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Board approves TSA training-room upgrades at Bishop airport; GSA to reimburse county
Summary
Inyo County approved a $160,750 contract to Sierra Security Systems to upgrade a TSA training room in the airport annex; the Government Services Administration will reimburse the county about $185,000, and a small budget amendment was approved to cover higher bid costs.
The Inyo County Board of Supervisors voted Jan. 7 to approve upgrades to a Transportation Security Administration training room leased in the Bishop airport annex and to accept a reimbursement arrangement from the federal Government Services Administration.
Deputy Public Works Director Ashley Holmes told the board the annex room has lacked necessary network and security connections for TSA to use it fully. The county put the work out to bid and received one qualified proposal from the local firm Sierra Security Systems. “This item before you today includes awarding the contract to Sierra Security for $160,750,” Holmes said, adding that the GSA will reimburse the county for $185,000 to cover both construction costs and administrative expenses.
Holmes said the upgrades include electrical and data improvements, secure door hardware and entry controls (a scramble pad), and that many of the infrastructure components could be relocated to a future terminal. The county will process a budget amendment because the bid came in slightly higher than anticipated; Holmes said the amendment increases both expense and the GSA reimbursement by just over $10,000.
At public comment a resident questioned TSA effectiveness and criticized federal security procedures. Holmes, county staff and other supervisors clarified that the county is acting as the building owner and prime on the contract and that the federal agency, not the county, determines TSA operational requirements and training standards.
The board approved the contract award and related budget changes by vote.
What happens next: County staff will finalize the contract with Sierra Security Systems and coordinate with GSA for reimbursement and project administration. The improvements are intended to allow TSA to complete required training onsite until a new terminal is built.
