COMMISSION AGENDA MEMORANDUM Item No. ACTION ITEM Date of Meeting 8e 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: Total requested project cost: $208,500 $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 Template revised January 10, 2019. COMMISSION AGENDA - Action Item No. 8e Meeting Date: May 27, 2025 Page 2 of 4 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 higherpaying 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 Template revised June 27, 2019 (Diversity in Contracting). COMMISSION AGENDA - Action Item No. 8e Meeting Date: May 27, 2025     Page 3 of 4 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) (2) Cons: (1) Reduces staff time for project delivery support, potentially freeing time for other efforts. Allows resources to fund other priorities or programs. 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) (2) (3) Cons: (1) Gives the Port the ability to attract a more qualified and prepared security workforce. Offers additional career progression opportunities for SEA workers in minimum wage positions. Delivers on Port's Century Agenda objective 15 to create equitable access to port careers. These resources will not be available for use in other high-demand career training. Template revised June 27, 2019 (Diversity in Contracting). COMMISSION AGENDA - Action Item No. 8e Meeting Date: May 27, 2025 Page 4 of 4 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 Current request for authorization Total authorizations, including this request Remaining amount to be authorized 0 0 0 $0 69,500 0 $69,500 $0 0 0 $208,500 $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. Template revised June 27, 2019 (Diversity in Contracting).