Strategic Project Optimizing Advice for the Miami International Airport Connector

This paper presents the efforts of Miami International Airport (MIA) to actively move forward with the Miami Intermodal Center (MIC) Connector project known as MIA Mover. This elevated landside Automated People Mover (APM) system will provide an effective means of transporting passengers between MIA's three primary terminals and a remote ground transportation facility known as MIC. At the MIC, MIA air passengers may transfer to different ground transportation modes including regional transit, rental cars, rail, parking facilities, and courtesy buses. To maximize potential competition and further reduce capital outlays, MIA retained Jakes Associates, Inc. (under three separate contracts) to conduct an on-site assessment and review of the MIA Mover project and the Request for Proposals (RFP) documents. This work specifically focused upon evaluating project characteristics such as alignment, technology competitiveness, schedule, and other to make the planned system more effective while reducing anticipated costs. In particular, a close evaluation of bid documentation was conducted, ensuring that a maximum number of technologies from capable contractors are solicited and proposal evaluation procedures are reasonable and protect the MIA/County against potential protests. Several areas of system cost reduction and optimization were identified to generate the best possible price from potential bidders. Jakes Associates, Inc. recommended project modifications to reach the project cost reduction objective without any compromise on performance and with simultaneous boost of passenger service.