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, projected to generate $17,000,000.00 in revenue for the Miami-Dade Aviation Department. The item was deferred by the Aviation and Seaport Committee on July 13, 2026, at the request of Commissioner Cohen-Higgins, with no specific date set for reconsideration. During a prior meeting on May 11, 2026, the committee deferred the item to June 8, 2026, and Chairwoman Cohen Higgins inquired about the airport's concessionaire program. 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 be completed in phases, with some areas slightly behind schedule but expected to recover. He also mentioned ongoing negotiations for marketplace concessions and service contracts, and the negotiation of a pool of 45 firms for future solicitations. 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.