The definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter unless the context clearly requires otherwise.
(1) "Adaptive management" means a systematic process for continually improving management policies and practices by learning from the outcomes of operational programs.
(2) "Capital plan" means the state ferry system plan developed by the department as described in RCW
47.06.050(2), reviewed by the commission, and reported to the transportation committees of the legislature by the department.
(3) "Capital project" has the same meaning as used in budget instructions developed by the office of financial management.
(4) "Commission" means the transportation commission created in RCW
47.01.051.
(5) "Fixed price contract" means a contract that requires the contractor to deliver a specified project for a set price. Change orders on fixed price contracts are allowable but should be used on a very limited basis.
(6) "Improvement project" has the same meaning as in the budget instructions developed by the office of financial management. If the budget instructions do not define improvement project, then it has the same meaning as "program project" in the budget instructions. If a project meets both the improvement project and preservation project definitions in this section it must be defined as an improvement project. New vessel acquisitions must be defined as improvement projects.
(7) "Life-cycle cost analysis" means an analysis of the full net present value cost of constructing and operating a vessel over its life span, including capital costs, financing costs, operation and maintenance costs, decommissioning costs, and variable costs including fuel.
(8) "Life-cycle cost model" means that portion of a capital asset inventory system which, among other things, is used to estimate future preservation needs.
(9) "Maintenance cost" has the same meaning as used in budget instructions developed by the office of financial management.
(10) "Preservation project" has the same meaning as used in budget instructions developed by the office of financial management.
(11) "Route" means all ferry sailings from one location to another, such as the Seattle to Bainbridge route or the Port Townsend to Keystone route.
(12) "Sailing" means an individual ferry sailing for a specific route, such as the 5:00 p.m. sailing from Seattle to Bremerton.
(13) "Travel shed" means one or more ferry routes with distinct characteristics as determined by the department.
(14) "Washington state ferries" means the ferry division within the department, as described in RCW
47.60.015.