Template revised April 12, 2018.

COMMISSION

AGENDA MEMORANDUM Item No. 8e

ACTION ITEM Date of Meeting February 10, 2026

DATE: February 10, 2026

TO: Stephen P. Metruck, Executive Director

FROM: A Boungjaktha, Managing Director, Economic Development Division

Anna Pavlik, Workforce Dev. Director, Economic Development Division

Robert Brown, Program Manager, Economic Development Division

SUBJECT: Maritime Workforce Recruitment – Competitive Exemption

Amount of this request: $0

Total estimated project cost: $600,000

ACTION REQUESTED

Commission determination that a competitive process is not appropriate or cost effective

consistent with Revised Code of Washington 53.19.020(5) and authorizing the Executive Director

to execute a contract with the Workforce Development Council of Seattle-King County, a non-

profit agency, to advance maritime workforce recruitment and case management. The contract

duration potentially extends through 2028 at the rate of up to $200,000 annually, totaling a

budget of $600,000.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The Port Commission authorized $2.17M in funding for maritime workforce investments in the

Sept. 9, 2025 meeting. The Economic Development Division (EDD) has identified an opportunity

to partner with the Workforce Development Council of Seattle-King County (WDC) to reduce the

need for Port maritime recruitment funds and increase access for jobseekers to other critical

services provided via the WDC and WorkSource system.

The WDC is uniquely positioned to partner with the Port as the sole organization in King County

that receives both Washington state Economic Security for All funds and federal Workforce

Innovation and Opportunity Act funds. When combined with Port funds and directed toward

maritime workforce recruitment and case management, these federal and state resources can

leverage the Port’s expenditures on workforce development for maximum impact.

COMMISSION AGENDA – Action Item No. 8e Page 2 of 4

Meeting Date: February 10, 2026

Template revised September 22, 2016; format updates October 19, 2016.

BACKGROUND

Port Commission approved Phase 1 of the maritime workforce development strategy and budget

on Sept. 9, 2025. Port workforce development staff are in process of procuring partners for:

1. jobseeker recruitment and case management,

2. maritime training and

3. job placement services.

All three scopes are necessary to increase the pool of qualified maritime workers and effectively

connect them to maritime employers.

During the procurement planning phase, EDD identified an opportunity to leverage state and

federal funding designated for workforce development councils across the state, including the

WDC of Seattle-King County. These funds support jobseekers to explore career options, address

barriers to employment and offer financial incentives while jobseekers are in training and looking

for work. The WDC currently receives these federal and state funds and distributes them to a

number of community-based organizations, including but not limited to ACRS, Neighborhood

House, YWCA and TRAC Associates.

If approval is granted, EDD will contract with the WDC to outline how Port funds will augment

state and federal dollars for recruitment, case management and financial incentives. The portion

of Port funding required for the contract will be dependent on contract negotiations and

available state and federal funding.

JUSTIFICATION

EED staff propose a competitive exemption contract with the WDC, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit

organization that serves as the local workforce development board under the federal Workforce

Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). The WDC operates as a regional workforce development

backbone organization by convening stakeholders, shaping policy, and investing in solutions that

reflect community needs and priorities.

The WDC is uniquely positioned to partner with the Port of Seattle as the only organization in

King County that receives both federal Title I Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)

formula funds and Washington State Economic Security for All (EcSA) funds. No other entity in

the region holds this combined statutory authority, geographic jurisdiction, and fiduciary

responsibility. The WDC serves as the federally designated Local Workforce Development Board

for the Seattle–King County region under WIOA and is governed by a cross-sector board of

directors appointed by the Chief Local Elected Officials—the King County Executive and the

Mayor of Seattle. In this role, the WDC administers and oversees WIOA formula funding and EcSA

investments on behalf of the region. Under WIOA, only a designated Local Workforce

Development Board may administer formula workforce funds within a given local area.

COMMISSION AGENDA – Action Item No. 8e Page 3 of 4

Meeting Date: February 10, 2026

Template revised September 22, 2016; format updates October 19, 2016.

Because of the WDC’s unique role, a competitive process is not appropriate or cost effective, and

a competitive exemption is appropriate in accordance with RCW 53.19.020(5). The WDC service

providers are part of the WorkSource network which also creates efficiencies in service delivery

through the WDC’s established network of community-based providers and WorkSource

partners. Services will be begin sooner and avoid a time-consuming competitive procurement

process that would waste the time of community organization who may apply but be

disadvantaged by not having similar funds to leverage.

ALTERNATIVES AND IMPLICATIONS CONSIDERED

Alternative 1) Do not authorize agreement with WDC and require competitive solicitation for

recruitment and case management services.

Pros:

 Provides an opportunity for more organizations to apply.

 Puts the Port in a more direct management role of the recruitment and case

management services.

Cons:

 Spend more Port tax levy resources on services that could be provided using state

and federal dollars.

 Services would start later due to the time it takes to solicit recruitment and case

management services.

 Funded organizations may not be connected to other critical services offered

through WorkSource.

Alternative 2 – Authorize a $600,000 three-year competitive exception contract with the

Workforce Development Council to implement maritime recruitment and case management at a

cost not- to- exceed $600,000.

Pros:



Takes advantage of available federal and state workforce development dollars and

reduces the Port’s 2026 - 2028 expenses.



Creates efficiencies in service delivery through the WDC’s established network of

community-based providers and WorkSource partners.

Cons:

 Limits the ability of other organizations to apply.

 Reduces the Port’s direct influence over the organizations conducting the

recruitment since they will have a contract with the WDC and not the Port.

This is the recommended alternative.

COMMISSION AGENDA – Action Item No. 8e Page 4 of 4

Meeting Date: February 10, 2026

Template revised September 22, 2016; format updates October 19, 2016.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

Cost Estimate/Authorization Summary Capital Expense Total

COST ESTIMATE

Original estimate $0 $600,000 $600,000

AUTHORIZATION

Previous authorizations 0 $600,000

$600,000

Current request for authorization 0 0 0

Total authorizations, including this request 0 $600,000 $600,000

Remaining amount to be authorized $0 $0 $0

Annual Budget Status and Source of Funds

Annual budget is $200,000. The source of funds is the King County tax levy and is one previous

authorization of $2.17M that is inclusive of three scopes of work (recruitment, job training and

job placement services.

ATTACHMENTS TO THIS REQUEST

None.

PREVIOUS COMMISSION ACTIONS OR BRIEFINGS

September 9, 2025 – Commission approved maritime workforce investments through 2028 at

$2.17M total.