1. GENERAL. This Invitation to Negotiate (ITN) is issued by the City of Miami Beach, Florida (the “City”), as the means for prospective Bidders to submit proposals for the City’s consideration in evaluating qualifications to select a firm with whom it may negotiate an agreement for the purpose noted herein.
The City utilizes Bidnet Direct (Government Bids Opportunities and RFP | BidNet Direct) for automatic notification of competitive solicitation opportunities and document fulfillment, including the issuance of any addendum to this ITN. Any prospective Bidder who has received this ITN by any means other than through Bidnet Direct must register immediately with Bidnet Direct to ensure it receives any addendum issued to this ITN. Failure to receive an addendum may result in disqualification of the proposal submitted.
2. BACKGROUND.
According to the Department of Elder Affairs, approximately 64 congregate meal sites in Miami-Dade County provide thousands of meals daily to older residents. These programs deliver nutritionally balanced meals, nutrition education, and risk screening for individuals aged 60 and over, as well as their spouses. Additionally, they promote social interaction and enhance health through disease prevention and health promotion activities. In some areas, nutrition counseling may also be available. All meals are designed to meet nutritional standards by adhering to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and providing at least one-third of the Dietary Reference Intakes.
Congregate meal site programs are generally funded through the federal Older Americans Act (OAA), participant donations, and local contributions.
On September 11, 2024, the Mayor and City Commission approved Resolution No. 2024-33271, directing the City Administration to develop a plan for implementing the senior meal site program at the South Shore Community Center, located at 833 6th Street. An update was requested for the Mayor and City Commission at the October 30, 2024, meeting. Additionally, Item C4K referred the discussion of programming at the South Shore Community Center to the Finance and Economic Resiliency Committee (FERC).
On September 16, 2024, the Mayor and City Commission discussed a one-time funding enhancement for FY 2025, allocating $175,000 to implement the senior meal site programming at the South Shore Community Center. This funding, allocated to the Office of Housing and Community Services, was designated to procure a vendor to provide congregate meal services at the center.
On October 30, 2024, the Mayor and City Commission directed the Administration to issue an Invitation to Negotiate (ITN) to enter into a lease agreement with a vendor to reinstate the senior meal site program at the South Shore Community Center.