It is recommended that the Mayor and Commission of the City of Miami Beach, Florida, authorize the issuance of Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for economic development consultant services.

The City places great emphasis on its business corridors and the development and promotion of small businesses Citywide. Thus, strategies, plans, and initiatives are needed to promote and improve the quality of life, boost business attraction and retention, and build a foundation for continued economic prosperity. 

To assist with the stated goals, the City, for approximately five (5) years, has had agreements with multiple firms for economic development consultant services on an “as needed” basis. As the need for services arises, firms are contacted to provide professional services according to a negotiated scope of work and cost. The current term of the agreement expires on August 12, 2024.

In anticipation of the expiring contract, the Administration requests approval to issue RFQ 2024-005-ND for economic development consultant services.

Through this RFQ, the City seeks to establish a prequalified pool of multidisciplinary consultant teams to provide economic development consultant services to the City. These services may include but are not limited to comprehensive economic development strategic planning, developing high-level evaluation of market opportunities and position strategies for key commercial corridors and areas, evaluation of current market dynamics and economic assets, benchmarking and competitive assessment, asset-based economic development, sustainable development, cost/financial modeling, leadership and organizational development models, business development strategies, targeted industry analysis, real estate development fiscal analysis, cost-benefit analysis, data collection and assessment, marketing and branding plans, prospect identification and outreach, competitive and responsible economic development incentive policies, workforce trends, forecasts analysis and talent development, and community outreach and engagement.

The scope of work and requirements of the RFQ are more fully defined in the RFQ, which is attached as Attachment A.

Following the receipt of proposals, an Evaluation Committee will review proposals in accordance with the criteria established in the RFQ. 

LOBBYIST DISCLOSURE

In accordance with Resolution No. 2023-32857, adopted by the City Commission on December 13, 2023, the following information has been provided by the Administration:

1. Was the Agenda Item initially requested by a lobbyist, which, as defined in Code Sec. 2-481, includes a principal engaged in lobbying? No.

2. If so, specify name of lobbyist(s) and principal(s): Not applicable.

The City’s annual budget for these services is $80,000. Grant funding will not be utilized for these services. 

Based on the foregoing, it is recommended that the Mayor and Commission of the City of Miami Beach, Florida, authorize the issuance of RFQ 2024-005-ND for Economic Development Consultant Services.