The Administration recommends that the Mayor and City Commission of the City of Miami Beach, Florida approve the City Manager’s recommendation pertaining to bids received, pursuant to ITB 2020-224-WG Electric Leaf Blowers and Accessories.

The City Commission has directed the Administration to transition from gas powered units to electric powered ones to reduce the City’s carbon footprint and emissions.  In accordance with Resolution No. 2017-29867, the City has solicited prices for electric powered leaf blowers.    

Electrically-operated leaf blowers are preferable to gas-powered leaf blowers because, primarily, they eliminate carbon emissions associated with gas-powered units. Electric models also provide a small reduction in noise when compared to the gas models. While noise emissions from the average gas-powered leaf blower can measure upwards of 75 decibels (dB) at 50 feet, electric-powered models on average measure about 65 dB at the same distance.  It is important to note that the noise level of both electric and gas units is directly correlated with power capacity of each unit.  The only units that are currently available on the market that are appreciably quieter than the electric units under consideration do not have the power to perform municipal-type maintenance. 

The battery option is required as operating along streets or greenways does not lend itself to the use of extension cords.  These units have been tested by the City as well as battery charging stations mounted within the City vehicles for full day operations.  The testing has concluded that these units meet all the operational needs of the divisions and the City Commission directive.  Further, the Department of Public Works does not use any blowers, to the extent possible, in residential areas before 8 am.

The purpose of this bid is to establish a contract, by means of sealed bids, with qualified firm(s) to provide for the purchase and delivery of electric leaf blowers and accessories, in accordance with the  specifications and requirements of the ITB.

ITB PROCESS

The ITB was issued on July 28, 2020, with bid opening date of August 26, 2020. The Procurement Department issued bid notices utilizing www.bidsync.com website. 48 prospective bidders accessed the advertised solicitation. The notices resulted in the receipt of one (1) response from: Joe Blair Garden Supply.  See Attachment A for a tabulation of bid received.

Staff has verified that the bid submitted met the requirements of the ITB and can be considered. The sole responsive and responsible bidder, meeting all terms and conditions of the ITB, is Joe Blair Garden Supply, Inc.  Joe Blair Garden Supply, Inc. is a an authorized Stihl dealer and is located just five (5) miles away in Miami.  While only one bid was received, the pricing submitted by Joe Blair Garden Supply, Inc. has offered a 48% discount, which yielded a  savings of approximately $52,0000.00, when compared to other authorized dealers in the market.

The cost associated to provide electric leaf blowers and accessories for the City of Miami Beach is subject to the funds availability approved through the City’s budgeting process.

The Administration recommends that the Mayor and City Commission of the City of Miami Beach, Florida approve the City Manager’s recommendation pertaining to the bid received. Pursuant to ITB 2020-224-WG for Electric Leaf Blowers and Accessories.