VEX_Robotics_Inc._25005-SSD-EST.pdf

HillsboroughSchools.org • P.O. Box 3408 • Tampa, FL 33601-3408 • (813) 272-4000 Raymond O. Shelton School Administrative Center • 901 East Kennedy Blvd. • Tampa, FL 33602-3507

NOTICE OF INTENT TO PURCHASE SINGLE/SOLE SOURCE

COMMODITIES AND CONTRACTUAL SERVICES

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

PROCUREMENT SERVICES

The following commodities and contractual services listed below may be a “Single Source” or a “Sole Source” (only one

(1) source from which to purchase the commodities or contractual services).

Single/Sole Source No. & Vendor Name: 25005-SSD-EST VEX Robotics, Inc.

Single/Sole Source Posting Date (seven (7) business days):

Beginning: Wednesday, January 8, 2025, 12:00 PM Ending: Thursday, January 16, 2025, Time, 12:00 PM

Notice of Intent to Sole Source (three (3) business days):

Beginning: Friday, January 17, 2025, Time, 12:00 PM Ending: Tuesday, January 21, 2025, Time, 12:00 PM

Commodities and Contractual Services: See Exhibit A.

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 “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 CONTRACTUAL SERVICES. The description of the commodities and contractual services intended for purchase from a single/sole source is posted per Rule 6A-1.012(12)(d), Florida Administrative Code, and will remain posted for seven (7) business days.

This is not a request for bids, proposals, or replies and there is no competitive solicitation available. HCPS will not consider any response as a bid, proposal, or reply. Any responses received because of this notice will be considered solely for determining whether bonafide competition exists.

Interested firms or individuals may identify their interest and capability to respond to the requirement by emailing EXHIBIT B: RESPONSE TO PURCHASE SINGLE/SOLE SOURCE COMMODITIES AND CONTRACTUAL SERVICES and all relevant documents to the Procurement Services representative, see Exhibit B. “Like” shall mean equal, equivalent, and/or identical. Interested firms will be considered only if they respond with clear and convincing documentation that they are capable of meeting or exceeding the requirements stated herein. All responses received within seven (7) calendar days after the date of 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 compete 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” goods or services information during the Single/Sole Source posting period, above, the purchase request shall be issued to the Board or renewed as approved by the 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, and may negotiate on the best terms and conditions with the single/sole source vendor. HCPS shall submit a recommendation to the 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 1-year after the approval by the 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 the address below.

http://www.hillsboroughschools.org/Page/3643

Hillsborough County Public Schools Page 2 of 3 25005-SSD-EST VEX Robotics, Inc.

EXHIBIT A

SINGLE/SOLE SOURCE COMMODITIES AND CONTRACTUAL SERVICES

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

VEX Robotics are educational robotics kits designed to facilitate hands-on learning in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) disciplines. These kits include programmable robots, sensors, and related components.

They are used in classrooms to teach students concepts in robotics, coding, and engineering.

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

Proprietary Technology: VEX Robotics include unique software and hardware configurations that are specifically designed for educational purposes, making them distinct from other robotics kits available on the market.

Comprehensive Educational Resources: VEX Robotics provides a wealth of educational materials, including lesson plans, curriculum guides, and online support, which are tailored to align with state educational standards and cannot be sourced from other vendors. Community and Support: The VEX Robotics community offers ongoing support and resources for both educators and students, including competitions and collaborative projects, enhancing the overall educational experience. CTSO Alignment: VEX Robotics are used in Technology Student Association (TSA) competitions.

(TSA is the primary CTSO for HCPS Engineering/Robotics courses) The TSA includes robotics events where students can design, build, and program robots using the VEX Robotics platform. These competitions focus on engineering principles, problem-solving, and teamwork, aligning with the TSA's mission to promote technology education and skills among students. The use of VEX Robotics in TSA events allows participants to engage in hands-on learning and apply their technical knowledge in a competitive setting.

3. Vendor-provided information.

Sole Source Attachment

[INTENTIONALLY BLANK.]

Hillsborough County Public Schools Page 3 of 3 25005-SSD-EST VEX Robotics, Inc.

EXHIBIT B

RESPONSE TO PURCHASE SINGLE/SOLE SOURCE

COMMODITIES AND CONTRACTUAL SERVICES

Interested firms or individuals may identify their interest and capability to respond to the requirement by emailing EXHIBIT B: RESPONSE TO PURCHASE SINGLE/SOLE SOURCE COMMODITIES AND CONTRACTUAL SERVICES and all relevant documents to the Procurement Services representative:

Ashley Ruggiero

Email: Ashley.Ruggiero@hcps.net.

Note: responses received after the Response Due Date and Time, on page one) will not be accepted.

Respondents who believe they have a “like” product or have a “like” service must upload EXHIBIT B: RESPONSE TO PURCHASE SINGLE/SOLE SOURCE COMMODITIES AND CONTRACTUAL SERVICES and provide sufficient information regarding their ability to supply the described commodities and contractual services to allow for an evaluation to determine “like” commodities or “like” 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.

Company Name:

Mailing Address:

City, State, Zip:

Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN):

Telephone Number:

Email:

Signature

Title Date