It is recommended that the Mayor and City Commission approve the Resolution accepting the City Manager's recommendation, pursuant to RFQ 2024-003-DF for the management of the Plastic Free Miami Beach program, to negotiate with Debris Free Global, Inc., as the top-ranked proposer. If negotiations are not successful with Debris Free Global, Inc., the Resolution authorizes the Administration to negotiate with Diversion Designers LLC. as the second-ranked proposer. Further, the Resolution authorizes the Interim City Manager and City Clerk to execute an agreement upon the conclusion of successful negotiations.

This solicitation is under the Cone of Silence.

The City's Environment and Sustainability Department is dedicated to providing the highest quality services to the local community by developing and implementing climate adaptation and mitigation initiatives to preserve, protect, and enhance our natural resources.

Plastic has become a prevalent material in our daily lives due to its versatility, durability, and affordability. Despite its advantages, plastic pollution poses a significant threat to the environment. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) estimates that up to 14 million tons of plastic enter the oceans yearly, making up as much as 80% of all marine debris. This plastic pollution affects over 800 species through ingestion, entanglement, and habitat disruption. Animals mistake plastic waste for food, leading to ingestion that can cause internal blockages, starvation, and death. Furthermore, much of the plastic produced is single-use, meaning it is discarded after just one use. The growing presence of plastic in our environment is a pressing concern for Miami Beach and other coastal communities.

In 2018, the City launched the Plastic Free Miami Beach program (the "Program"). The Program helps organizations implement best practices in environmental stewardship and showcases businesses that have taken action to reduce plastics from their establishment. The Program has been designed with a cumulative 3-level system in which participating businesses can choose the most suitable level for their current plastic reduction practices. The more single-use plastic items businesses move away from, the higher the level they can obtain.

On January 1, 2022, the City executed a professional services agreement with Debris Free Global, Inc. for sustainability programming and consulting in support of the Program with an initial expiration of September 30, 2022. Two (2) amendments were made to extend the engagement through March 31, 2023.

The purpose of this RFQ was to seek a qualified vendor to successfully manage and identify opportunities for improvement of the Program for the City through an open competitive procurement process that will result in continued Program success.

• Debris Free Global, Inc.
• Diversion Designers LLC

On February 13, 2024, the City Manager appointed the Evaluation Committee via LTC # 051-2024. The Committee was comprised of Juanita Ballesteros, Sustainability & Resilience Manager, Environmental & Sustainability Department; Layda Hernandez, Environmental & Sustainability Analyst, Environmental & Sustainability Department; Allison Novack, Grants Manager, Finance Department; Kestia Marcellus, Organization Development & Training Specialist, Human Resources Department; and Heather Shaw, Assistant Director, Economic Development Department. The Evaluation Committee convened on April 5, 2024, to consider the proposals received.

The Committee was provided with an overview of the project, information relative to the City's Cone of Silence Ordinance, and the Government Sunshine Law. The Committee was also provided with general information on the scope of services and a copy of each proposal. The Committee was instructed to score and rank each proposal pursuant to the evaluation criteria established in the RFQ.

The evaluation process resulted in the ranking of proposers as indicated below and in Attachment A.

1^st – Debris Free Global, Inc.

2^nd – Diversion Designers LLC  

The Evaluation Committee deemed Debris Free Global, Inc. the best-qualified firm to manage the Program. The Evaluation Committee emphasized that Debris Free Global, Inc.'s qualifications align closely with the criteria outlined in the RFQ, citing the firm's experience as the City's incumbent for these services. This expertise was exemplified by their role in supporting both the Plastic Free 305 program in Miami-Dade County and the Plastic Free Miami Beach initiative. Additionally, the Evaluation Committee highlighted Debris Free Global, Inc.'s extensive experience in securing grant funding, commitment to producing multi-lingual promotional materials, and dedication to educational outreach, which has effectively engaged and empowered the City's student population in local sustainability and resilience initiatives.

Debris Free Global, Inc. is a Miami-based organization that inspires local communities to responsibly manage the lifecycle of plastics and waste as part of a global initiative to eradicate marine debris from beaches, reefs, and oceans.  

Debris Free Global, Inc. believes in shifting culture towards a circular economy, where " waste" no longer exists and all consumables are part of a closed-loop lifecycle. Its messaging encourages us all to rethink single-use consumption and to embrace lifestyles with more action and less clutter. Debris Free Global, Inc. has provided satisfactory services for the City since 2022. In addition, Debris Free Global, Inc. has stated that it has provided services for the Ocean Conservancy and the Coconut Grove Business Improvement District. The city received positive feedback from previous references.

Diversion Designers LLC was also deemed to be well qualified by the Evaluation Committee and should be considered if the negotiations with Debris Free Global, Inc. are not successful. Diversion Designers LLC is a women-owned consulting firm focused on creating implementable and sustainable solid waste and recycling programs and systems that minimize waste generation. Diversion Designers LLC maximizes the beneficial use of waste stream components that support all people in the communities we serve.

Diversion Designers LLC believes in leveraging the power of data to develop and implement robust and sustainable educational engagement programs to achieve long-term solutions. Diversion Designers LLC has stated that it has provided services to the City of Denver, CO, and the City of Sedona, AZ. The city received positive feedback from previous references.

According to a 2022 Community Satisfaction Survey conducted by ETC Institute, more than 39% of resident survey respondents and 35% of local businesses indicated a satisfied or very satisfied response in regard to the City's efforts to be a "green" or sustainable city. In order to continue to improve upon the City's actions towards these sustainable and resiliency efforts, it is paramount that initiatives, such as the Plastic Free MB program, are supported by highly qualified professionals who can successfully steer the City towards best practices.

The Environment and Sustainability Department budgets $44,000.00 annually for these services. Fees will be established through the negotiation process. Services pursuant to the award of this RFQ shall be subject to successful negotiations and the availability of funds approved through the City's budgeting process.

Based on the foregoing, it is recommended that the Mayor and City Commission approve the Resolution authorizing the Administration to negotiate with Debris Free Global, Inc. as the top-ranked proposer and, if the Administration is not successful in negotiating an Agreement with Debris Free Global Inc., authorizing the Administration to negotiate with Diversion Designers LLC, as the second-ranked proposer. Further, authorizing the Interim City Manager and City Clerk to execute an Agreement upon conclusion of successful negotiations.

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.