AIRBALL SPORTS - AWARD

Aviation and Seaport Committee · 2026-07-13 · resolution

This legislative item concerns a resolution to waive competitive bidding procedures and award a non-competitive revenue-generating contract, Contract No. BW-10479, for a Miami Heat-licensed merchandise retail concession at Miami International Airport (MIA) to Airball Sports II, LLC. The contract is for an eight-year term with one two-year option to renew, with projected revenues of $17,000,000.00 for the Miami-Dade Aviation Department. The item was deferred by the Aviation and Seaport Committee on July 13, 2026, and previously on May 11, 2026. The deferral on July 13, 2026, was at the request of Commissioner Cohen-Higgins to no date certain. The Aviation and Seaport Committee previously deferred the item on May 11, 2026, to June 8, 2026. During the May 11 meeting, Chairwoman Cohen Higgins inquired about the airport's concessionaire program, and Mr. Cutie provided an update on the implementation of a 15-year extension for concession areas, noting that design and refurbishment were underway and expected to progress through phases, with some areas slightly behind schedule but expected to recover. He also mentioned negotiations with a pool of 45 firms for future spaces. The proposed contract replaces an existing month-to-month lease and ensures the continuity of the Miami Heat retail store, which holds exclusive rights for this type of concession at MIA. Market research did not identify other vendors authorized to operate a Miami Heat-licensed retail store. The Living Wage Ordinance applies.