HCPS FL Logo Curriculum and Instruction
Action Item
DATE: Tuesday, October 14, 2014
TO: School Board Members
FROM: MaryEllen Elia, Superintendent
SUBJECT / RECOMMENDATIONS
Approve the Purchase of District License from Certiport (Sole-Source Provider) for Industry Certification Testing and Practice Software (Curriculum and Instruction Division)
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Department of Career and Technical Education offers students industry certification practice and test administration through Certiport, the sole provider of Adobe and Microsoft certification testing. We are requesting to purchase a district license for Certiport certification testing that will provide 10,338 universal exam vouchers, which allow students and teachers to each take up to six industry certification tests.

The certification exams are recognized by industry and provide students with a marketable skill to take to the workforce.  Students successfully earning industry certifications generate weighted FTE funding back to the career-themed courses where the industry certifications are earned.  Industry certifications are to be included in the calculation of school grades.

Certiport has the global administration rights for the Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) and Microsoft Business Certifications program for Microsoft; therefore, Certiport is the exclusive agent in the state.  In accordance with the Florida Department of Education, (DOE), 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 school board believes that commodities or contractual services are available only from a single source as specified by the DOE, the district school board may negotiate on the best terms and conditions with the single source vendor. 

STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES
• Challenge and support all students with an appropriate curriculum • Align the performance management system with the district’s priorities
FINANCIAL IMPACT (Budgeted:  Yes)
This district license is subject to renewal on an annual basis to provide continual access to certification preparation and testing.  Funds of $480,000 will be funded from weighted FTE funds earned by previous student achievement in industry certification testing.
EVALUATION
The Career and Technical Education district staff will evaluate this purchase based on the number of certifications attempted and earned for the 2014-2015 school year.
SUBMITTED BY:  Warren S. Brooks, General Director, Career, Technical, and Adult Education
Christopher Jargo, Assistant Director, Career and Technical Education
Wynne A. Tye   Gretchen Saunders
Assistant Superintendent, Curriculum and Instruction
(813) 272-4221
  Chief Business Officer
(813) 272-4270
    A 6.02
Hillsborough County Public Schools (Florida) * Mtg.#20141014_643 (Board Meeting) * Section A Item# 6.02