Single Source provider for proprietary software licenses from American Reading Company

The Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind is proceeding with a single-source acquisition to purchase three-year proprietary software licenses for SchoolPace Connect-Variant 4 and eIRLA/eNIL subscriptions from American Reading Company, with an estimated contract value not to exceed $27,000.00 for the period FY 2026-2029. This procurement is justified solely on the basis that American Reading Company is the exclusive provider of these products, as the materials, including instructional content and registered trademarks, are copyrighted and protected under strict usage policies that prohibit reproduction, reuse, or modification without prior written consent, even on third-party or privately hosted platforms. The acquisition is conducted under Florida Statutes §287.057(3), §120.57(3), and Rule 60A-1.045, F.A.C., which provide the legal framework for non-competitive procurements where only one source can fulfill the requirement. The NAICS code 55101509 applies to this procurement, classifying it under educational or vocational textbooks, with additional alignment to educational guidance services under 86141500. The solicitation, identified as SS-27-003, was posted on June 10, 2026, and the response deadline is July 12, 2026, at 4:00 PM, during which potential vendors may provide information regarding their ability to supply the product, though no competitive bids are being solicited. All inquiries must be directed to Kim Whitwam, Director of Purchasing, via email at whitwamk@fsdk12.org. Failure to file a protest or post a bond within the timeframe prescribed by Florida Statutes constitutes a waiver of rights under Chapter 120. The performance location is Florida, and while payment and invoicing procedures are not specified, the software licenses and subscriptions will be delivered digitally for use by FSDB personnel and students, with all intellectual property rights retained exclusively by American Reading Company.