HomeMy WebLinkAbout8995 Bid Waiver MemoINTER -OFFICE MEMORANDUM
TO: Board Chair Ken Russell and DATE: May 6, 2021
Members of the CRA Board
FROM: Jason Walker
Executive Director
SUBJECT: Recommendations and
Findings to Waive the requirements
of obtaining sealed bids to retain the
services of Mr. William Bloom of the
law firm Holland and Knight LLP
BACKGROUND:
The Omni Redevelopment District Community Redevelopment Agency ("CRA") is responsible for
carrying out community redevelopment activities and projects within its redevelopment area in
accordance with the 2010 CRA Redevelopment Plan ("Plan").
On September 13, 2016, the CRA approved and adopted Resolution No. CRA-R-16-0042,
adopting the City of Miami's procurement ordinance as the process in which any and all services
and goods are procured by the CRA.
The Board will consider waiving the requirements of obtaining sealed bids to retain the services
of Mr. William Bloom of the law firm Holland and Knight LLP, a legal for entity authorized to
transact business/render services in the State of Florida, to provide legal services to the CRA.
Mr. Bloom possesses unique expertise in the specialized area of tax increment financings and
community redevelopment law. At this time the CRA is embarking on the extension of life of the
agency and negotiating several large-scale housing affordability projects. As such additional legal
services will be required for the CRA.
This action is being considered pursuant to Sections 18-85 (a) of the Code of the City of Miami,
Florida as amended ("Code"). The recommendation and findings to be considered in this matter
are set forth in the proposed resolution and in Code Sections 18-85 (a), which are deemed to be
incorporated by reference herein in accordance with the objectives of the CRA and Florida
Statutes 163, the Board will consider retaining the firm, in an amount not to exceed $200,000.00
for legal services.
RECOMMENDATION
In light of the above -mentioned background information and CRA's plan to reduce slum and blight,
and in consideration of the Executive Director's request a bid waiver is recommended.
An approval of a waiver of the formal requirements of competitive sealed bidding methods as not
being practicable nor advantageous to the CRA as set forth in the City Code of Ordinances, as
amended, specifically Sections 18-85 (a), and the affirmation of these written findings and the
forwarding of the same to the Board of Commissioners of the Omni Redevelopment District
Community Redevelopment Agency for ratification by a four -fifths (4/5th) vote is respectfully
requested.