MOTION OF THE PORT OF SEATTLE COMMISSION 
REGARDING ESTABLISHMENT OF THE 
PROJECTS AND PROCUREMENT POLICY COMMITTEE 
ADOPTED MAY 12, 2015 
TEXT OF THE MOTION 
The Commission hereby establishes the Projects and Procurements Policy
Committee to oversee the development of Policy Directives called for in the Port of
Seattle Commission's Responsibility and Authority and Delegation to the CEO (General
Delegation.) The Projects and Procurement Policy Committee shall be governed by two
Commissioners to be chosen by Commission Co-Presidents and senior executives to be
approved by the CEO. This group will be responsible for coordinating efforts to engage
subject matter experts as appropriate. 
The objective of the Projects and Procurement Policy Committee is to develop
policies for consideration and possible adoption by the Port Commission that guide staff
in project management, construction contracting, and all procurements by the Port.
These include, but are not necessarily limited to, operating purchases, ongoing service
agreements, and all elements of capital projects. 
The committee will develop policy recommendations that weigh the trade-offs
between efficiency, cost effectiveness, oversight, and other Port values, such as small and
Women and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (W/DBE) participation. The
recommendations will specifically identify appropriate spending authority and the other
auditable standards within the policies. 
STATEMENT IN SUPPORT OF THE MOTION 
The Port of Seattle's mission is to create jobs by advancing trade and commerce,
promoting industrial growth, and stimulating economic development. The Century
Agenda, adopted by the Port Commission in late 2012, sets out strategies, objectives, and
regional initiatives that guide the Port's efforts in pursuit of this mission. 
The Port was established under Washington law as a public agency and engages
in commercial enterprises that sustain a healthy economy. It is therefore endowed with
both governmental and commercial powers. These dual capabilities require institutional
frameworks that foster public accountability and empower direct conduct of commercial
activity. The Commission is updating the current Master Delegation of Authority for this
purpose and to pursue the Century Agenda. 

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All authority of the Port of Seattle is vested with the Commission in its actions as
a public body. Through this new General Delegation (passed under Resolution No. 3704),
the Commission subsequently delegates to and vests authority with the Chief Executive
Officer ("CEO") and delineates Commission and CEO responsibilities. It sets 
expectations and lays the basis for the respective efforts of the Commission and CEO to
be aligned, complementary, and effective. 
The General Delegation calls for the development and adoption of Policy
Directives to guide the Port's efforts in pursuit of its strategic objectives and empowers
the Commission, together with the CEO, to carry out this effort. The purpose of this
motion is to establish the vehicle to create those Policy Directives governing projects,
contracts and procurements. 
Repeal and Replacement of current Master Delegation: The Directives produced from
this policy committee will replace the following sections of the current Master
Delegation: 
Section 4: Public Works Projects 
Section 5: Non Public Works Projects 
Section 6: Contract and Procurement Administration 
Section 7.1, 7.2, 7.3: Professional, Personal, and Purchased Goods/Service
Agreements 
Section 8.2, 8.3: Utilization of Port crews 

Suggested Scope: The Policy Directive will develop procedural guidance, authorization
levels, and auditable standards for four sets of issues: 
Gaining efficiency in project delivery through adjusting authorization limits and
procedures. 
o  Determine correct level for project authorization by Commission 
o  Determine the process for Commission authorization on day-to-day
operations contracts. 
o  Find more efficient way of notifying Commission about projects 
o  Develop effective procedures for authorizations for alternate contracting
methods 
Improving processes for procurements necessary for day-to-day operations. 
o  Determine Commissioner authorization and notification levels 
o  Streamline purchase procedures for internal staff 
o  Strengthen methods for competitive bidding 
Improving opportunities for small businesses to contract with the Port. 
o  Identify constraints that keep small business from being able to compete
for Port project contracts 
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o  Identify specific constraints involving minority and women-owned
businesses 
o  Provide changes in procedures or assistance to small businesses to
navigate procedures 
Streamlining procedures for construction contracts with the Port. 
o  Determine whether procurements and contracting practices meet Port staff
department needs for efficiency. Streamline procedures for staff to
undertake procurement
o  Eliminate or adjust any procurement procedures and contracting practices
that hinder the contracting community, at large, from doing business with
the Port 

Commissioner Involvement: Two Commissioners will meet with group at appropriate
milestones to review prepared material sent in advance. Commissioners may also
participate directly in creating content, per expertise and interest. 
Proposed Timeline 
Week of May 25-29: First meeting of core group 
June: Meeting(s) to decide on work buckets and process 
June, July, August: Meeting to review content as it develops 
September: Meeting to review overall draft language, plan for roundtable 
October: Meeting to review final document, roundtable results, resolution 

Staffing: Committee staffing will be based on expertise in particular operational areas.
Members of the Committee will only participate in meetings covering areas of their
expertise, but all work circulated to all members. 

Stakeholder Involvement: Stakeholder participation of 1-2 subject matter experts from
the construction, contracting and small business spheres that would have direct input on
early draft language. Later stakeholder involvement will include 4-5 participants in
public roundtable to offer advice on the proposed draft. 

Public Process 
Roundtable of 4-5 stakeholders plus Commissioners, CEO, for review and buy-in
on final draft 
30-day comment period through mailbox between First and Second reading 
Appearance by stakeholders at meeting to approve Resolution on Policy Directive 

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