Mobile Airport Authority grapples with $6 million consulting contract

The Mobile Airport Authority faces a significant decision as it pushes forward with its $381 million expansion. During a meeting on Wednesday, board members sparred over a proposed $6 million consulting contract aimed at ensuring a seamless transition to the new international terminal at Brookley.

Bridging the Operational Gap

As construction on the new terminal and parking deck moves toward completion—recently featured by the Engineering & Public Works Roadshow—the authority is turning its attention to the complex process of Operational Readiness, Activation, and Transition (ORAT). Industry experts describe ORAT as the vital bridge between finishing construction and successfully launching daily airport operations.

With commercial passenger services set to shift from Mobile Regional Airport to the new international facility next year, the transition requires specialized training and logistical precision to ensure the customer experience is top-tier from the very first day.

Contractual Debate

Board Chair Sandy Stimpson has proposed a framework to bring in the Vantage Group to oversee this transition. Stimpson is looking to authorize a team consisting of interim executive director Adam Hays, VP of finance Bo Britain, and himself to negotiate a formal agreement. If finalized, the three-year deal would cost roughly $200,000 per month.

However, the proposal met resistance from board member Walter Bell, who expressed concerns over the speed of the process and the lack of an indemnity clause in the initial term sheet. Bell emphasized the need for transparency and cautioned against rushing a deal of this magnitude. Furthermore, Bell argued that the authority should prioritize hiring and training its own permanent staff rather than relying heavily on outside consultants.

The Pressure of the Clock

Stimpson defended the move by highlighting the tight timeline, noting that industry experts advise starting ORAT preparation six to eight months earlier than the board is currently positioned to act. He maintained that a nationwide search for new hires would not provide the necessary alignment required to open the terminal on schedule.

Vice Chair Luckett Robinson provided a strong endorsement for the partnership, noting that while the airport staff is talented, they lack the specific experience of managing a full-scale airport transition. Robinson argued that bypassing professional consulting assistance would essentially set the team up for failure. With costs for the terminal project currently tracking under budget, Robinson believes the investment in expertise is a strategic necessity.

The board is expected to revisit the potential Vantage Group agreement during a special meeting on May 25. Meanwhile, updates regarding the planned traffic circle at Broad Street and Michigan Avenue were not addressed during the session.