Sole Source Request: Hilton Carillon – FCRR Bootcamp, Literacy Leadership Series, and Civics Regional Workshop

Summary: The North East Florida Educational Consortium (NEFEC) seeks to contract with the Hilton Carillon to host three upcoming Florida Department of Education events: the FCRR Coach Endorsement Bootcamp, the FCRR Literacy Leadership Series, and the Civics Regional Workshop – St. Pete. These events, funded through specific FLDOE grants and partnerships with the University of Florida Lastinger Center and the Florida State University Florida Center for Reading Research, aim to provide high-quality professional development for educators and leaders across the state. The Hilton Carillon has been selected due to its proven ability to meet the logistical, programmatic, and budgetary requirements of FLDOE events. The hotel’s staff has extensive experience working with our teams, understands the nuances of our scheduling and room setup needs, and provides a centrally accessible location for attendees traveling from all regions of Florida. Their consistent professionalism, responsiveness, and familiarity with FLDOE programs significantly reduce planning time and minimize the risk of logistical errors. Previous competitive solicitations for similar events have yielded no vendor responses, making established relationships critical in securing suitable venues. The Hilton Carillon has a long-standing partnership with the Florida Department of Education and continues to demonstrate exceptional service for large-scale educational gatherings.