HomeMy WebLinkAboutExhibit ACITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA
INTER -OFFICE MEMORANDUM
TO:
FROM:
Arthur Noriega V DATE:
City Manager
Erick Gavin
Executive Director,
Venture Miami
May 22, 2023
SUBJECT: Approval of finding to waive
competitive sealed bidding
procedures for grant to establish
Miami STEM chapter
Venture Miami, in partnership with the Office of the Mayor and on behalf of the City of Miami
("City"), respectfully requests your approval and action of the Miami City Commission by a 4/5ths
affirmative vote, after an advertised public hearing ratifying, approving, and confirming its
recommendation, and finding that competitive sealed bidding methods are not practicable or
advantageous to the City, pursuant to Section 18-85(a) of the Code of the City of Miami; waiving
the requirements for said procedures; and authorizing the City Manager to allocate and appropriate
$300,000.00 ("Funds") to the INIT Corporation. ("INIT") in support of the establishment of a Miami
chapter that will support learning and career opportunities for City residents that are interested in
technology focused or adjacent career paths.
By way of background, INIT was created out of a student community of over 4,000 members and
expanded by a financial contribution from the Knight Foundation to grow the group into an
established non-profit that serves the broader region. INIT's principal concern is to foster a
supportive community for minority, low-income students, providing them with access to programs
and opportunities that helped place them in tech internships and jobs. Equal access to opportunity
in the tech industry is challenging to attain, as most career and growth opportunities are found in
wealthy, hard to get into educational institutions with lots of resources and strong ties to industry.
Most people, especially those from minority, low-income backgrounds are not enrolled at these
institutions and do not have access to a community that can support them with the guidance and
resources they need to break into the tech industry.
The City wishes to contribute an amount not to exceed $300,000.00 for the establishment of a
city-wide chapter. The city-wide chapter functions around three pillars that serve the needs of
community members looking to transition into tech and place them in tech roles: programs,
community, and industry partnerships. Activities in these are all community -led and run year-
round, using a curriculum and connections facilitated by INIT. Community members receive micro -
credentials upon completion of INITs programs. These programs will be set up to engage City
citizens virtually and physically throughout communities in Miami.
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:
Arthur No iega V
City Manager
cc: Larry Spring. Assistant City ManagerlChief Financial Officer
Pablo R. Velez, Senior Assistant City Attorney
Yadissa Calderon, CPPB, Assistant Director, Department of Procurement