On December 6, 2016 (Item No. 40), the Board discussed an unsolicited proposal received from Worldwide Sports Management Group, LLC (Worldwide) that included bringing a minimum of three multi-day international cricket tournaments to the Central Broward Regional Park (CBRP) annually, pursuing a Caribbean Premier League or other franchise team to become an anchor tenant at CBRP, payment of all marketing fees for tournaments, annual minimum payments to Broward County, and a five-year term with renewal options.
After discussion, the Board directed staff to negotiate with Worldwide, and, while doing so, to also research whether Worldwide was in fact the sole source for provision of the aforementioned services.
On December 23, 2016, the Purchasing Division advertised a Request for Information (RFI) for Promotion & Management for International Cricket Events. Four responses were received: CPL US OpCo Limited (Caribbean Premier League); Cricket Council USA, Inc.; Global Sports Ventures, LLC; and Pitch International, LLP. Based on the review of responses, the Purchasing Division concluded that there are at least four additional firms, including an entity in Broward and one in Miami-Dade, interested in competing. The County conducted two Sunshine negotiation meetings with Worldwide: December 20, 2016 and January 17, 2017. The parties were unable to reach an agreement on the business terms.
On February 7, 2017 (Item No. 38), the Board discussed the RFI results and the unsolicited proposal from Worldwide. Following discussion, the Board waived the Procurement Code and directed staff to continue to negotiate with Worldwide.
Two Sunshine negotiation meetings were held with Worldwide: March 9 and March 10, 2017. Both parties reached a tentative agreement on the key business terms. The preliminary business term sheet was presented to the Board on March 28, 2017 (Item No. 63). Staff and the County Attorney's Office have been working with Worldwide to prepare an agreement with required legal provisions and other business terms necessary to protect the interests of both parties and intended park purpose. Two additional Sunshine negotiation meetings were held with Worldwide to discuss the agreement: May 12 and June 1, 2017. Both parties have reached an agreement on all terms except for the termination for convenience provision, a standard provision in all County contracts.
The proposed agreement with Worldwide is for a five-year term and two automatic five-year renewals, unless Worldwide provides notice to County 180 calendar days prior to the end of the then-current term of its intent not to extend this Agreement, or Worldwide has failed to satisfactorily remedy a breach consistent with the terms of this Agreement, or if this Agreement is terminated sooner as permitted in the Agreement. A 15-year Agreement without the County’s right to terminate for convenience leaves the County vulnerable should there be a genuine need to terminate this agreement. |