VEX Robotics, Inc.

Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS) is pursuing a single/sole source procurement for VEX Robotics educational equipment through a non-competitive solicitation process. The procurement specifically targets VEX Robotics kits designed for hands-on learning in STEM disciplines, including programmable robots, sensors, and related educational components for classroom instruction. The procurement notice was posted from January 8, 2025, 12:00 PM to January 16, 2025, 12:00 PM, with a Notice of Intent to Sole Source period extending from January 17, 2025, to January 21, 2025. Interested firms are invited to demonstrate their capability to meet or exceed the requirements by uploading documentation via www.myvendorlink.com within seven calendar days. The evaluation criteria focus on firms' ability to provide "like" products that are equal, equivalent, or identical to the VEX Robotics specifications, with a particular emphasis on proprietary educational technology, comprehensive learning resources aligned with state standards, and support for Technology Student Association (TSA) competitions. Responses should be submitted to Ashley Ruggiero at Ashley.Ruggiero@hcps.net, with the final determination of competitive action remaining at the discretion of the General Manager of Procurement Services.

The procurement appears to be unrestricted in terms of vendor type, with no specific set-aside designations or enterprise restrictions mentioned in the documentation. VEX Robotics, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Innovation First International, Inc., is positioned as the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and sole source provider of the robotics components. The company's headquarters is located at 6725 W. FM 1570 in Greenville, TX 75402, with invoice payments to be processed through a department in Dallas, TX. While specific award values or budget ranges are not explicitly stated in the provided documents, the procurement is clearly focused on educational technology for STEM curriculum enhancement. The sole source nature of the procurement suggests that VEX Robotics has unique technological capabilities or educational resources that make their products distinctively valuable to Hillsborough County Public Schools. The procurement process allows for potential alternative vendors to demonstrate comparable capabilities, though the ultimate decision rests with the school district's procurement leadership.