The Yakima Air Terminal-McAllister Field’s main passenger terminal building was original constructed in the 1950’s and throughout the years was upgraded to meet passenger and security demands.  As security measures became more prominent within the aviation industry, the terminal building was retrofitted with a passenger security checkpoint and passenger security exit lane.  The passenger security exit lane is a manual door that is outdated, outlived its useful lift, and requires airport staff to operate the door as arriving passengers deplane from their aircraft.  This door also prevents unauthorized or prohibited items from entering the aviation system as arriving passenger meet their friends and family in the lobby of the building.  Airports throughout the nation are upgrading their infrastructure and security protocols to an automated passenger security exit lane system, which will eliminate the ability to introduce prohibited items onto an aircraft.  This system will also help minimize the spread of the COVID-19 virus by properly spacing passengers as they deplane their aircraft and enter the public area of the main passenger terminal building. 

The cost estimate from Record-USA to upgrade the Yakima Air Terminal-McAllister Field's passenger security exit lane system is $99,636 which under Article IV, Section 6 of the City of Yakima Charter and the Yakima Municipal Code Chapter 1.80 would require competitive bids. Because Record-USA is the only certified automated passenger security exit lane manufacturer meeting stringent Transportation Security Administration regulations, it is in the best interest of the City to approve this project without calling for bids. A notice of intent to sole source was advertised in the Yakima Herald Republic on 8/24/2021 and 8/25/2021 and received no response.  Funds to acquire and install the automated passenger security exit lane will derive from the airport's operating funds.