HomeMy WebLinkAboutExhibit A-SUBTHIS DOCUMENT IS A SUBSTITUTION TO
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CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA
INTER -OFFICE MEMORANDUM
TO: Arthur Noriega V
City Manager
DATE: February 20, 2024 FILE:
SUBJECT: Approval of finding to waive competitive
sealed bidding procedures for City of
Miami's Pitmaster Barbecue
Competitions for Urban Pulse d/b/a
Clarke Smart Solutions and Martin
Luther King Economic Development
Corporation
FROM: Keith A. Carswell REFERENCES:
Sr. Advisor to the City Manager —
Economic Development &
Venture Miami
Keith Digitally
signed by Keith
Carswell
Carswell Date: 2024.02.20 ENCLOSURES:
15:01:01-05'00'
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Venture Miami, on behalf of the City of Miami ("City"), respectfully requests your approval add actfoli of the
Miami City Commission by a 4/5ths affirmative vote, after an advertised public hearing ratifying, approving,
and confifming the finding that competitive sealed bidding methods are not practicable or advantageous to the
City of Miami ("City"), pursuant to Section 18-85(a) of the Code of the City of Miami; waiving the
requirements for said procedures; recognizing the Urban Pulse d/b/a Clarke Smart Solutions ("Clarke Smart")
as the official events coordinator for the City's First Pitmaster Barbecue Competition ("Pitmaster
Competition") and engage Martin Luther King Economic Development Corporation (MLKEDC) primarily for
community outreach and engagement associated with the Backyard Barbeque contest.
On July 28, 2022. the City Commission allocated Five Hundred Thousand and 00/100 dollars ($500,000.00)
as a partnership with Miami -Dade College, Florida Memorial University, the University of Miami, and Florida
International University to establish the Venture Miami Scholarship Program ("Program"). With the Miami
Foundation as the Fiscal Administrator, the Program matches gaps in tuition cost for City -residents who are
attending one of the above noted educational institutions and pursuing a degree in science, technology,
engineering, or mathematics ("STEM"). According to the US Department of Labor. STEM occupations are
projected to grow by almost 1 1% by 2031, over two times faster than the total for all occupations. As of
February 8, 2024, the Program secured an additional $1.8 million in donations and awarded ninety-five (95)
scholarships with a remaining fund balance of approximately $2.0 million after fees.
In order to raise additional funds for the Program. Venture Miami wishes to host a Pitmaster Barbecue
Competition, which would constitute as the City's means of obtaining its quantitative goal. Beyond the
"quantitative goal," barbecue holds a significant cultural meaning as a symbol of social interaction, culinary
heritage, celebration, hospitality, and connection to the outdoors. It serves as more than just a method of
cooking food; it is a shared experience that brings people together and enriches cultural identity.
The competition will begin with an amateur Backyard Barbeque contest, which will be held on March 23,
2024, at Charles Hadley Park, located at 1350 NW 50th Street, Miami, FL, where ten (10) finalists will be
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selected to compete amongst themselves. Those ten (10) finalists will then advance to the next phase, which
will allow them the opportunity to compete next to thirty (30) pitmaster professionals on April 20, 2024, at
Maurice A. Ferro Park ('`Ferro Park"), located at 1075 Biscayne Boulevard, Miami, Florida. The planned
competition at Ferro Park will be sanctioned by the Florida Barbeque Association and will close out their
season; therefore, requiring the approval of waiving the competitive sealed bidding procedures for the hiring
of an event coordinator and the hiring of an entity for community engagement and outreach. Clarke Smart has
more than twenty (20) years of experience and an extensive background in executing events. Notable events
include, but are not limited to, the following: managing the North American Tour of the South African musical
Africa Umoja; and managed and executed al! official events associated with the 3-day City of Miami 125th
Anniversary Celebration. Established in 1975 to serve the residents of Liberty City, MLKEDC plays a pivotal
role in community outreach and engagement. In addition to enhancing quality of life, MLKEDC drives
economic growth, prosperity, and resilience by attracting investment, supporting businesses, creating jobs, and
fostering collaboration between public and private stakeholders.
In light of the above -mentioned, and pursuant to Section 18-85, as amended, it is respectfully recommended
that you, as the City Manager, waive competitive sealed bidding methods, via the written findings and reasons
stated herein. Said waiver shall need to be ratified, confirmed, and approved by the City Commission, by a
four -fifths (4/5ths) affirmative vote, during an advertised public hearing.
Approved: rf' �J Date: <.
Arthur Noriega V, City Manager
C: Erick Gavin, Executive Director, Venture Miami
Annie Perez, CPPO, Director, Department of Procurement
i':J
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