Notice_of_Short_List_Phase_II.pdf

This is a Notice of Short List issued by Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS), Florida's seventh-largest school district, dated May 5, 2026, regarding Request for Proposal 26113-RFP-DST for an Instructional Materials Textbook Management System. The procurement seeks a modern, scalable textbook and instructional materials management system to replace the expiring Follett Destiny platform and support 236 independent school sites managing approximately 1.7 million instructional materials across the district. The solicitation required technical questions by Friday, March 27, 2026, at 5:00 PM ET, and proposals by Friday, April 10, 2026, at 5:00 PM ET via the HCPS VendorLink portal. Three firms have been selected to advance to the interview phase: Concourse Tech Inc, Follett Software LLC, and Incident IQ LLC. 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 documentation of cost justification. Vendors must submit a 10-year cost of ownership spreadsheet along with a detailed statement of work outlining implementation timelines and deliverables. Minimum qualifications require three years of industry experience, proof of authorization to do business in Florida, E-Verify compliance, three business references, general liability insurance of $1,000,000 general aggregate, and proven experience serving large K-12 districts with 100 or more school sites. The solicitation includes a Small Business Encouragement Program (SBEP) set-aside requirement governed by School Board policy 6320.02, a gender and race-neutral program designed to promote certified small local businesses within the Tampa Bay area. HCPS has not disclosed an estimated budget amount, and the contract may be awarded to one or more vendors at the district's discretion.