Virtual_Enterprises_International_26180-SSD-EST_050526.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

NOTICE OF INTENT

TO

PURCHASE SINGLE/SOLE SOURCE COMMODITIES AND SERVICES

The following commodities and services 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: 26180-SSD-EST: TechApp Entrepreneur course Virtual Enterprises International

Single/Sole Source Posting Date (7 business days): From: Tuesday, May 5, 2026 To: Thursday, May 14, 2026 Protest Period (3 business days) From: Thursday, May 14, 2026 To: Tuesday, May 19, 2026 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 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 provide clear and convincing documentation demonstrating 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 reposted 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

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

Hillsborough County Public Schools Page 2 of 3 26180-SSD-EST Virtual Enterprises International

120, Florida Statutes. Any protest concerning HCPS’s decision must be received by the General Manager of Procurement Services at 901 E. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, FL 33602, within the prescribed time.

EXHIBIT A

SINGLE/SOLE SOURCE COMMODITIES AND SERVICES

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

The Virtual Enterprises (VE) program allows business ownership students to run a simulated business within a classroom, operating in a virtual economy with a banking system that connects VE programs worldwide. For HCPS, VE provides an interactive platform that includes curriculum, teacher and student resources, and a virtual banking system to teach business skills, critical thinking, and problem-solving, preparing students for entrepreneurial and business careers.

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

The VE program's unique features include an integrated virtual economy with a banking system that connects schools globally. This system allows students to buy and sell products within the virtual economy, facilitating the operation of their student-created virtual businesses. The program offers real-world business practices, comprehensive support, and resources for teachers and students to convert the classroom into a hands-on simulated business. These elements provide a realistic and immersive business education experience that is unmatched by other sources.

3. Vendor-provided information.

Virtual Enterprises International is a sole vendor offering participation in the Virtual Enterprises International network and has the copyright for its programs and curriculum which cannot be duplicated. Virtual Enterprises also provides booths and related equipment for various student trade shows and other extended learning activities taking place throughout the course of the year.

• Virtual Enterprise ("VE") TechApp Entrepreneur course

• Virtual Enterprises ("VE") High School Program

[INTENTIONALLY BLANK.]

Hillsborough County Public Schools Page 3 of 3 26180-SSD-EST Virtual Enterprises International

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