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Small‑business owner challenges airport janitorial award; county says procurement complied with updated CBE rules
Summary
McKenzie Cleaning and other small firms disputed the county—s award of the airport janitorial contract, arguing the CBE reserve and point‑differential process disadvantaged local firms. County purchasing and counsel said the competitive process followed the 2020 code changes; commissioners approved staff recommendation and asked for a workshop to review CBE outreach and education.
A contentious procurement dispute over janitorial services at Fort Lauderdale‑Hollywood International Airport drew public speakers Dec. 9, with a small‑business owner saying the county—s CBE process does not meaningfully protect local certified firms and urging a reconvening of the evaluation committee.
Jourdine Mackenzie (representing McKenzie Cleaning) said the county—s process and the solicitation language diverge from the underlying ordinance and that, over 15 years, local CBEs have struggled to win reserve contracts. Mackenzie told the commission she requested a reconvene of the evaluation committee and that outreach and education about code changes had been insufficient for actively bidding firms.
Bernie Friedman and George Platt, representing Sunshine Cleaning (the successful bidder), argued the record shows Sunshine complied with the solicitation and the purchasing director—s analysis supports the award. Attorney Bernie Friedman said a point differential for CBEs is established in the code and that Sunshine—s proposal complied with the 5% CBE preference and procurement rules.
Purchasing staff explained the code was amended in 2020 to provide point differentials for CBE firms and said certified firm outreach is conducted through newsletters and workshops. The purchasing director said the office notifies certified firms of code amendments and provides education via regular workshops and a newsletter.
County counsel and purchasing said the process met legal requirements and staff—s recommendation was appropriate; the commission voted to approve the award and asked administration to schedule a workshop focused on improving small‑business education and CBE program clarity.
What happens next: The awarded contractor will proceed under the existing procurement; commissioners directed staff to hold a workshop on CBE procedures, outreach and how to improve opportunities for small certified firms.
