Template revised January 10, 2019.
COMMISSION
AGENDA MEMORANDUM Item No. 8d
ACTION ITEM Date of Meeting January 13, 2026
DATE : December 5, 2025
TO: Stephen P. Metruck, Executive Director
FROM: Darryl McKinney, Asst. Director, Aviation Security
SUBJECT: 2026-2027 STAC Reimbursement Memorandum
Amount of this request for 2026 and 2027 not-to-exceed: $10,000,000
ACTION REQUESTED
Authorization for the Executive Director to execute an agreement with the Seattle Tacoma Airline
Consortium (STAC) for exit lane staffing reimbursement for two years. 2026 costs are not to
exceed $4,600,000. We anticipate 2027 costs to increase by approximately 5% totaling
$4,830,000. Regardless of the increase, the total two-year cost is not to exceed $10,000,000.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Due to locally hosted special events, an increase in international flights, a projected record
number of passengers, and federal budget cuts, the TSA has requested continued assistance with
exit lane staffing for 2026 and 2027 at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. The operational
risks of not providing this assistance include passenger processing delays at security checkpoints
and increased congestion throughout the terminal, which would also add security risk. This
request allows the TSA to focus on opening all available screening lanes needed for maximum
passenger throughput while STAC provides the personnel to staff exit lanes.
JUSTIFICATION
This contract is in the best interest of the Port, STAC, the airlines and other users of the airport,
including the traveling public, to avoid congestion and delays at the security checkpoints.
Diversity in Contracting
Not applicable, the Port will not contract services.
COMMISSION AGENDA – Action Item No. _8d_ Page 2 of 3
Meeting Date: January 13, 2026
Template revised June 27, 2019 (Diversity in Contracting).
DETAILS
Scope of Work
STAC agrees to provide the TSA with personnel to staff, and shall staff, the A Concourse exit lane
(adjacent to checkpoint 2) and the C Concourse Exit Lane (adjacent to checkpoint 4) at the airport.
The Port agrees to reimburse STAC for the cost per the terms of this agreement.
Schedule
Agreement shall commence on January 15, 2026 through December 31, 2027.
ALTERNATIVES AND IMPLICATIONS CONSIDERED
Alternative 1 – Discontinue staffing the passenger exit lanes at the airport. Ending this support
could negatively impact airport operations, lead to increased security and safety concerns, and
disrupt air travel causing travel delays for our customers and airlines.
Cost Implications: This will save up to $10,000,000 for STAC through 2027.
Pros:
(1) None for the Port
Cons:
(1) Potential Safety and Security concerns
(2) Customer Service concerns for our tenants and the traveling public
(3) Potential delays and disruption to air travel
This is not the recommended alternative.
Alternative 2 – Starting on January 15, 2026, begin reimbursing STAC for staffing the exit lanes
at the airport utilizing approved sub-contractors according to the terms of the Memorandum of
Agreement (MOU) between the Port and STAC.
Cost Implications: Not to exceed $10,000,000 through December 31, 2027
Pros:
(1) This allows the TSA to ensure appropriate staffing at the checkpoints, helping to
minimize congestion.
(2) Allows TSA to focus on the checkpoints and on the safety and security of traveling
public.
Cons:
(1) None for the Port.
This is the recommended alternative.
COMMISSION AGENDA – Action Item No. _8d_ Page 3 of 3
Meeting Date: January 13, 2026
Template revised June 27, 2019 (Diversity in Contracting).
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
Cost Estimate/Authorization Summary Capital Expense Total
COST ESTIMATE
Original estimate $0 $10,000,000 $10,000,000
AUTHORIZATION
Previous authorizations 0 0 0
Current request for authorization 0 0 0
Total authorizations, including this request 0 $4,600,000 $4,600,000
Remaining amount to be authorized $0 Up to
$5,400,000
Up to
$5,400,000
Annual Budget Status and Source of Funds
STAC for exit lane staffing reimbursement was included in the approved 2026 operating expense
budget. The funding source would be the Airport Development Fund. The expenses would be
recovered through airline rates and charges. The cost per enplanement for 2026 is $0.17. The
2027 cost per enplanement is TBD.
Future Revenues and Expenses (Total cost of ownership)
Not applicable
ADDITIONAL BACKGROUND
STAC use their combined resources to purchase or hire common needs, for example fuel or
interline baggage (bags delivered from one airline to another for connections). STAC has
determined that exit lane staffing is a common need and has agreed to coordinate the staffing.
The total spend through December 2027 is not to exceed $10,000,000.
ATTACHMENTS TO THIS REQUEST
(1) Memorandum of Agreement
PREVIOUS COMMISSION ACTIONS OR BRIEFINGS
March 11, 2025– The Commission authorized $3,500,000
April 2, 2024 – The Commission authorized $2,600,000
June 8, 2023 – Executive Delegation Authorization Request for TSA Exit Lane Staffing Support
$1,300,000
October 13, 2022 – The Commission authorized $235,000
