Sole Source - Certiport Subscriptions

The School District of Manatee County is pursuing a sole source procurement for Certiport subscriptions, a comprehensive exam delivery system for industry certifications targeting middle and high school students. The procurement specifically covers certification programs for Microsoft, Adobe, Intuit QuickBooks, Internet and Computing, and other technology-related credentials that aim to enhance students' employability upon high school graduation. The contract will provide access to exam delivery systems, e-books, courseware, practice tests, and learning products from Certiport, a business of NCS Pearson, Inc., which is the exclusive global provider of these certification services. The procurement is being processed in accordance with Florida School Board Administrative rules 6A-1.012 and will undergo a mandatory 15 business day posting process as specified under Florida Statute 287.057(3). The solicitation is currently open, with a due date of August 21, 2024, and was initially posted on May 2, 2025, covering various certification and credential programs designed to provide students with industry-recognized skills.

The procurement appears to be a non-competitive sole source acquisition restricted to Certiport as the exclusive vendor, with no specific set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises mentioned. The total contract value is $150,000.00, covering certification services for multiple sites within the school district. Certiport operates through a network of over 12,000 Authorized Testing Centers across more than 150 countries and 25 languages, offering 22 distinct certification programs. The vendor will provide comprehensive exam delivery systems, educational resources, and credentialing services that support technology and business skill assessment. The procurement targets supporting academic organizations by providing students with opportunities to gain valuable industry credentials in computing, information technology, and office applications. Integration will likely involve existing educational technology infrastructure within Manatee County schools, with Certiport serving as the singular provider of these specialized certification and exam services.