Miami Commission Revisits Local Preference in Airport Janitorial Contract Awards

In a recent Miami-Dade Airport Committee meeting held on February 12, 2025, significant discussions centered around the application of local preference in the bidding process for janitorial services at Miami International Airport (MIA). The committee's focus on local preference has raised questions about its implications for service quality and competition.

The meeting highlighted concerns regarding the current local preference policy, particularly in relation to the recent selection of CNW, a company that has operated at the airport for 20 years. Critics argued that the local preference system may inadvertently favor incumbents rather than ensuring the best service providers are chosen. The committee expressed a desire to reevaluate how local preference is applied in Requests for Proposals (RFPs), emphasizing the need for a more merit-based selection process.

ABM Aviation and Flagship Aviation were noted as leading contenders in the janitorial services sector, with partnerships that would allow them to reinvest approximately 45% of their service dollars back into the local economy. The committee underscored the importance of selecting a contractor whose core business is janitorial services, rather than a company that merely offers such services as a secondary function. This shift aims to enhance the overall passenger experience at MIA, which has faced criticism on social media and through customer complaints regarding cleanliness.

A motion was proposed to reject all current proposals related to janitorial services and to negotiate new contracts with ABM and Flagship. The motion included a directive for the county mayor to consider implementing service level agreements that would introduce incentives and penalties for performance, similar to practices in other major airports.

Commissioner Gonzales acknowledged the efforts of the committee and airport staff in striving for improvements at MIA. However, he raised concerns about the scoring process that allowed a lower-ranked bidder to secure the contract through local preference points, questioning whether this approach truly serves the best interests of the airport and its passengers.

The discussions reflect a broader tension between supporting local businesses and ensuring high-quality service delivery. As the committee moves forward, the implications of these decisions will be closely monitored by stakeholders and the community, particularly as they relate to the airport's reputation and operational standards. The committee plans to revisit the local preference policy to ensure it aligns with the goal of enhancing service quality while still supporting local economic interests.