Global Spectrum's Facilities Management Proposal

[Tacachale]

^Again, this is a bid between two Philadelphia-based companies.

[urbaknight]

^Again, this is a bid between two Philadelphia-based companies.

I realize that now. I'm just trying to show that I don't think of the Northeast as the promise land. Because I think that I may've given the impression that I think everything of the Ne and nothing of the Se. It's not the case. I think I'm just homesick and taking it out on JAX because it's so different. And most of my family are still up there. They can't believe I'm down here and they ask me everytime I visit, "What are you even doing down there and when are you going to come to your senses and move back home?" I do miss my family. But I was just saying that we have our own problems up there, problems that JAX can learn from before implementing big city policies.

[cityimrov]

^Again, this is a bid between two Philadelphia-based companies.

Let me get this straight.  This proposal is designed to hire a management company from Philadelphia to run the stadium.  So what exactly is the city buying?

Are they trucking in workers from Philadelphia to Jacksonville?  Are they bringing in equipment from Philadelphia to Jacksonville?  Or are they just buying a few pointy haired bosses to yell at local workers while pocketing the change?

If it's the last one, then I don't see any value in this deal except for the privilege of wearing the word SUCKER. 

[Tacachale]

They're bidding to, well, manage the stadium and other venues. You can read what the proposals are specifically earlier in the thread.

[cityimrov]

They're bidding to, well, manage the stadium and other venues. You can read what the proposals are specifically earlier in the thread.

I briefly scanned it.  It's very fluffy and full of marketing talk.  It has nothing concrete.  The only major thing I read is "Hire Us, We'll Save You Money".  It still sounds like they are planning on sending a pointy haired boss and have the locals do most the work.  The SMG one is probably similar. 

If Jacksonville really wants to become a model city of the 21st century, it really needs manage it's own facilities and create an atmosphere that is uniquely Jax. 

[NotNow]

^What he said.  Many cities manage their own facilities.  We have had the Jags for more than a decade.  We have the marketing talent here to do this.

[Tacachale]

Traditionally, you don't give a job to the government when you want it done more efficiently.

[cityimrov]

Traditionally, you don't give a job to the government when you want it done more efficiently.

Don't get someone from the government to manage it but get the mayor to motivate others to step up and take a swing at it.  Make it a nonprofit management company or something.  There's plenty of people who care enough about the city's image that they are willing to step up to the plate.  Just ask.

Venue management is something Jacksonville's religious community excels at doing.  The mayor needs to visit a few megachurches around town and see how they manage their facilities.  They are used to dealing with thousands of visitors on a weekly basis.  Get some of the old SMG managers to help with the transition.  While this will cost a bit more in the short term, in the long run, Jacksonville will be much better off creating it's own unique atmosphere. 

[Tacachale]

Uh, they put the contract up for bid, and no one local bid on it. In fact, in city bids preference is usually given to local bids if there are any.

[Non-RedNeck Westsider]

Uh, they put the contract up for bid, and no one local bid on it. In fact, in city bids preference is usually given to local bids if there are any.

No locals bid on it because no local companies met any of the qualification standards set forth in the RFP. 

[comncense]

So now with the start of the NFL regular season upon us... Anyone heard any new news on the facilities management contract?

[tufsu1]

no, but the City has agreed to let SMG run the stadium through this season