COMMISSION 
AGENDA MEMORANDUM                        Item No.          8d 
ACTION ITEM                            Date of Meeting     November 9, 2021 

DATE:     September 9, 2021 
TO:        Stephen P. Metruck, Executive Director 
FROM:     Jason R. Coke, Police Sergeant 
SUBJECT:  2022 Police Bomb Disposal Unit Robot Purchase (CIP #C801260) 
Amount of this request:             $350,000 
Total estimated project cost:         $350,000 
ACTION REQUESTED 
Request Commission authorization for the Executive Director to execute a contract in the
estimated amount of $350,000 to purchase a bomb disposal robot. 
JUSTIFICATION 
Safety and security are critical to ensure the continuity of operations at Seattle-Tacoma
International Airport. As the 9th busiest airport in the United States, maintaining the ability to
move passengers and cargo is critical. Ensuring the Port of Seattle Police Bomb Disposal Unit has
the most advanced technology to mitigate threats helps ensure that continuity of operations is
maintained. 
The use of a bomb disposal robotics platform is critical to the safe and timely resolution of
suspicious items. A robotics platform is required in inventory of all certified bomb disposal
units. Ten years ago, the first wireless robotics platforms were introduced. Prior to wireless
platforms, robots were tethered first by hard cable and eventually by fiber optic wire. Wireless
platforms were superior, functioning without a tether hindering their mobility or limiting their
distance. 
The current robot platform deployed by our bomb disposal unit is the first generation of wireless
platforms deployed. Our platform has faced challenges over the last year. We have had several
calls in which the wireless technology has been disrupted or interfered with by stray radiofrequency
interference (RFI). The stray RFI issues are significant at and around the airport due to
the power and amount of RF produced. When the robot is hindered in operation by RFI, the
technicians must switch to manual operations; manual techniques are more dangerous and time
consuming. Additional time to clear the call and retrieve the robot increases the delay in a return
to service for customers and stakeholders. The most recent event closed the Arrivals (lower

Template revised January 10, 2019.

COMMISSION AGENDA  Action Item No. 8d                                  Page 2 of 4 
Meeting Date: November 9, 2021 
drive) roadway at the airport for an extended period as robot operations were unsuccessful due
to wireless communication issues. 
Since the original wireless platforms were introduced ten years ago, advances in available
technology have newer platforms superior in performance in several areas including a reduction
in RFI challenges. The platform we are seeking authorization to purchase is built by the same
manufacturer of our current platform and is designed to function in a variety of areas to include
on aircraft. Robotics platforms are a significant piece of safety equipment in a bomb squad's
render safe capabilities. Over a decade of wear and tear and the technological lag of our current
platform has the robot performing at the end of its useful life. 
Diversity in Contracting 
The purchase of this bomb disposal robot is only available through the manufacturer. Diversity
contracting is not feasible or available. 
ALTERNATIVES AND IMPLICATIONS CONSIDERED 
Alternative 1  Deny the purchase of a new robotics platform. 
Cost Implications: Continue to maintain and repair current platforms. Continue to see delays in
the clearing of suspicious packages when the current platform has RF interference issues. Delays
in returning to normal operations as manual techniques are used.
Pros: 
(1)   No funding would be required. 
Cons: 
(1)   Continue to use a platform at the end of its useful life. 
(2)   Current platform faces functional issues requiring more dangerous and time-consuming
methods to be used. 
(3)   Denial would only delay the need for a newer platform for a short time as the current
platform continues to downgrade. 
This is not the recommended alternative. 
Alternative 2  Attempt to maintain and modernize current platform 
Cost Implications: Approximately $130,000 in costs associated with updated mechanical systems
over the next three years.
Pros: 
(1)   Less than purchase of a new platform. 
(2)   Mechanically update the current platform to function at a high level. 
Cons: 
(1)   No modernization of RF exists for the existing platform. 

Template revised June 27, 2019 (Diversity in Contracting).

COMMISSION AGENDA  Action Item No. 8d                                  Page 3 of 4 
Meeting Date: November 9, 2021 
(2)   No change in interference issues, the current platform would still face interference
issues. 
(3)   Continues to use antiquated wireless technology. 
This is not the recommended alternative. 
Alternative 3  Purchase the new robotics platform from the same manufacturer. 
Cost Implications: $350,000 for the cost of the new platform. 
Pros: 
(1)   Decreased costs associated with maintaining an aging platform, 
(2)   Increased performance from new platform, faster and safer resolution of suspicious
item calls. 
(3)   Faster return to normal operations following BDU robot deployment. 
(4)    Allows for use of existing attachments and tools. 
(5)    Minimal training necessary. 
Cons: 
(1)   Requires $350,000 in funds. 
This is the recommended alternative. 
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS 
$350,000 
Cost Estimate/Authorization Summary              Capital        Expense           Total 
COST ESTIMATE 
Original estimate                                   $350,000               $0        $350,000 
Previous changes  net                                    0                0                0 
Current change                                          0               0               0 
Revised estimate                                          0                0                0 
AUTHORIZATION 
Previous authorizations                                    0                0                0 
Current request for authorization                    350,000                0         350,000 
Total authorizations, including this request           350,000                0         350,000 
Remaining amount to be authorized              $350,000             $0       $350,000 
Annual Budget Status and Source of Funds 
This was included in the 2022 Corporate Capital Project budget plan under CIP #C801260 in the
amount of $350,000. 


Template revised June 27, 2019 (Diversity in Contracting).

COMMISSION AGENDA  Action Item No. 8d                                  Page 4 of 4 
Meeting Date: November 9, 2021 
ATTACHMENTS TO THIS REQUEST 
None 
PREVIOUS COMMISSION ACTIONS OR BRIEFINGS 
None 
















Template revised June 27, 2019 (Diversity in Contracting).