Notice_of_Intent_to_Sole_Source_07-25-2023.pdf

This is a Notice of Intent to Sole Source document issued by Pinellas County Administrative Services, Purchasing & Risk Management Division, regarding concession services for luggage cart rental at St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport. Pinellas County intends to procure luggage cart rental services through a sole source method of procurement under Florida Statutes 287.057(3)(c). The vendor will be responsible for supplying carts, holding racks, payment machines, and maintaining them in good operating condition throughout the agreement term. The contract will commence on February 27, 2026, and continue for 60 months with options to extend up to two additional 12-month periods. A non-mandatory pre-conference and site visit are scheduled for November 17, 2025, with proposal submissions due by December 9, 2025. Interested contractors who believe they can meet or exceed the stated requirements must submit convincing technical data via OpenGov by the specified deadline to demonstrate whether bona fide competition exists.

The current incumbent is Bagport America, LLC, doing business as Smarte Carte, which has provided luggage cart rental services since 2005. The airport currently pays the vendor $500 per month regardless of revenues collected or costs incurred. The evaluation criteria allocate 1,000 total points across six key areas: Qualifications (200 points), Background & Experience (100 points), Proposed Plan (200 points), Customer Service & Transition Approach (100 points), Proposed Financial Return to the County (300 points), and No Exceptions to the RFQ or Contract (100 points). Proposers must demonstrate a minimum of five years of continuous successful experience operating luggage cart rental services at a small hub or larger commercial service airport in the United States. The airport serves over 2.4 million passengers annually and seeks proposals that will enhance revenue while maintaining service quality. Standard mandatory affidavits required include Common Carrier Attestation, Foreign Countries of Concern Affidavit, and Human Trafficking Affidavit.