HCPS FL Logo Academic Support and Federal Programs
Action Item
DATE: Tuesday, February 21, 2017
TO: School Board Members
FROM: Jeff Eakins, Superintendent
SUBJECT / RECOMMENDATIONS
Approve the Renewal Purchase of Desktop Multiplayer Licenses from DimensionU, Inc.  (Sole-Source Provider) to be Utilized in the Hillsborough Out-of-School Time (HOST) Program (Academic Support and Federal Programs Division)
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
DimensionU Games is a unique, supplemental resource for mathematics and literacy that is delivered in a highly engaging video game context and aligned with the Florida Standards.  DimensionU has been part of the district’s instructional, afterschool, and summer program environment since 2009.  Utilization of the DimensionU program is available for all Hillsborough County Public Schools students (including public charter schools) in grades 3-8 during the instructional day, afterschool, at home, and during the summer.

During the 2016/2017 school year, DimensionU was used by students in 85 percent of elementary, middle, and K-8 schools during the first 60 days of school, an increase of 7 percent from the program’s inception.  Additionally, in October, 15 students from the summer HOST program, along with parents and educator chaperones, traveled to Orlando to compete against afterschool students from Broward County in the first annual Florida Afterschool Alliance/DimensionU Math Games Tournament.  This event was the culmination of several years of planning by HOST, combined with the financial sponsorship and support from DimensionU.  As a result, the National Afterschool Alliance is now considering a national event during their annual conference. 

In accordance with the Florida Department of Education (FLDOE), Purchasing Policy 6A-1.012(12)(d), commodities or contractual services available only from a single source may be exempted from the competitive solicitation requirements.  When a district board believes that commodities or contractual services are available only from a single source as specified by the FLDOE, the district school board may negotiate on the best terms and conditions with the single source vendor.

STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES
• Improve the high school graduation rate • Provide a student-centered learning environment that engages every child • Engage and communicate with families and stakeholders
FINANCIAL IMPACT (Budgeted:  Yes)
Funds in the amount of $154,980.00 will be available in the HOST budget. For tracking purposes, the project number specific to this agenda item is 4302. As of Monday, January 30, 2017, the remaining balance less encumbrances for this line item equaled $569,207.00.
EVALUATION
End of year data reports showing total users, average time spent using the software, math problems solved, games completed, and points earned.
SUBMITTED BY: 
Marie Caracciola, Director, Early Childhood and HOST Programs
Tracye H. Brown, Assistant Superintendent, Academic Support and Federal Programs
Gretchen Saunders   Dr. Alberto Vázquez
Chief Business officer
(813) 272-4270
  Chief of Staff
(813) 272-4986
    C 6.03
Hillsborough County Public Schools (Florida) * Mtg.#20170221_807 (Board Meeting) * Section C Item# 6.03