Acceleration_Academies_LLC_26037-SSD-DST_Sole_Source_Notice__012026.pdf

HillsboroughSchools.org • P.O. Box 3408 • Tampa, FL 33601-3408 • (813) 272-4374 Raymond O. Shelton School Administrative Center • 901 East Kennedy Blvd. • Tampa, FL 33602-3507

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

PROCUREMENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT

NOTICE OF INTENT

TO

PURCHASE SINGLE/SOLE SOURCE COMMODITIES AND SERVICES

The following commodities and services listed below may be a “Single Source” or a “Sole Source” (only one (1) source from which to purchase the commodities and services).

Single/Sole Source No. & Vendor Name: 26037-SSD-DST: Acceleration Academies, LLC Single/Sole Source Posting Date (7 business days): From: Tuesday, January 20, 2026

To: Thursday, January 29, 2026, 7 pm.

Commodities and Services: See Exhibit A. SINGLE/SOLE SOURCE COMMODITIES AND SERVICES

This NOTICE OF INTENT TO PURCHASE SINGLE/SOLE SOURCE shall serve as a notification that a recommendation will be made to The School Board of Hillsborough County, Florida (the “School Board”) to award this single or sole source procurement to the referenced vendor of the commodities and contractual services described in Exhibit A: SINGLE/SOLE SOURCE COMMODITIES AND SERVICES. The description of the commodities and contractual services intended for purchase from a single/sole source is posted in accordance with Rule 6A-1.012(12)(d), Florida Administrative Code. It will remain posted for seven (7) business days.

This is not a request for proposals, and no competitive solicitation is available. HCPS will not consider any response to be a proposal. Any responses received because of this notice will be considered solely to determine whether competition exists.

Interested firms or individuals may identify their interest and capability to respond to the requirement by uploading EXHIBIT B: RESPONSE TO PURCHASE SINGLE/SOLE SOURCE COMMODITIES AND SERVICES and all relevant documents via www.vendorlink.com. “Like” shall mean equal, equivalent, or identical. Interested firms will be considered only if they respond with clear and convincing documentation that they can meet or exceed the requirements. All responses received within seven (7) business days after the publication of this Notice of Intent to Purchase Single/Sole Source will be reviewed by HCPS.

A determination by the General Manager of Procurement Services, or designee, and the Procurement Officer not to publish a competitive solicitation for this proposed action based on the responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the General Manager of Procurement Services.

Notice of Intent to Sole Source: If Procurement Services does not receive “like” commodities and services information during the Single/Sole Source posting period above, the purchase request shall be issued to the School Board or renewed as approved by the School Board. This section shall serve as notice of the intended decision to enter a single/sole source contract in the manner specified in § 120.57(3), Florida Statutes. It may negotiate the best terms and conditions with the single/sole source vendor. HCPS shall submit a recommendation to the School Board (www.hillsboroughschools.org/Page/3643) requesting approval to waive the solicitation process and proceed with the single/sole source purchase. Decisions concerning multiple-year sole sourcing are valid for one year after approval by the School Board and must be re-posted and validated before the renewal period.

Failure to file a protest within the time prescribed in § 120.57(3), Florida Statutes, or failure to post the bond or other security required by law within the time allowed for filing a bond shall constitute a waiver of proceedings under Chapter 120, Florida Statutes. Any protest concerning HCPS’ decision must be timely received by the General Manager of Procurement Services at 901 E. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, FL 33602.

Superintendent of Schools Van Ayres http://www.vendorlink.com/ http://www.hillsboroughschools.org/Page/3643

Hillsborough County Public Schools Page 2 of 3 Notice of Sole Source Purchase: 26037-SSD-DST Acceleration Academies, LLC

EXHIBIT A

SINGLE/SOLE SOURCE COMMODITIES AND SERVICES

1. Describe what the item commodity and service is and how it is to be used by HCPS.

The service will be used to review district reports to identify students who dropped out of high school without earning a standard diploma and to provide them with the resources and support needed to offer another opportunity to graduate.

While the district has attempted to reconnect with these students for many years, Acceleration Academies’ work is solely focused on re-engaging students using all available outreach methods and supports they provide.

2. What feature or particular condition of this commodity and service is unique and cannot be obtained from any other source?

Acceleration Academies’ work is dedicated to providing students with a second chance to graduate. They operate nationally across multiple school districts and are also established partners with districts throughout the state of Florida.

Acceleration Academies has demonstrated consistent success in graduating students by providing comprehensive resources and supports tailored to student needs. Their educational model is designed with a full understanding of how to adapt instruction and services to meet the diverse needs of all students.

3. Vendor-provided information.

Acceleration Academies, LLC is the nationwide sole source/provider and exclusive licensor of the software, hardware and fully accredited high school dropout reengagement program known as Acceleration Academies. All of its copyright-protected materials, including data-collection software and methodologies, instruments, and related intellectual properties, provide a means for reaching students over the age of 16 who have abandoned education in its entirety, and who require highly individualized interventions to re-engage, learn, and ultimately achieve a diploma. The program is structured to meet all State of Florida and School District of Hillsborough County (“SDHC”) standards, and to operate extended hours daily, over 12 months per year. Its software and protocols are research-based and tested, and its fully accredited program and proprietary intellectual property further incorporate non-academic supports that work hand-in-hand with rigorous academic content and instruction.

Additionally, the program is readily distinguished from any service being provided by SDHC because participation is limited solely to dropouts who have refused existing SDHC educational services of any sort. Our outreach and services program is currently in partnership with school districts in Washington State, Nevada, Texas, Georgia, South Carolina, and throughout Florida, at no cost to any of the school districts we serve. We have already been determined as a sole source provider in other jurisdictions.

[INTENTIONALLY BLANK.]

Hillsborough County Public Schools Page 3 of 3 Notice of Sole Source Purchase: 26037-SSD-DST Acceleration Academies, LLC

EXHIBIT B

RESPONSE TO PURCHASE SINGLE/SOLE SOURCE

COMMODITIES AND SERVICES

The following must be completed, signed, and returned as part of your response. Your response will not be accepted without this form, signed by a supplier’s authorized agent.

Respondents who believe they have “like” commodities and services must:

• upload this EXHIBIT B: RESPONSE TO PURCHASE SINGLE/SOLE SOURCE COMMODITIES AND SERVICES; and

• provide sufficient information regarding their ability to supply the described commodities and services to allow for an evaluation to determine “like” commodities or “like” services.

Responses received after the Response Due Date and Time (see page one) will not be accepted.

Company Name:

Mailing Address:

City, State, Zip:

Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN):

Telephone Number:

Email:

Signature

Title Date