Resolution 2023-32675 RESOLUTION NO. 2023-32675
A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, ACCEPTING THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE
CITY MANAGER, PURSUANT TO REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (RFQ)
2023-043-WG ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATIONS, AUTHORIZING
THE ADMINISTRATION TO ENTER INTO NEGOTIATIONS WITH BLINK
NETWORK LLC, THE TOP-RANKED PROPOSER; AND, IF UNSUCCESSFUL
IN NEGOTIATING AN AGREEMENT WITH THE TOP-RANKED PROPOSER,
AUTHORIZING THE ADMINISTRATION TO NEGOTIATE WITH OBE POWER
NETWORKS 1 LLC, THE SECOND-RANKED PROPOSER; AND IF
UNSUCCESSFUL IN NEGOTIATING AN AGREEMENT WITH THE SECOND-
RANKED PROPOSER, AUTHORIZING THE ADMINISTRATION TO
NEGOTIATE WITH SMARTCITYCAPITAL, LLC, THE THIRD-RANKED
PROPOSER; AND FURTHER REQUIRING THAT THE FINAL TERM SHEET,
INCLUDING THE AGREED UPON LOCATIONS AND UNITS, BE SUBJECT TO
APPROVAL BY THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION.
WHEREAS, on February 22, 2023, the Mayor and City Commission approved the
issuance of an RFQ for Electric Vehicle Charging Stations; and
WHEREAS, on February 23, 2023, RFQ 2023-043-WG was issued; and
WHEREAS, on April 18, 2023, the City received proposals from the following thirteen (13)
firms:
• Blink Network LLC
• Coral Charge, Inc.
• EvGateway, Inc.
• Jolt Charge, Inc.
• Livingston Energy Group, LLC
• SmartCityCapital, LLC
• Noresco, LLC
• OBE Power Networks 1 LLC
• IKE Smart City, LLC
• R&D Electric, Inc.
• Red E Charging LLC
• Smart Energy Systems, Inc.
• Universal EV LLC; and
WHEREAS, on June 21St and 22nd, 2023, the Evaluation Committee comprised of Juanita
Ballesteros, Manager, Environment & Sustainability Department, Monica Beltran, Director,
Parking Department, Rodney Knowles, Assistant Director, Public Works Department, Rogelio
Madan, Development and Resiliency Officer, Planning Department, convened to consider
proposals; and
WHEREAS, the Committee was provided an overview of the project, information relative
to the City's Cone of Silence Ordinance, the Government Sunshine Law, general information on
the scope of services and a copy of each proposal; and
WHEREAS, the Committee was instructed to score and rank each proposal pursuant to
the evaluation criteria established in the RFQ; and
WHEREAS, the evaluation process resulted in the proposers being ranked by the
Evaluation Committee in the following order:
1st ranked— Blink Network LLC
2nd ranked —OBE Power Networks 1 LLC
3rd ranked -SmartCityCapital, LLC
4th ranked —Jolt Charge, Inc.
5th (tied) ranked — Universal EV LLC
5th (tied) ranked — EvGateway, Inc.
7th ranked - Noresco, LLC
8th (tied) ranked - Coral Charge Inc
8th (tied) ranked - Livingston Energy Group, LLC
10th ranked Smart Energy Systems, Inc.
11th ranked - R&D Electric, Inc.
12th ranked - Red E Charging LLC
13th ranked - IKE Smart City, LLC
WHEREAS, after reviewing the proposals and the results of the evaluation committee, it
is recommended that the Administration negotiate with Blink Network LLC, the top-ranked
proposer who is most qualified to install, operate, and maintain electric vehicle charging stations
for public use in municipal parking facilities; and
WHEREAS, OBE Power Networks 1 LLC, the second-ranked bidder,. and Smart. City
Capital, the third-ranked bidder, are also well qualified and should be considered if negotiations
with Blink are not successful.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT DULY RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND CITY
COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, that the Mayor and City
Commission hereby authorize the Administration to enter into negotiations with Blink Network
LLC, the top-ranked proposer; and, if unsuccessful in negotiating an agreement with the top-
ranked proposer, authorize the Administration to negotiate with OBE Power Networks 1 LLC, the
second-ranked proposer; and if unsuccessful in negotiating an agreement with the second-ranked
proposer, authorize the Administration to negotiate with SmartCityCapital, LLC, the third-ranked
proposer; and further require that the final term sheet, including the agreed upon locations and
units, be subject to approval by the Mayor and City Commission.
PASSED AND ADOPTED this a° day of T1 2023..
ATTEST: JUL2 $ 2023
RAFAEL E. GRANADO, CITY CLERK DAN GELBER, MAYOR
APPROVED AS TO
""' , FORM&LANGUAGE
'B' �'' &FOR EXECUTION
,mac - 1.1,23
'•INCORP ORATEO` City Attorney W' Date
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Competitive Bid Reports-C2 D
MIAMIBEACH
COMMISSION MEMORANDUM
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Commission
FROM: Alina T. Hudak, City Manager
DATE: July 26, 2023
SUBJECT:A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY
OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, ACCEPTING THE RECOMMENDATION OF
THE CITY MANAGER, PURSUANT TO REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS
(RFQ) 2023-043-WG ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATIONS,
AUTHORIZING THE ADMINISTRATION TO ENTER INTO NEGOTIATIONS
WITH BLINK NETWORK LLC, THE TOP-RANKED PROPOSER; AND, IF
UNSUCCESSFUL IN NEGOTIATING AN AGREEMENT WITH THE TOP-
RANKED PROPOSER, AUTHORIZING THE ADMINISTRATION TO
NEGOTIATE WITH OBE POWER NETWORKS 1 LLC, THE SECOND-
RANKED PROPOSER; AND IF UNSUCCESSFUL IN NEGOTIATING AN
AGREEMENT WITH THE SECOND-RANKED PROPOSER, AUTHORIZING
THE ADMINISTRATION TO NEGOTIATE WITH SMARTCITYCAPITAL, LLC,
THE THIRD-RANKED PROPOSER; AND FURTHER REQUIRING THAT
THE FINAL TERM SHEET, INCLUDING THE AGREED UPON LOCATIONS
AND UNITS, BE SUBJECT TO APPROVAL BY THE MAYOR AND CITY
COMMISSION.
RECOMMENDATION
The Administration recommends that the Mayor and City Commission of the City of Miami
Beach, Florida, approve the Resolution accepting the recommendation of the City Manager,
pursuant to Request for Qualifications (RFQ) 2023-043-WG for electric vehicle charging
stations at certain locations as mutually agreed upon, authorizing the Administration to negotiate
with Blink Network LLC, the top-ranked proposer. If negotiations with Blink Network LLC are not
successful, the Resolution authorizes the Administration to negotiate with OBE Power Networks
1 LLC, the second-ranked proposer, and if not successful, negotiate with SmartCityCapital,
LLC, the third-ranked proposer. The Resolution requires that the final term sheet, including the
agreed-upon locations and number of units, be subject to approval by the Mayor and City
Commission.
This solicitation is currently under the cone of silence.
BACKGROUND/HISTORY
The City and Blink Network LLC (Blink)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
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facilities, effective November 2, 2016. The initial term of the Agreement was for a period of five
(5)years,with two (2)additional one-year renewal terms. The Agreement with Blink Network,
LLC is scheduled to expire on November 1, 2023.
Blink electric vehicle (EV)chargers are currently installed at the following locations throughout
the City as follows:
Location Quantity
1900 Bay Road 2
1301 Collins- 13thStreet Garage 2
4166 Royal Palm Ave-42"dStreet Garage 2
512 12thStreet- 12thStreet& Drexel Avenue Garage 2
1755 Meridian Avenue-City Hall garage 2
640 17thStreet- 17thStreet Garage 2
1701 Convention Center Drive-Convention Center Loading Dock 2
1701 Convention Center Drive-Convention Center Parking Deck 4t1FI. 14
1701 Convention Center Drive-Convention Center Parking Deck 5thFl. 14
340 23rd Street-Collins Park Garage 5
The City is dedicated to providing environmentally friendly programs, including hybrid vehicle
parking incentives, bicycle sharing, and maintaining and expanding the number of electric vehicle
charging stations at municipal parking facilities. Promoting the adoption of electric vehicles
offers a wide variety of benefits to the City and the environment, including improved air quality,
reduced emissions, quieter and more livable streets, and decreased dependency on fossil
fuels. To that end, self-service electric vehicle charging stations facilitate the use of electric
vehicles.
In anticipation of the expiring contract with Blink, the Administration prepared RFQ 2023-043-
WG seeking responses from firms interested in partnering with the City.
ANALYSIS
On February 22, 2023, the Mayor and City Commission approved the issuance of RFQ 2023-
043-WG, seeking proposals for electric vehicle charging stations. On February 23, 2023,the
RFQ was issued. The Procurement Department issued bid notices to 14,076 companies
utilizing the City's e-procurement system,with 44 prospective bidders accessing the solicitation.
RFQ responses were due and received on April 18, 2023. The City received proposals from
the following 13 firms:
1. Blink Network LLC
2. Coral Charge, Inc.
3. EvGateway, Inc.
4. . IKE Smart City, LLC
5. Jolt Charge, Inc.
6. Livingston Energy Group, LLC
7. Noresco, LLC
8. OBE Power Networks 1 LLC
9. R&D Electric, Inc.
10. Red E Charging LLC
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11. SmartCityCapital, LLC
12. Smart Energy Systems, Inc.
13. Universal EV LLC.
On June 21st and 22nd, 2023, the Evaluation Committee, appointed by the City Manager,
convened to consider the responsive proposals received. The Committee was comprised of
Juanita Ballesteros, Manager, Environment&Sustainability Department; Monica Beltran,
Director, Parking Department; Rodney Knowles,Assistant Director, Public Works Department;
Rogelio Madan, Development and Resiliency Officer, Planning Department.
The Committee was provided an overview of the project and 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 proposers being ranked by the Evaluation Committee in
the following order(See Attachment A):
1st ranked—Blink Network LLC
2nd ranked—OBE Power Networks 1 LLC
3rd ranked—SmartCityCapital, LLC
4th ranked—Jolt Charge, Inc.
5th(tied)ranked— Universal EV LLC
5th (tied)ranked— EvGateway, Inc.
7th ranked -Noresco, LLC
8th(tied)ranked.-Coral Charge Inc
8th(tied)ranked -Livingston Energy Group, LLC
10th ranked -Smart Energy Systems, Inc.
11th ranked -R&D Electric, Inc.
12th ranked - Red E Charging LLC
13th ranked - IKE Smart City, LLC
The following is a summary of the three top-ranked firms.
Blink Network LLC
Founded in 2009, Blink Network LLC,with corporate headquarters located in Miami Beach, is a
publicly traded EV charging company. Complete Blink vertical integration includes research and
development, manufacturing, EV charger deployment and installation, charger ownership,
operations and maintenance, and the Blink Network,which provide 24/7/365 customer service
and support. The firm is the second largest EV charging company in the US,with over 500 staff
worldwide. Blink chargers are found in 25 countries across the globe in numerous locations,
including airports, retail, healthcare facilities, multi-family residential communities,, parks and
recreation areas,transportation hubs, and more. Blink has sold, deployed, or installed over
66,000 chargers worldwide,with over 500,000 users on the Blink Networks. Blink has
manufacturing capabilities in the US, India, and Taiwan. Its most recent global expansion to
seven offices in five countries includes Blink Charging Mexico.
For the past 14 years, Blink has been dedicated to slowing climate change by reducing
transportation-related greenhouse gas emissions. The firm is continuously developing the
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newest future proof technology and expanding its services in multiple countries and with larger
fleet carriers.
Blink is currently the City's incumbent for electric vehicle charging stations. It has contract
awards with the United States Postal Service,where Blink will provide up to 41,500 EV charging
units for its fleet operations, and U.S: General Services Administration(GSA),the City of
Phoenix;Arizona; and Carmax dealerships.
OBE Power Networks 1 LLC
Since its formation in 2017, O.BE Power's team has managed the design, permit processing,
installation; setup, and activation of EV charging stations. OBE Power owns and operates over
357 EV charging points spread across municipalities,workplaces, multifamily condominiums,
entertainment destinations, mixed-use, health care,.and.educational locations.
Some of its clients include the City of Miami (Miami Parking Authority),.the'City of North Miami,
Miami-Dade County, Palm Beach County,the City of Fort Worth, Carnival Cruise Lines, Royal
Caribbean,Marlins.Park, Jackson Memorial Hospital, Related Group, Cushman and Wakefield,
Property Markets Group, FirstService Residential and Nova Southeastern University, among
others.
r .
SmartCityCapital. LLC
SmartCityCapital is a global company formed by leading information technology (IT) industry
executives, highly experienced in various technologies including I OT, smart cities, service
providers (backhaul, small cell, cloud, and XaaS), and_ outcome based funding solutions.
SmartCityCapital has an end-to-end partner ecosystem, including various Fortune 100
technology, service providers and operators,channel partners, lenders,and asset managers.
SmartCityCapital has partnered' with a consortium to create a turnkey municipal EV charging
solution through: the complete integration of installment, hardware, operating system, and
analytics software through their channel partner Alyath.
Some of the:firni's clients include the City of Miramar, Miami-Dade County, and the City of
Miami Gardens.
SUPPORTING SURVEY DATA
According to the 2022 Community Satisfaction Survey, 59.4 percent of residents responding to
the survey are informed about local climate-change issues. Promotion of EV chargers in Miami
Beach will assist in addressing environmental concerns related to climate change.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
In 2016, Blink's response to Miami Beach's RFP for EV charging stations resulted in a 7-year
agreement.The success of the partnership has resulted in the current cadre of 47 Level 2 EV
charging stations installed on eight properties throughout Miami Beach as noted above. The
current electric vehicle charging stations are provided at no charge to the City. Blink Network
members pay $.39 per kilowatt hour (kWh) and non-members pay $.49 per kWh. Regular
parking rates apply to all facilities where the chargers are installed; therefore, parking revenue is
not impacted.
As part of the agreement, the City provides the infrastructure, and Blink installs, manages, and
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maintains the chargers. Blink also pays the City fifteen percent(15 %) of annual gross revenue
collected from charging fees and reimburses the City for electricity.
The revenue collected pursuant to the current agreement has been nominal due to low initial
demand and, later, the Pandemic. However, the City's yield of revenue under the agreement has
increased from an initial annual amount of $233 to a projected shared revenue for Fiscal Year
(FY)2023 of approximately$2,600. Notwithstanding the nominal revenue yield,the City benefits
in non-financial ways including encouraging the use of electric vehicles which helps to reduce
gas emissions.
Since the initial installation of the City's charging units, the market share of electric vehicles has
increased significantly. Therefore, it is anticipated that through contract negotiation, the contract
resulting from the current solicitation will lead to greater revenue for the City. Upon approval of
this item, staff will negotiate an agreement that will include a detailed list of locations and
revenue sharing with the City.
Amount(s)/Account(s):
Not Applicable
CONCLUSION
After reviewing the proposals and the results of the Evaluation Committee process, it is
recommended that negotiations commence with Blink,the proposer unanimously ranked in first
place by the Evaluation Committee.As one of the country's largest manufacturers and operators
of electric vehicle charging stations, Blink has the experience and capacity to serve the City with
every type of charger and installation needed.As the incumbent on the City's current contract,
Blink brings a unique familiarity with the City's present infrastructure and EV charging station
needs.Additionally, Blink is a Miami Beach-based company. Being headquartered in Miami
Beach can help expedite the resolution of any issues that may come up during or after the
deployment of the chargers.
Blink has proven to be a good partner to the City, installing EV charging stations citywide, even
when charging demand was low. They voluntarily update charging stations with the latest
equipment and technology to benefit users.
It is anticipated that the resulting contract will provide Level 2 chargers at the parking locations
currently served by Blink.Additional charging stations could be added at current or future
locations as needed. City facilities do not have the power to currently support Level 3 chargers.
However,the City is pursuing the installation of Level 3 stations at City parking locations through
a partnership with Florida Power& Light. Tesla has also expressed.interest in working with the
City to identify locations for its chargers.
OBE Power Networks 1 LLC,the second-ranked proposer, and SmartCityCapital,the third-
ranked proposer, are also well qualified and should be considered if negotiations with Blink are
not successful. OBE Power Networks 1 LLC is one of the largest owned and operated EV
charging networks in the state of Florida. SmartCityCapital is also well established and has been
awarded contracts for charging stations in some areas of Miami-Dade County and other cities in
Florida and across the United States.
For the reasons stated herein, it is recommended that the Mayor and City Commission of the
City of Miami Beach, Florida, approve the Resolution accepting the recommendation of the City
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Manager, pursuant to RFQ 2023-043-WG,.for electric vehicle charging stations at certain
locations as mutually agreed upon, authorizing the Administration to negotiate with Blink Network
LLC, the top-ranked proposer. If negotiations with Blink Network LLC are not successful, the
Resolution authorizes the Administration to negotiate with OBE Power Networks 1 LLC, the
second-ranked proposer, and if not successful, negotiate with SmartCityCapital, LLC, the third-
ranked proposer. The Resolution requires that the final agreement be subject to approval by the
Mayor and City Commission.
Applicable Area
Citywide
Is this a"Residents Right Does this item utilize G.O.
to Know" item, pursuant to Bond Funds?
City Code Section 2-14?
No No
Strategic Connection
Environment& Infrastructure- Reduce greenhouse gas emissions and heat.
Legislative Tracking
Parking/Procurement
Sponsor
Commissioner Alex Fernandez
ATTACHMENTS:
Description
D Attachment A
❑ Resolution
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RFQ 2023 043 WQ Electric1
Juanita Ballesteros Monica Dann Rodney Knowles Rogelio Medan g Low
Vehicle Charging Stations — Aggng
_i
888
Totals
Qualitative Quantitative Subtotal Qualitative Quantitative Subtotal Qua11hWe Qu r Itstve Subtotal _ Qualitative Quantitative Subtotal
BMnkNetwork LLC 90 0 �- 90— — 1—95 -- — 95 •__ 94 0 95 95 — 4 1
1
Coral Charge Inc. 80 0 _ 60 13 75 0 75 6 69 0 09 11 76 78 0 4 35 0
EvGateway Inc 80 0 80 5 60 0 80 5 81 0 �i 81 8 07 67 7�; 23 5
IKE Smart City,LLC 70 0 70 10 70 0 _ 70 9 04 0 64 13 55 55 12' 44 13
Jolt Char Inc. 78 _ 0 78 0- 85 0 85 3 78 0 78 8 91 91 3 ! 20 4
Livingston Energy G 70 0 70 10 50 0 50 11 83 0 _. 83 4 80 00 10;1 35 8
Noresco.LLC 75 0 75 6 75 0 75 6 83 0 — 83 4 62 82 9 I 27 7
OBE Power Networks 1 LLC 85 0 85 2 90 0 90 2 92 0 92 2 90 90 4 10 2
Smart City Ca ital LLC 85 0 85 2 83 0 83 _ 4 88 0 88 3 92 92 2 11 ,3
Smart Energy System Inc
d/b/a Smart Energy Water 75 0 75 8 50 0 50 11 79 0 79 - 7 56 58 11 37 10
RED E Charging LLC 76 0 78 7 50 0 50 11 71 0 71 10 52 _ 52 13 41 12
R&D Electric,Inc. 70 0 70 10 65 0 85 10 08 0 �_ 88 12 63 63 8 40 11
Universal EV LLC 85 0 85 2 75 0 75 a 77 0 77 9 75 75 8 23 5
P.N.. 11•106W6Man Tiroi.am.ue
Bink Network LLC s •
Coral Charge Inc. s •
EvGateway Inc, s o
IKE Smart C .LLC • o
Jon Charge,Inc. s o
Livin Mon Energy Grog a a
Noresco LLC a a
OBE Power Networks 11 LLC s •
Smart CRY Capital,LLC a o
Smart Energy System Inc
d/b/a Smart Energy Waist s o
RED E Charginl LLC _ s o
R&D Electric,Inc. s 0
Universal EV LLC s •
FOR DISPLAY PURPOSES ONLY.FINAL RANKING DOES NOT CONSTTTUTE AN AWARD RECOMMENDATION.
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