aviation Security Department to ensure curriculum meets
Port standards
Create a comprehensive implementation plan to offer training at least once per year at
SEA Airport for up to 25 participants
Partner with Port Jobs to provide recruitment, retention, and navigation services
COMMISSION AGENDA – Action Item No. 8e Page 3 of 4
Meeting Date: May 27, 2025
Template revised June 27, 2019 (Diversity in Contracting).
Develop an employer engagement plan to create relationships with SEA employers with
security positions; leverage these relationships to connect participants with job
opportunities post-training
Offer I-BEST services or comparable classroom support
Offer culturally relevant support to a diverse population
Track and report outcomes and provide regular reporting to the Port
Schedule
OEDI’s goal is to release this solicitation as soon as possible and enter into a contract in Q4
2025 with services provided 2026 – 2028.
ALTERNATIVES AND IMPLICATIONS CONSIDERED
Alternative 1 – The Port does not proceed with a solicitation for the Aviation Security Training.
Cost Implications: No cost implications.
Pros:
(1) Reduces staff time for project delivery support, potentially freeing time for other
efforts.
(2) Allows resources to fund other priorities or programs.
Cons:
(1) The Port would continue to be challenged to meet our security workforce needs and
miss an opportunity to develop cohorts of local, skilled workers ready to fill these
positions.
This is not the recommended alternative.
Alternative 2 –The Commission approves the solicitation and contract for Aviation Security
Training development and implementation.
Cost Implications: $69,500, which is already approved in the 2025 budget.
Pros:
(1) Gives the Port the ability to attract a more qualified and prepared security workforce.
(2) Offers additional career progression opportunities for SEA workers in minimum wage
positions.
(3) Delivers on Port’s Century Agenda objective 15 to create equitable access to port
careers.
Cons:
(1) These resources will not be available for use in other high-demand career training.
COMMISSION AGENDA – Action Item No. 8e Page 4 of 4
Meeting Date: May 27, 2025
Template revised June 27, 2019 (Diversity in Contracting).
This is the recommended alternative.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
Cost Estimate
/Authorization Summary Capital
Expense
Total
COST ESTIMATE
Original estimate $
$69,500
$208,500
AUTHORIZATION
Previous authorizations 0
69,500
0
Current request for authorization 0
0
0
Total authorizations, including this request 0
$69,500
$208,500
Remaining amount to be authorized $0
$0
$0
Annual Budget Status and Source of Funds
The Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion will allocate $69,500 annually for the next three
years. The 2025 funds are already approved in the 2025 budget.
ATTACHMENTS TO THIS REQUEST
None.
PREVIOUS COMMISSION ACTIONS OR BRIEFINGS
None.
