Minutes ExhibitA
Port Commission Regular Meeting of August 23. 2016

Good afternoon Commissioners, CEO Pick and distinguished Port of Seattle public
servants. For the record, my name is Ralph B. lbarra, President of DiverseAmerica
Network and I am actively engaged in fostering the participation of small and diverse
firms in all Port procurement projects and activities.
First and foremost, I commend the Port of Seattle Commissioners for incorporating
meaningful provisions in its resolutions and directives to assure that minority, women,
and veteran business enterprises are provided due consideration in all major port
funded projects. I am pleased to report that at most of the informational sessions I
have attended conducted by the General Contractors responsible for the substantial
Port projects, the emphasis on inclusion of diverse subcontractors has been prominent.
I also call attention to the International Arrivals Facility project that is being managed in
a progressive design/build fashion. Progressive Design/Build projects have been shown
to facilitate the participation of local subcontractors because unlike other design-build
contracts, owners have the option to have input in the selection of local subcontractors
through a "best value" bidding process with the design-build team, rather than being
restricted to considering only lowest cost. Examples of value-based criteria are team
and individual personnel qualifications, safety record, and innovative solutions. I urge
the Commission to encourage the use of progressive design/build contracts whenever
appropriate, such as with Agenda Action Item 6a requesting authorization for an
alternative public works delivery mechanism for the Concourse D Hardstand Terminal
(CIP #C800769).
Lastly, I want to be sure that the Commissioners know that I and many other interested
parties wholeheartedly endorse the concept that is Agenda Staff Briefing 7e, Contract
for Janitorial Services at Sea-Tac Airport, formulated by Mr. Lance Lyttle, Managing
Director, Aviation Division, and Mr. Stuart Mathews, Director Aviation Manintenance.
Thank you for your attention and thoughtful consideration.