Notice_of_Short_List_Phase_1.pdf

This is a Notice of Short List issued by Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS) in Tampa, Florida, dated April 30, 2026, announcing the vendors advancing to Phase I evaluation for RFP 26113-RFP-MST for an Instructional Materials Textbook Management System. Seven vendors were selected to advance: Blender Education LLC, CDW Government LLC, Companion Corp, Concourse Tech Inc, Follett Software LLC, Frontline Technologies, and Incident IQ LLC. Two vendors were deemed non-responsive and excluded from further consideration: Insignia Software Corporation for failure to submit a bid package and Tennessee Book Company LLC for failing to meet the minimum three-year experience requirement. The procurement aims to replace the expiring Follett Destiny platform with a modern, scalable system capable of managing approximately 1.7 million instructional materials across 236 school sites. Proposals were due April 10, 2026, and vendor selection for final negotiations is anticipated in late spring 2026, with contract award expected in late summer to early fall 2026 and implementation commencing in summer 2027. The initial contract term begins July 1, 2027, with automatic yearly renewals contingent on board appropriation, continued need, and contractor performance.

The evaluation process allocates 100 points across three phases: specifications and scope (25 points), qualifications and experience (30 points), and cost/value (35 points), with up to 10 bonus points available for Small Business Enterprise Program (SBEP) participation. Pricing must be firm for no less than three years with any subsequent increases requiring cost justification documentation. Vendors must submit a 10-year cost of ownership spreadsheet and detailed statement of work outlining implementation timelines and deliverables. HCPS has not disclosed an estimated budget amount, and the contract may be awarded to one or more vendors at the district's discretion. The SBEP set-aside requirement, governed by School Board policy 6320.02, is a gender and race-neutral program promoting certified small local businesses within the Tampa Bay area; SBEP registration is voluntary but recommended, as registered vendors receive evaluation points and must commit a minimum 20 percent reinvestment goal of the district's net eligible expenditures.