HomeMy WebLinkAboutExhibitCITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA
INTER -OFFICE MEMORANDUM
TO: Emilio T. Gonzalez, DATE: Wednesday, May 22, 2019 FILE:
City Manager
SUBJECT: 2019 HVAC/R Training Pilot in Partnership
with Microsoft Corp. And Watsco, an HVAC
Company
FROM: Milton Vickers, Director, REFERENCES:
Department man
Service
ENCLOSURES:
The purpose of the memorandum is to provide a topline overview of the HVAC/R (Heating, Ventilation,
Air-conditioning and Refrigeration) training program. This project is being driven by a partnership
between The City of Miami, Microsoft and Watsco, Inc. The City of Miami is a leading convener and
influencer in the South Florida career pathway ecosystem. The City has made building more 'pathways to
prosperity' for residents as the top priority of their administration. These efforts are led by full-time staff
dedicated to support residents in their job search and support during placement. Watsco Inc., a Miami -
based company, is the largest distributor of air conditioning, heating and refrigeration equipment and
related parts and supplies in the HVAC/R industry. With $4.5 billion in revenue, 5,200 employees in North
America and a robust network of customer companies and entrepreneurs throughout the county, Watsco
is invested in developing stronger pathways into HVAC/R technician careers. In the U.S., the scale of need
will be 115,000 new technicians by 2022. Miami, and communities along the Sun Belt will be most
impacted by this labor shortage. The ultimate vision of Watsco is to build and scale a career pathway
model across the entire United States. With 565 locations in 37 states around the country, Watsco is
already committed to immediately scale the model they develop with Microsoft across the country in
partnership with other local municipalities. This project will result in the placement of individuals into
new, skills -based career paths in the HVAC/R industry. The goal being the validation of the model so that
Watsco and the City of Miami can continue more cohorts of learners, while Watsco scales this across the
country.
Specific outcomes include:
Pilot and validate HVAC/R career pathway model.
Support 50 low moderate income (LMI) City of Miami residents to participate in the technical
career pathway program.
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All learners will be 18 years or older, have a high school diploma/GED, less than a bachelor's degree and
will commit to dedicate the required hours per week, in both classroom instruction and self -paced to
complete the program on time. The program is no cost to learners. This pilot has the potential of
benefitting thousands as it invests in the capex required for the program going forward and builds the
foundational model for ongoing production.
Recruitment will be handled through the City's Opportunity Center. that ensure the city's diverse
population is represented.
For the reasons stated above, and pursuant to Section 18-85, as amended, the Department of Human
Services respectfully recommends that you, as the City Manager, (1) recommends the execution of a
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Microsoft and Watsco, for the 2019-2020 period, as qualified
partners, (2) waive competitive sealed bidding methods, via this written finding and reasons herein. Said
waiver shall need to be ratified, confirmed, and approved by the Commission, by a four-fifths (4/5ths)
affirmative vote, during an advertised public hearing.
Your signature below confirms your approval of waiving competitive sealed bidding methods for this new
initiative.
Should you need additional information, please feel free to contact William Porro (305) 416-2181. Thank
you f our consideration regarding this matter.
pprov /Disapproval I �—/ -2-L
Emilio T. Gonzalez, Ph.D Date
City Man 'ger
Approval JI Disapproval
Annie Per z, CPPO Date
Director, Department of Procurement
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