Sea-Tac Selects Kone as Elevator/Escalator Contractor for 2001-2005

Emphasis placed on maintaining operations during major construction

(Seattle)-- The Aviation Division of the Port of Seattle has selected KONE (formerly Montgomery KONE) as its elevator/escalator maintenance contractor for Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. The new contract took effect Jan. 1, 2001, and runs for three years with two one-year renewals at the Port's discretion.

Vendor selection was not a traditional low-bid competition. Bidder scoring was competitive, based 50 percent on price, 50 percent on the vendor's proposed level of service. Six bidders, both local and national service companies, participated in the process.

"While cost is extremely important as we gear up for a massive capital improvement program," said Conveyance Systems Manager Paul Grace, "we operate in 24-hour customer-centered facility where service and continuous operation is critical. The 50/50 bid process served us well."

The contract covers both preventive and corrective maintenance for 54 elevators and 60 escalators at Sea-Tac, and for 14 units that will come on line in the next few years.

The new contract provides for an increase of 53% in manpower to better serve customers and maintain the equipment, much of which is 30 years old. There will now be two mechanics (up from one) on the day and evening shifts, with one mechanic and one helper on the night shift.

The annual contract amount is $1.342 million, subject to a maximum two percent annual increase. (The current annual amount is $1.267 million.)

The new contract is focused on the Port's performance and service standards. New features include:

Three-month advanced scheduling, for more coordination of maintenance with airlines and other tenants
Performance and response time standards provide strict service definitions and penalties if standards and timeframes are not adhered to
A computerized maintenance system with work orders issued and inventory monitored by the Port's own computer system
Quality control program with a joint contractor/owner focus on quality of service through regular inspections and prompt correction of deficiencies
Annual pre-budget audits to plan for improvements, repairs and replacements

"Our focus is on building a partnership with KONE for the benefit of Sea-Tac and KONE," said Grace. "The airport is too important a regional resource to take any other approach."

In the next few weeks, the Port and KONE will transition to the new contract with its performance orientation and emphasis on regular, systematic communication.

"This is a great example of finding ways to both save money and improve customer service," said Michael Feldman, Director of Aviation Facilities for Sea-Tac. "Paul and Chief Engineer Gary Lindstrom negotiated a contract that represents the best in stewardship of a public facility."