Virtual Enterprises International

Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS) is pursuing a single/sole source procurement for Virtual Enterprises International (VEI), a specialized educational program focused on providing students with a simulated business platform and virtual economy experience. The procurement specifically covers VEI's comprehensive network, curriculum, trade show resources, and integrated banking system that allows students to operate businesses within a virtual economic environment. The procurement notification was posted on May 1, 2025, with responses due by May 7, 2025, through the www.myvendorlink.com platform. Interested firms must upload Exhibit B and supporting documentation demonstrating their capability to meet or exceed the program's requirements. The evaluation will be conducted by the General Manager of Procurement Services and Procurement Officer, who will determine whether to proceed with the sole source procurement based on responses received during the seven-calendar-day posting period. The procurement is being conducted under Rule 6A-1.012(12)(d) of the Florida Administrative Code, which allows for single/sole source procurement when a unique vendor provides specialized services.

The procurement appears to have no specific set-aside designations or restrictions on responding organizations, with the notice indicating that any firm can submit documentation demonstrating equivalent capabilities. No incumbent vendor replacement is noted, as VEI is positioning itself as the exclusive provider of its unique educational network and simulated business platform. The procurement does not specify a precise award value or budget range, though it involves comprehensive educational services including curriculum, teacher and student resources, virtual banking systems, and trade show equipment. The procurement is specifically for the School Board of Hillsborough County, Florida, and focuses on providing business education through a distinctive virtual enterprise approach. Decisions concerning this sole sourcing will be valid for one year after School Board approval and will require re-posting and validation for potential renewal. The document emphasizes that this is not a competitive solicitation, and any responses will be evaluated solely to determine whether bona-fide competition exists for the proposed service.