Template revised January 10, 2019.
COMMISSION
AGENDA MEMORANDUM
Item No.
8d
ACTION ITEM
Date of Meeting
August 11, 2026
DATE : August 3, 2026
TO: Stephen P. Metruck, Executive Director
FROM: Keri Stephens, Director Aviation Facilities and Capital Programs
Krista Sadler, Director Technology Delivery
SUBJECT: SEA Flight Information Display System (FIDS) Refresh and License and Support
Contract (CIP #C802152)
Amount of this project request:
$1,200,000
Total estimated project cost:
$1,200,000
Estimated 10-year contract amount:
$3,800,000
ACTION REQUESTED
Request Commission authorization for the Executive Director to 1) proceed with the FIDS
Refresh project; 2) execute contract(s) for the software license, hardware, and vendor
implementation and support services and 3) use Port staff for implementation. The amount
requested for project implementation under this authorization is $1,200,000. Total estimate for
an up-to-ten-year contract is $3,800,000.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The SEA FIDS system formats and displays flight, gate, ticket counter, and baggage claim
information for the public in a variety of digital signage configurations; single screen to multi-
screen displays. The information, sourced from the airport resource management system, is
largely provided directly from airlines, through airline schedules, or flight data aggregators. In
addition to digital signage, the system also includes first bag/last bag data collection and
integration into the baggage claim signage.
The current system, procured and implemented in 2012, has not kept up with requirements that
allow for different information channels, content scheduling, dynamic messaging, flexible
templates, multiple content types, and vibrant transitions. Over the past several years,
requirements for more flexibility have been met with an alternative signage content
management system.
This project, estimated at $1,200,000, will replace the current FIDS with a modern digital signage
content management system, upgrade digital signage computers that are over 14 years old and
COMMISSION AGENDA – Action Item No. 8d Page 2 of 5
Meeting Date: August 11, 2026
Template revised June 27, 2019 (Diversity in Contracting).
well past their end-of-life, replace aging first bag/last bag data collection computers with
improved cyber security protections, and implement an alternative messaging channel that can
be deployed to communicate during abnormal operations. This authorization also includes an up-
to-ten-year contract, estimated at $3,800,000, for licensing and support that includes some
contingency for growth.
JUSTIFICATION
SEA digital signage is a critical passenger communication tool showing flight times, gate locations,
bag claim information, and check-in areas. A modern digital signage content management system
is essential for today’s airports because it enables reliable, real-time communication across a
complex, fast-moving environment. It will support richer, data-driven content, improving the
passenger experience while reducing new signage development efforts for staff. Enhanced
security, scalability, and remote management capabilities help maintain continuity of service and
support future expansion.
Diversity in Contracting
Project staff will work with the Diversity in Contracting Department to determine if a women-
and-minority-owned business enterprise (WMBE) aspirational goal should be assigned.
DETAILS
Scope of Work
(1) Procurement and implementation of a new digital signage content management
system.
(2) Integration with signage content such as the SEA resource management system for
flight information or check point wait times.
(3) Development of multiple information display templates including flight, baggage, gate,
and ticket counter information displays.
(4) Development of Port/Airline display sharing for common-use gates.
(5) Development of a visual paging content type capable of capturing messages that can be
incorporated into display templates.
(6) Development of an alternate channel to accommodate specialized messages that need
to supersede normal programming.
(7) Replacement of approximately 250 digital signage computers that are over 14 years old.
(8) Replacement of the First bag/Last bag data collection units to improve cyber security.
The project will not include replacement or movement of existing digital monitors.
COMMISSION AGENDA – Action Item No. 8d Page 3 of 5
Meeting Date: August 11, 2026
Template revised June 27, 2019 (Diversity in Contracting).
Schedule
Activity
Commission authorization
Procurement
Deployment start
Estimated Completion
Cost Breakdown
This Request
Total Project
Equipment
$600,000
$600,000
Vendor Services
$200,000
$200,000
Port Labor
$400,000
$400,000
Total
$1,200,000
$1,200,000
ALTERNATIVES AND IMPLICATIONS CONSIDERED
Alternative 1 – Replace FIDS software and end-of-life digital signage monitors.
Cost Implications: $5,500,000
Pros:
(1) Provides more flexibility for the SEA Signage department to update and create new
signage quickly to meet changing business needs.
(2) Signage hardware, monitors, and software are on current versions, maintaining our
security patching capabilities and improving our resilience.
(3) Signage at risk of failure will be updated, reducing the impact of a patchwork of
equipment that looks less professional.
Cons:
(1) Additional capital is required to purchase and install new monitors and while major
construction was not planned, casework will need modifications to fit new monitor
sizes.
(2) Additional operational impacts exist as signage is updated.
This is not the recommended alternative.
Alternative 2 – Upgrade the current SEA digital signage system.
Cost Implications: $1,248,000
Pros:
(1) Support and signage teams are familiar with the technology, reducing training needs
and change impacts.
COMMISSION AGENDA – Action Item No. 8d Page 4 of 5
Meeting Date: August 11, 2026
Template revised June 27, 2019 (Diversity in Contracting).
Cons:
(1) Vendor has confirmed no significant improvements to their content management
system features. Current frustrations will remain for next several years.
(2) Current signage needs are met using an alternative solution eliminating benefits of a
single signage solution with flexibility to update communication depending on the
location and immediate operational needs.
(3) Higher ten-year estimated total cost of ownership than the recommended solution.
This is not the recommended alternative.
Alternative 3 – Replace FIDS software with a modern digital signage content management system
and current hardware.
Cost Implications: $1,200,000
Pros:
(1) Provides more flexibility for the SEA Signage department to update and create new
signage quickly to meet changing business needs.
(2) Signage hardware, monitors, and software are on current versions, maintaining our
security patching capabilities and improving our resilience.
(3) To meet the capital constraint challenge at SEA, this project will not replace end-of-life
displays deferring approximately $4,000,000 in equipment and construction costs.
Cons:
(1) If individual monitors fail, we likely can’t replace them with like sizes. This could reduce
the professional look of the customer-facing display.
This is the recommended alternative.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
Cost Estimate/Authorization Summary
Capital
Expense
Total
COST ESTIMATE
Original estimate
$1,200,000
$3,800,000
$5,000,000
AUTHORIZATION
Previous authorizations
$0
$0
$0
Current request for authorization
$1,200,000
$3,800,000
$5,000,000
Total authorizations, including this request
$1,200,000
$3,800,000
$5,000,000
Remaining amount to be authorized
$0
$0
$0
COMMISSION AGENDA – Action Item No. 8d Page 5 of 5
Meeting Date: August 11, 2026
Template revised June 27, 2019 (Diversity in Contracting).
Annual Budget Status and Source of Funds
This project, CIP C802152 – Flight Information System Refresh, was not included in the 2026–
2030 Capital Budget and Plan of Finance with an allocated budget of $1,200,000. The budget of
$1,200,000 was transferred from the Aeronautical Allowance CIP C800753 resulting in no net
change to the Airport capital budget. The project will be funded by the Airport Development
Fund. The annual up-to-ten-year contract, estimated at $3,800,000, for licensing and support will
be budgeted within the Aviation’s annual operating budget.
Financial Analysis and Summary
Project cost for analysis
$5,000,000
Business Unit (BU)
Terminal Building
Effect on business performance
(NOI after depreciation)
NOI after depreciation will increase due to inclusion of
capital (and operating) costs in airline rate base.
IRR/NPV (if relevant)
N/A
CPE Impact
$0.01 in 2028
Future Revenues and Expenses (Total cost of ownership)
Estimated annual licensing and support costs of $240,000 will be budgeted within the Aviation
Maintenance operating budget. This will be offset after full implementation by approximately
$150,000 when the current system is decommissioned.
ATTACHMENTS TO THIS REQUEST
None
PREVIOUS COMMISSION ACTIONS OR BRIEFINGS
None