Item no: 8f_attach 2 
Meeting date: Nov. 16, 2021 

COMMISSION 
AGENDA MEMORANDUM                        Item No.          10d 
ACTION ITEM                            Date of Meeting       May 11, 2021 
DATE:     April 22, 2021 
TO:        Stephen P. Metruck, Executive Director 
FROM:    Luis Navarro, Director, Workforce Development 
Bookda Gheisar, Senior Director, Office of Equity Diversity and Inclusion 
SUBJECT:  Employment Center Management and Workforce Development Services 
Amount of this request:             $ 10,941,250 
Total estimated contract 
cost:                                      $ 10,941,250 
ACTION REQUESTED 
Request Commission authorization  to (1) waive the competitive solicitation process  per 
RCW 53.19.020(5) and authorize the Executive Director to execute an amendment to the current
Port Jobs contract for an estimated value of $456,250 and total contract value of $4,881,250, and
an extension of the contract for a period up to six months through December 31, 2021; and (2)
to authorize the Executive Director to execute a contract for the administrative oversight,
management and implementation of day-to-day operations of the Seattle Tacoma International
Airport (SEA Airport) Employment Center, the provision of workforce development services and
support for the aviation career pathways program for an estimated amount of $10,485,000, and 
a five-year contract term plus two one-year options to renew at the Port's discretion for a
combined total of $10,941,250. 
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 
The Port is seeking interested, qualified charitable organizations, or team of charitable
organizations, granted with tax-exemption 501(C)(3) status by the Internal Revenue Code, or
private entities (Organization), interested in providing services related to management of the
Airport Employment Center, and to provide employment services, training, and workforce
development supports at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA Airport), in accordance with
the approved equitable principles outlined in the Workforce Development Policy Directive
adopted by the Port Commission in June 2020. 
The Organization will provide the following services; day-to-day management of the Employment
Center, training and workforce development services to job seekers and incumbent workers,
outreach and promotion of jobs and careers in aviation, support the aviation career pathways
program, provide culturally competent services, foster effective relations with community based

Template revised January 10, 2019.

COMMISSION AGENDA  Action Item No. _10d__                              Page 2 of 9 
Meeting Date: May 11, 2021 
organizations. Some of the services, as detailed in the RFP and subsequent contract, will be
funded with airport revenues and other services with tax-levy funds to ensure compliance with
the applicable Federal Aviation Administration guidelines and with the Port of Seattle's
Workforce Development Policy Directive. 
The SEA Airport employment center was created in the year 2000. The Port has contracted with
the nonprofit Port Jobs to deliver these services. The next competitive solicitation will be open
to private entities in addition to nonprofits. The center connects thousands of job seekers each
year with dozens of employers at the airport. As a workforce intermediary, the center brings 
together business, labor, education, and public stakeholders to expand employment and training
opportunities in the aviation sector. 
JUSTIFICATION 
Employment and training services at SEA Airport. The Port Commission adopted a Workforce
Development Policy Directive under Port Resolution 3776 (Policy Directive) on June 23, 2020,
affirming that workforce development is critical to achieving the Port's mission to serve as an
economic development agency. The Policy Directive advances the Port of Seattle's commitment
to workforce development and is intended to increase equitable access to economic prosperity,
and in alignment with WA RCW 53.08.245, the Policy Directive applies to all activities of the Port 
of Seattle that support economic development programs, and supports strategic investments in
the aviation, maritime, construction trades, green careers, and other port-related economic
activities where the Port is uniquely positioned to increase equitable access to economic
prosperity and leverage the greatest community impact. 
A survey of airport employers shows that over half of respondents used the Airport Employment
Center at SEA Airport in the past 24 months, and they have overwhelmingly positive feedback on
its services. The surveyconducted by Port of Seattle Business Intelligence for the Office of
Equity,  Diversity,  and  Inclusion/Workforce  Development  in  December  2020had  80
respondents, representing about 54 different airport employers. Key findings include: 
53% of survey respondents reported using the center's services in the past 24 months. 
Use varied by company type: 67% for contract services, 58% for concessionaires, and 27%
for airlines. 
The most commonly used service was job postings at 81%, followed by job fairs, 50%;
referrals to Airport University courses, 47%; open and scheduled interview events at
Airport Jobs, 46%; resource events such as health insurance enrollment fairs, 42%;
promotion of virtual and in-person company hiring events, 41%; and SIDA/AOA badge
preparation, 40%. 
76% of respondents think it's important that the center is located at SEA Airport (rating
this 5,6, or 7 on a 7-point scale). 

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

COMMISSION AGENDA  Action Item No. _10d__                              Page 3 of 9 
Meeting Date: May 11, 2021 

Feedback on the center and its services was overwhelmingly positive, especially in terms
of assistance with hiring staff. Respondents noted that services related to hiring were
considered very helpful by making hiring more time efficient, screening candidates, and
providing a physical space where prospective employees  can be interviewed (prepandemic
). 
This request will ensure continuation and expansion of services funded with airport revenues and
tax levy funds: 
Airport-related job access and training services. SEA Airport is expected to continue its
passenger and air cargo growth in the post-COVID period, and the recovery will increase
the need to recruit, retain and support the career advancement efforts of this important
segment of the regional labor force. This investment will support SEA Airport operations
including; passenger related services, air cargo, and connected sub-sectors such as
logistics, maintenance, dining and retail operations. The Airport Employment Center
connects job seekers with employment opportunities at SEA Airport and provides training
and other resources for job applicants and incumbent airport employees. 
Aviation Pathway Program. Established by the Port to meet the workforce and skill needs
of airport employers and to create career advancement opportunities for airport workers
in entry level jobs and job placement opportunities for job seekers to move into aviation
pathway jobs. Working with expert consultants, the Port identified several key career
pathways and mapped out the career growth progression in cargo and warehouse
operations, aircraft and facilities maintenance, ground operations, safety and security,
customer and passenger services, and dining and retail. Cargo and warehouse operations
has become a growth segment as a result of the COVID-19 crisis. The consultants
identified in-demand pathway and entry jobs; convened airport employers to share
research findings and get their input; gathered information on training programs aligned
with targeted aviation career pathway jobs; identifying aircraft and facilities maintenance
as the first career pathway and aircraft mechanics and service technicians as the first
pathway job to target; and convening partners to design an aviation maintenance
technician (AMT) career pathway program. 
Port Jobs Contract Extension. The existing contract with the nonprofit organization Port
Jobs is scheduled to expire on June 30, 2021, and in order to ensure continuity of services
we are requesting authorization to extend its contract to allow sufficient time to
competitively retain a new provider for these services. The extension will be for services
currently provided through the employment service contract elements which include
outreach and direct employment services to match job seekers and airport employers, 
and continuation of existing on-site job search and core training in airport functions, jobspecific
skills, and safety for new and incumbent workers, including those with limited
English-proficiency. If a new provider is selected, there will be a need to allow time for a

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

COMMISSION AGENDA  Action Item No. _10d__                              Page 4 of 9 
Meeting Date: May 11, 2021 
transition from the on current consultant Port Jobs and support the aviation maintenance
technician (AMT) program by providing outreach and cohort forming for a Fall 2021
program. The AMT program services are currently covered under a separate contract. 
Justification for the Exemption from Competitive Solicitation Under RCW 53.19.202(5) 
Unless a new contract falls under one of the five exemptions in RCW 53.19.020, it must be subject
to "competitive solicitation" defined as "a documented formal process providing an equal and
open opportunity to qualified parties and culminating in a selection based on criteria, in which
criteria other than price may be the primary basis for consideration." RCW 53.19.020 lists five
exemptions from competitive solicitation. The fifth exemption is for "other contracts or classes
or groups of contracts exempted from the competitive solicitation process by the commission
when it has been determined that a competitive solicitation process is not appropriate or costeffective."
RCW 53.19.020(5). 
For the Port Jobs contract to fall under the exemption in RCW 53.19.020(5), the Commission must
make a reasoned determination that the competitive solicitation process would not be
appropriate or cost effective. In making such determination, the Commission can avoid acting
arbitrarily and  capriciously by noting and discussing relevant facts and circumstances. In
reviewing this issue, the Commission may establish that a reasonable basis exists, including wider
policy considerations, to exempt the contract with the non-profit organization Port Jobs from
competition for a six-month period. Such considerations may include the Commission's
commitment to continuing support of workforce development and job creation services as a core
mission of the Port while the Port conducts a rigorous competitive process to identify a qualified
consultant to provide these services in the future. 
The six-month extension includes $225,000 in contracted services detailed in the current
contract, an estimated $181,250 rent cost for the leased space at SEA Airport, plus $50,000 for
the AMT program currently contracted under a separate contract with Port Jobs. 
Funding Sources 
The employment center contracted services are funded by airport revenues and tax levy funds, 
as detailed in the scope of work. Airport funded tasks must comply with the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA) guidelines for airport revenue uses. The following are the tasks by founding
source: 
Tasks Funded with Airport Revenues 
Employer engagement services that support the airport operation 
Maintain online job postings provided by employers available to job seekers 
Support online recruitment and referrals to employers 
Perform targeted recruitment, applicant screening, and referrals to airport employers
Host and/or participate in job fairs and hiring events 
Maintain a database of industry contacts and events supported 
Additional details included in the solicitation 

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

COMMISSION AGENDA  Action Item No. _10d__                              Page 5 of 9 
Meeting Date: May 11, 2021 

Tasks Funded with Tax Levy Funds 
Connect job seekers and displaced workers to community resources 
Support job seekers with job search skills training and resume writing 
Provide wraparound supports as approved by the Port 
Support the aviation pathway program with outreach and cohort forming 
Additional details included in the solicitation 
DIVERSITY IN CONTRACTING 
The Port's Diversity in Contracting team has recommended an aspirational goal of women and
minority business enterprises (WMBE firms) utilization of 5%. 
DETAILS 
The Port's investments in workforce development are based on principles of equity, diversity and
inclusion, and investment outcomes are measured in accordance with the Policy Directive
approved by the Port Commission. To accomplish these goals the Organization must be proficient
in providing services using an equity, diversity and inclusion principles, and with a proven track
record of implementing related efforts in a multi-cultural and multi-language environment of the
near-port communities. 
The following are the components of the SEA Employment Center services: 
Management of the Employment Center: The Employment Center is a one-stop shop 
where individuals interested in working at SEA Airport learn about job openings at the
airport and about airport related training opportunities. The Employment Center is the
primary recruiting source for SEA Airport employers, providing airport tenants with a
single point of contact for recruiting, interviewing, hiring, and training assistance to
support their operation. 
Provide Airport-Related Training: The Organization will provide basic training to SEA
Airport workers associated with the airport operation, as requested by airport tenants
and approved by the Port. Excluded from the contract is the training provided through
the Airport University or a similar program not funded by the Port is managed separately
by the Organization. 
Support Aviation Career Pathways Training: The Organization will support the Port
funded aviation career pathways program that provides aviation related job skills to assist
individuals in advancing their careers at SEA Airport and start a pathway to a living wage
career in the aviation industry. Support includes; recruiting airport workers and
community members, in particular displaced airport workers, to create the cohorts for
the career advancement training programs. The Port will contract directly with the
training organizations. 

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

COMMISSION AGENDA  Action Item No. _10d__                              Page 6 of 9 
Meeting Date: May 11, 2021 

Support Outreach and Wraparound Services: The Organization will support key elements
of the Port's WFD strategic plan, as outlined in the Scope of Work (SOW) section. Services
include; connect airport workers and job seekers to community resources to access social
service supports, outreach and the promotion of airport open jobs and training
opportunities, and available wraparound supports in aviation to near-port unemployed
and  under-employed  communities,  in  particular,  disproportionately  impacted
communities, communities at high risk of displacement including youth, women, black,
indigenous, communities of color, immigrant and refugee communities. 
Provide Cultural Competency and Foster Effective Community Relations: The
Organization will ensure effective cultural competence to serve the diversity of job
seekers, many of whom are immigrants and refugees and populations with limited English
proficiency,  and  will  develop  supportive  relationships  with  community-based
organizations that serve the ethnic, immigrant and refugee populations in the airport
geographical area. 
Compliance with Federal Aviation Administration Guidelines: The Employment Center
must be managed in accordance with the airport revenue uses guidelines as authorized
by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The Port will require reports and invoicing
showing the funding sources, accordingly. 
Schedule 
Date         What                        Action to be Taken 
Commission Meeting           Approval to advertise Airport RFPs and
May 11, 2021                                       execute contract 
Authorization to extend Port Jobs
Contract (3 Month Extension to
September 30, 2021) 
Quarter 2, 2021       Employment Center RFP         Publish solicitation 
Quarter 3, 2021       Employment Center               Announce Consultant Decision 
Quarter 4, 2021       Employment Center               Transition Planning and Implementation 
January 1, 2022      Employment Center              Start of Contract 
Cost Breakdown                                                            This Request 
Six-month extension, all costs (July 1-December 31, 2021)                             $456,250 
Employment Center Services (2022-2028)                                        $5,925,000 
Rent (Estimated 2022-2028)                                                      $3,560,000 
Aviation Career Pathways Support (2022-2028)                                    $1,000,000 
Total (Jul. 2021-Dec 2028)                                                          $10,941,250 


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

COMMISSION AGENDA  Action Item No. _10d__                              Page 7 of 9 
Meeting Date: May 11, 2021 
ALTERNATIVES AND IMPLICATIONS CONSIDERED 
Alternative 1 
Hire Port staff to operate the airport employment center as an inhouse Port department, and do
not issue an RFP and do not execute a contract for the continuation of the employment services
at SEA Airport. 
Cost Implications: 
$600,000 annually or greater to hire 5 or more FTEs to operate the employment center at SEA
Airport. 
Pros: 
(1)   Developing an in-house center of expertise to manager the SEA Airport employment
center will provide opportunities for Port staff to develop the necessary skills to engage
in employment and training assistance for airport tenants and job seekers. 
(2)   This new department will create employment opportunities for job seekers and Port
staff who wish to transfer into this new line of work. 
Cons: 
(1)   There is expertise already available in the community and there is no need to create
these skills inhouse. 
(2)   The Port cost of hiring and maintaining a new department will most likely exceed the
overall cost of having a nonprofit or private entity operate the employment center. 
This is not the recommended alternative. 
Alternative 2 
Do not issue and RFP and do not execute a contract for the operation of the SEA employment
center. 
Cost Implications: 
Zero dollars ($0) 
Pros: 
(1)   The Port will save an estimated $11 million by not hiring an Organization to manage the
operation of the SEA Airport employment center. 
(2)   The airport space can be repurposed for other uses. 
Cons: 
(1)   A survey of airport tenants show that the Employment Center is an important resource
for airport employers. 
(2)   The Port is committed to providing workforce development resources and supporting
the Employment Center has been a long-term priority for the Port. 

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

COMMISSION AGENDA  Action Item No. _10d__                              Page 8 of 9 
Meeting Date: May 11, 2021 
(3)   Job seekers benefit from having a one-stop shop for job search, and skills development. 
This is not the recommended alternative. 
Alternative 3 
Request Commission approval to issue and RFP and execute a contract for the administrative
oversight, management and implementation of day to day operations of the SEA Airport 
Employment Center, the provision of workforce development services and support for the
aviation career pathways program, including a six-month extension to the current contract to
allow for the RFP process to conclude successfully. 
Cost Implications: 
The proposed five years contract cost plus two one-year options to effectively operate the
Employment Center is $10,941,250, and the six-month extension of the current contract with the
nonprofit Port Jobs from June-December 2021 is $456,250. 
Pros: 
(1)   A new contract for the operation of the SEA Airport Employment Center will support
the Port's Century Agenda Goals #3 "Responsibly invest in the economic growth of the
region and all its communities", in particular, career connected learning and supporting
family wage jobs, and Goal #5 "Become a model for equity, diversity and inclusion. 
(2)   The Employment Center is used by many employers at SEA Airport to promote aviation
sector jobs and thousands of new job seekers and incumbent airport workers find the
"one-stop center" a great resource for jobs and training. 
(3)   The new emphasis on Aviation Career Pathways provides access to in-demand careers
at the airport, and it is supported by airport employers.
Cons: 
(1)   Port has staff has to ensure proper oversight of contract deliverables to ensure
compliance with the applicable FAA regulations and WA RCW related to workforce
development. 
(2)   This is a financial investment and the Port must spend several million dollars over the
course of the contract.
This is the recommended alternative. 




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

COMMISSION AGENDA  Action Item No. _10d__                              Page 9 of 9 
Meeting Date: May 11, 2021 

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS 
Cost Estimate/Authorization Summary                            Expense             Total 
COST ESTIMATE 
Six-month extension (Jul-Dec 2021)                            $406,250        $406,250 
Fall 2021 AMT Cohort outreach and forming                    $50,000         $50,000 
Five-year contract (Jan-2022/Dec-2026)-Estimated           $6,890,000      $6,890,000 
Two one-year extensions at Port discretion-Estimated        $3,595,000       $3,595,000 
Total Authorization                                                           $10,941,250 
Annual Budget Status and Source of Funds 
The annual cost will be included in the Port's operating budget. The Airport Employment Center
contract will be funded with airport revenues and tax levy funds for those elements not allowed
under the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) authorized revenue uses rules. The breakdown
by source of funds is detailed in the request for proposal.
ATTACHMENTS TO THIS REQUEST 
(1)   Draft airport lease amendment and airport license to operate 
(2)   Port Jobs 2019 results infographic 
(3)   Sample License 
(4)   Classroom Schematic 
(5)   Center Office Schematic 
(6)   Workforce Development Resolution No. 3776 
(7)   Presentation slides 
PREVIOUS COMMISSION ACTIONS OR BRIEFINGS 
April 20, 2021  The Commission Equity and Workforce Development Committee was briefed 
June 23, 2020  The Commission approved the workforce development resolution No. 3776 
September 22, 2015  The Port Commission authorized the current contract 






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