Template revised January 10, 2019.
COMMISSION
AGENDA MEMORANDUM
Item No.
8c
ACTION ITEM
Date of Meeting
September 23, 2025
DATE: September 16, 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:
$417,000
ACTION REQUESTED
Request Commission authorization to extend its approval of the Aviation Security Training
program, which was approved May 27, 2025, for an additional three years and $208,500,
authorizing the Executive Director to approve OEDI to invest a total of $417,000 in aviation
security training for six years (2026 – 2031). This authorization will direct the Port of Seattle to
contract up to a total of $417,000 over six years to an organization capable of providing aviation
security training to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) employees and near-port
community members.
This item was originally brought to the Commission and approved on May 27, 2025, at a lower
amount and fewer years ($208,500 for three years). It has not yet been solicited.
It has since been determined that investing a higher amount for a longer period would be
advantageous to the Port, as it would allow the training provider more time to execute and
subsequently refine an AV Security training program before returning for approval. By extending
the project period, we will attract more bidders and build a more robust training program with
stronger outcomes.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Commission has approved two training pathways at SEA, which are both being delivered in
partnership with South Seattle College and Port Jobs – Aviation Maintenance Technician and
COMMISSION AGENDA – Action Item No. 8c Page 2 of 3
Meeting Date: September 23, 2025
Template revised June 27, 2019 (Diversity in Contracting).
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, common airport and in-flight security measures for
responding to threats, artificial intelligence as a mechanism to aid security measures, SIDA
badging, and more. The training will prepare participants for an entry-level career in aviation
security. The successful bidder of the solicitation will enter into a contract through 2031 with
OEDI in partnership with Port Jobs. OEDI will report outcomes annually in the annual workforce
development report and continue to monitor impact with internal and external stakeholders.
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.
COMMISSION AGENDA – Action Item No. 8c Page 3 of 3
Meeting Date: September 23, 2025
Template revised June 27, 2019 (Diversity in Contracting).
Schedule
OEDI’s goal is to release this solicitation as soon as possible and enter into a contract in Q1 2026
with services provided 2026 – 2031.
ALTERNATIVES AND IMPLICATIONS CONSIDERED
Alternative 1 – The Port does not proceed with extending the timeline and increasing contract
value 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) We anticipate the Port having on-going security workforce needs, and a three year
contract would not be sufficient to fill these needs.
This is the recommended alternative.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
Cost Estimate/Authorization Summary
Capital
Expense
Total
COST ESTIMATE
Original estimate
$
$208,500
$208,500
AUTHORIZATION
Previous authorizations
0
$208,500
$208,500
Current request for authorization
0
$208,500
$208,500
Total authorizations, including this request
0
$417,000
$417,000
Remaining amount to be authorized
$0
$0
Annual Budget Status and Source of Funds
The Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion will allocate $69,500 annually in tax levy funds for
the next six years.
ATTACHMENTS TO THIS REQUEST
None.
PREVIOUS COMMISSION ACTIONS OR BRIEFINGS
May 27, 2025
