It is recommended that the Mayor and City Commission of the City of Miami Beach, Florida, authorize the issuance of Request for Qualifications (RFQ) 2023-043-WG electric vehicle charging stations at parking facilities.

The City and Blink Network, LLC entered into an agreement pursuant to RFP 2015-177-JR for a self-service electric vehicle charging station services program for the City’s parking facilities, effective November 2, 2016. The initial term of the Agreement was for a period of five (5) years, with two (2) additional one (1) -year renewal terms. The present Agreement with Blink Network, LLC is scheduled to expire on November 1, 2023.

Self-service electric vehicle charging stations facilitate the use of electric vehicles (EVs) by providing a means for recharging periodically. The availability of strategically placed charging stations throughout the City provides greater convenience to drivers and promotes the use of EVs. Benefits to the City include improved air quality, quieter and more livable streets, and decreased dependency on fossil fuels.

It is the City’s goal to continue to promote the use of EVs as part of daily life for residents and visitors. This service is intended to be accessible and cost-efficient to promote EV use and, conversely decrease gas-powered vehicle use. 

To consider the most beneficial alternatives to the current contract, the Administration is recommending the issuance of the RFQ to evaluate proposer qualifications and the technology proposed. The proposer(s) deemed to be best qualified and offering the best technology will be presented to the City Commission for approval. Negotiations will commence with the proposer(s) approved by the City Commission.

This Request for Proposals (RFP) will actively seek proposals from qualified EV charging station distributors/operators/manufacturers to install, operate, and maintain Alternating Current (AC) Level 2 and Direct Current (DC) Fast Charge (high-current charging) EV charging stations for the City of Miami Beach Parking System, in accordance with the terms, conditions, and specifications contained in the RFQ.

The City intends to enter into a non-exclusive contract for the installation, operation, and maintenance of self-service AC Level 2 and/or DC Fast Charge EV charging stations for public use in municipal parking facilities, including but not limited to parking garages and surface lots. The City will negotiate with the selected proposer(s) a program that would enable the public to utilize AC Level 2 and/or DC Fast Charge EV charging stations that are open to all drivers without requiring a subscription. Services would be provided on a 24-hour, 365-day-a-year (full-time) basis with sufficient resources and personnel to successfully support and maintain the program. The City wishes to preserve flexibility in maintaining/expanding its EV charging station program. 

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

At this time, grant funding is not anticipated. However, should grant funding be available at a later date, any resulting agreement would need to incorporate the grant’s terms and conditions.

I recommend that the Mayor and Commission of the City of Miami Beach, Florida, authorize the issuance of RFQ 2023-043-WG for electric vehicle charging stations at parking facilities.