Broward County Commission Regular Meeting
Director's Name: George Tablack
Department: Finance and Administrative Services Division: Purchasing
Information
Requested Action
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A. MOTION TO APPROVE reasonable source for Nova Southeastern University, for the Broward County Sea Turtle Conservation Program and the Marine Environmental Education Center Merge Agreement, for the Environmental Planning and Community Resilience Division and the Parks and Recreation Division.
ACTION: (T-10:35 AM) Approved.
VOTE: 9-0. Commissioner Rich voted in the affirmative telephonically.
B. MOTION TO AUTHORIZE Director of Purchasing to negotiate and execute an agreement, with Nova Southeastern University, for the Broward County Sea Turtle Conservation Program and the Marine Environmental Education Center Merge Agreement for a five-year term.
ACTION: (T-10:35 AM) Approved.
VOTE: 9-0. Commissioner Rich voted in the affirmative telephonically.
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Why Action is Necessary
Motion A. In accordance with the Broward County Procurement Code, Section 21.34, Sole Source Procurement, Board approval is required for awards exceeding the Director of Purchasing's authority and Section 21.43, the Board is required to approve all contracts for supplies or services of more than five years.
Motion B. In accordance with the Broward County Procurement Code, Section 21.31.a.4, Award, the Board approval is required for awards exceeding $500,000.
What Action Accomplishes
Allows the Director of Purchasing to execute an agreement prior to the December 31, 2020 expiration of the Sea Turtle Conservation Program and the Marine Environmental Education Center Merge Agreement contract.
Is this Action Goal Related
Yes
Previous Action Taken
None.
Summary Explanation/Background
THE PURCHASING DIVISION AND THE ENVIROMENTAL PLANNING AND COMMUNITY RESILIANCE DIVISION AND THE PARKS AND RECREATION DIVISION RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF THE ABOVE MOTIONS.
This item supports the Board’s Value “Encouraging investment in renewable energy, sustainable practices and environmental protection” and its Goal “Educate the public about the fragile South Florida ecosystems, impacts of severe weather, sea level rise, and climate change, with special emphasis on the coral reef ecosystem.”
On October 27, 2015 (Item No. 30), the Board approved an only reasonable source designation with Nova Southeastern University (NSU) for delivery of a merged Sea Turtle Conservation Program and Marine Environmental Education Center.
Prior to this merger, these services had been provided under two separate contract agreements with NSU, specific to each initiative. The merged delivery of services and reasonable source designation was based on the ability to provide continuity in data collection, outreach services and the co-delivery of program services by a single research and conservation team, and the anticipated cost savings through joint delivery. This joint program has been effectively delivered by NSU for the last five years.
The scope of work for the Broward County Sea Turtle Conservation Program (BCSTCP) includes daily sea turtle nesting surveys from March 1 to October 31 from the Palm Beach County line to the Miami-Dade County line; sub-meter accuracy (in certain areas) of nest locations to allow for mechanical beach cleaning activities and nest re-establishment; protection of at-risk nests (predation, lighting, erosion) to maximize hatchling survival; response to injured, stranded, or deceased sea turtles; interpretive programs and outreach efforts that include hatchling releases, turtle talks, career day events, and table exhibits; monthly lighting surveys.
Of specific note, NSU staff is currently the only entity with a valid Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission permit to carry out sea turtle conservation activities in delivery of Broward County's Program; only one such permit can be issued for the nesting beach area covered by the Program (Exhibit 1).
Any interruption in sea turtle permitting or monitoring could, by permit conditions, delay beach cleaning for 65 days, compromise beach project permitting, or threaten nesting activities or hatching success. There is currently no other person/organization permitted to fulfill the expanse of monitoring and conservation activities as part of the BCSTCP/Marine Environmental Education Center facility including daily nesting surveys, care of a resident sea turtle, and conducting public hatchling releases.
Additionally, NSU has developed specialized personnel with unique training, experience, and program oversight supported by the research and educational facilities coordinated at the Nova Southeastern University Oceanographic Institution. Historical investments in the training of personnel, participation and engagement of NSU students, and oversight by leading institutional instructors, coupled with the acquisition of capital equipment (including beach-appropriate vehicles and vehicles to transport live sea turtles) and extensive infrastructure provided by NSU has been fundamental to the successful operation of this program for much of its history.
Source of Additional Information
Brenda J. Billingsley, Director, Purchasing Division, (954) 357-6070
Fiscal Impact
Fiscal Impact/Cost Summary
Each requirement processed against the open-end contract will be funded by the appropriate funding source at the time of release.
Requisition No. ENV0000538; Folder No. 2121626