ESBD_438452_1753217649523_PreReqs RFP 784-25-2539-Study Abroad Program in India Feb 28, 2026- Mar 14, 2026.docx

PreReqs RFP 784-25-2539- Study Abroad Program in India: Feb 28, 2026- Mar 14, 2026

Vendor Attestations: Vendor acknowledges that they have read the Prerequisites below.

1. Review Request for Proposal Name, Number and UHD Purchasing Contact A. Request for Proposal Name and Number: RFP 784-25-2539- Study Abroad Program in India: Feb 28, 2026- Mar 14, 2026 B. University Contact: Any questions or concerns regarding this RFP shall be directed to Trenton Hernandez, Purchasing Coordinator, hernandeztr@uhd.edu.

2. Review the Proposal Submittal Instructions.

The University will accept proposals by the Proposal Submittal Deadline as outlined in Section 5, with each proposal submitted in separate envelopes. Proposals will be opened on the specified due date and time. Please DO NOT use the U.S. Postal Service to submit your bid.

Each Proposal must be submitted as one (1) package with two (2) individually sealed envelopes inside. The proposal documents, attachments, execution of offer, and any other information must be included in one envelope with a copy on USB. Two (2) copies of the proposal must be included.

The proposal and all attachments supporting the proposal must reference “RFP 784-25-2539- Study Abroad Program in India Proposal must be submitted and received in the University’s Purchasing Office on or before the time and date specified and delivered to:

University of Houston-Downtown Purchasing Department Attn: Trenton Hernandez One Main Street, Suite S970 Houston, TX 77002

Bid & RFP opportunities can be found at the following link: Electronic State Business Daily (ESBD). This portal includes reference documents related to bids.

3. Review the Intent and Background.

The University of Houston-Downtown (UHD) College of Public Service is coordinating a 15-day faculty-led study abroad program to India, with travel to Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, and Agra. The program is designed to expose students to the practice of social work in a global context, with a particular emphasis on mental health and suicide prevention through site visits, outreach activities, and collaboration with local organizations. The trip is scheduled for February 28 to March 14, 2026, and will include 8 to 18 participants. Please note that the departure and return dates are firm and not subject to change.

UHD is seeking proposals from qualified travel service providers with demonstrated experience supporting academic programs in India. Selected vendors will be responsible for coordinating all travel and site logistics in alignment with the goals of the program. Airfare must be included for this solicitation.

RESPONDENTS ARE CAUTIONED TO READ THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS RFP CAREFULLY AND TO SUBMIT A COMPLETE RESPONSE TO ALL REQUIREMENTS AND QUESTIONS AS DIRECTED.

Any contract resulting from this RFP will become effective upon the latter of the effective date indicated in the contract or the date that all parties have signed the contract.

4. Term of the Contract Any contract resulting from this RFP will become effective upon execution and will continue until all services are completed. The University reserves the right to modify terms or schedules as necessary.

5. Review Key Event Schedule.

Note: The University reserves the right to change or extend any and all dates including the due date for proposals for any reason and at any time including after the due date for proposals.

The University will be closed in observance of the following holidays:

https://www.uhd.edu/hr/benefits/holidays.aspx

6. Review the Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) Information Vendor affirms that a HUB Subcontracting Plan (HSP) is not required.

7. Review the Preproposal Conference Information.

Not required for this solicitation.

8. Review the Inquiries and Interpretations.

Inquiries must be submitted by email and received no later than close of business per Inquiries and Interpretations Deadline listed in the Key Event Schedule. Responses to inquiries, which directly affect an interpretation or change to this RFP will be issued in writing by addendum (amendment) and posted to the Electronic State Business Daily https://www.txsmartbuy.gov/esbd. All such addenda issued by the University prior to the time that proposals are received shall be considered part of the RFP, and the Respondent shall be required to consider and acknowledge receipt of such in Respondent’s proposal.

Only those inquiries the University replies to which are made by formally written addenda shall be binding. Oral and other interpretations or clarification will be without legal effect. The Respondent must acknowledge all addenda by either signing or returning such document(s) or by letter. Such acknowledgment must be received prior to the hour and date specified for receipt of proposals or shall accompany the proposal. Owner prefers simple and economically produced Proposals describing the Respondent’s ability to meet the requirements of this RFP in a straightforward, concise manner. In evaluating Proposals, emphasis shall be on the quality, completeness, clarity of content, responsiveness to the requirements, and Respondent’s understanding and anticipating of the Owner’s needs.

NOTE: ALL ELECTRONIC DOCUMENTS MUST BE SUBMITTED IN PDF FORMAT & ATTACHED TO BID RESPONSE.

9. Standard Purchasing Agreement (SPA) Vendor acknowledges that the Standard Purchasing Agreement (EXHIBIT B) is the University’s preferred form of Agreement for the sort of transaction contemplated in this RFP and is expected to be the primary Contract Document. Any requests to modify or revise the Standard Purchasing Agreement or use of another contract form must be reviewed and approved by UH System Legal Counsel and will delay the contracting process, and the University is under no obligation to accept such requests for modification or revision, or usage of other contract forms. Any request to modify or revise the Standard Purchasing Agreement or to use another contract form may be taken into consideration in reviewing the sufficiency of a Respondent’s bid. Furthermore, any request to modify or revise the Standard Purchasing Agreement or to use another contract form may at the University’s sole discretion lead to rejection or disqualification of the bid, if such revisions or modifications are unacceptable to the University, or if the other contract form is not used as a subordinate exhibit/corollary document to the Standard Purchasing Agreement or is otherwise unacceptable to the University.

10. Forms/Exhibits

EXHIBIT A- EXECUTION OF OFFER *REQUIRED*

EXHIBIT B - STANDARD PURCHASING AGREEMENT

11. TXRAMP & HECVAT

For applicable requirements, Vendor shall obtain TXRAMP Certification for cloud computing risks.

For applicable requirements that include Electronic Information Resources, vendor shall submit Voluntary Product Assessment Tool or Accessibility Conformance Report and HECVAT.

12. Review Evaluation Criteria

Evaluation Criteria Breakdown

Criterion One: Evidence of Established Social Work Connections in India

· Demonstrates strong, established relationships with social service organizations, and academic institutions such as schools of social work, particularly in Bengaluru, Chennai, and Delhi.

· Evidence of successfully facilitating academic, cultural, or service-learning programs in India.

Criterion Two: Direct Experience Providing Travel to India

· Demonstrated ability to manage multi-city itineraries within India, including airfare, hotel accommodations, and ground transportation.

Criterion Three: Pricing

· Provides a clear and itemized cost proposal, including airfare, lodging, transportation, meals, and fees.

· Pricing aligns with industry norms and offers value compared to similar service providers.

Criterion Four: References

· At least three references from higher education institutions or organizations with experience using the vendor for study abroad or India-specific programs.

Criterion Five: Overall Experience in Social Work Study Abroad Programs

· Experience developing itineraries that support academic goals within a social work program and cultural enrichment.

· Understanding of student support, pre-departure preparation, and cultural sensitivity.

Criterion Six: Quality of Tour Plan

· The tour plan is well-organized, addresses all required components, and aligns with program objectives.

· The tour plan demonstrates thoughtful planning, practical scheduling, and efficient travel arrangements.

13. Description of Services - General Requirements/ Description of Services

SECTION 1

A. Trip Overview

· UHD is planning a 15-day group trip to India, the group will consist of 8–18 students and one faculty member. The scope includes international airfare, hotel accommodations (4-star minimum), accommodation in Bengaluru must be on National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) campus, daily breakfast, intercity and local ground transportation, and coordination of academic and cultural site visits.

B. Airfare

· Airfare is mandatory and should be included as part of the proposal. The current itinerary includes the following flight segments:

· Houston to Bengaluru

· Chennai to Delhi

· Delhi to Houston

· Flights should be in economy/coach class. International flight segments must be limited to one layover, not exceeding four (4) hours.

C. Lodging & Transportation

· Minimum of 4-star accommodation or better is required for all overnight stays.

· Hotels must be located in safe, secure areas.

· Accommodation is needed as follows:

· Bengaluru: 3 nights (March 2–4) (Accommodation must be on NIMHANS campus)

· Chennai: 5 nights (March 5–10)

· Delhi: 2 nights (March 11–12)

· Transportation must include:

· Airport pick-up in Bengaluru and drop-off in Delhi.

· Ground transport to all scheduled site visits.

· Travel between Bengaluru and Chennai.

· Flight travel between Chennai and Delhi.

· The University does not require a tour guide or on-the-ground representative to accompany the group.

D. Meals

· Daily breakfast must be included at all hotels. Breakfast should be American style with hot options such as eggs, bacon, toast, milk, juice, coffee, cereal, fruit, and pastries.

· Lunch and dinner will be the responsibility of each participant and should not be included in the proposal.

E. Service to be included in Itinerary along with “Required Package Elements.”

Vendors must address the following in their proposals:

· Accommodation: Number of nights, room types, and included services.

· Meals: Included meals, format (buffet, per diem, etc.), costs, and allergy accommodations.

· Transportation: Ground transfers, airport pick-up/drop-off, and intercity travel.

· Program Fees

Cost Expectations and Feasibility

· The target budget is $4,000 per participant, inclusive of airfare, lodging, breakfast, local transportation, and scheduled program activities. If the vendor cannot meet this price, they must propose cost-saving alternatives or modifications.

The program itinerary must include visits to the following academic institutions and cultural sites in Chennai and Bengaluru:

· Schizophrenia Research Foundation

· National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS)

· St. John’s Medical College Hospital, Department of Psychiatry

· Madras Christian College, Department of Social Work

· The Banyan Academy of Leadership in Mental Health

· Mahabali Puram

· Iskcon temple

· T. Nagar shopping area

· Dakshin Chitra Museum

While the itinerary below reflects preferred activities and destinations, proposers may suggest modifications or alternatives to accommodate travel logistics, group size, or other constraints. Flexibility is expected, as long as the itinerary meets the outlined elements and requirements.

Hotel check-in; 3 nights required in Bengaluru (Accommodation must be at NIMHANS campus)

Transportation required

Transportation required

Hotel check-in; 5 nights required in Chennai Transportation required

Transportation required

Transportation required

Transportation required

Transportation required

Transportation required

2 nights required in Delhi Transportation required

Transportation required

Transportation required

14. General Information Questionnaire Please answer the following questions as a part of your proposal response. Type the question before your answer. In answering a question, you may refer to other sections or exhibits of your proposal by reference to the page where the information may be found. If the answer to one question appears in the answer to another, you may refer to your other answer. Answers should be sufficiently detailed to make any further inquiries unnecessary by the University.

Failure to respond completely to any of these questions may result in the entire proposal being rejected.

RESPONDENT QUESTIONNAIRE

Respondents are requested to submit a complete response to each of the below-listed items. Responses requiring additional space should be brief and submitted as an attachment to your proposal package. Please reference each response by its item number indicated below.

Company Profile

1. Legal name of the company:

Address of office that would be providing service:

Number of years in Business:

Type of Operation (i.e., Individual, Partnership, and Corporation):

Number of Employees:

Annual Sales Volume:

2. A Statement that you will provide a copy of your company's financial statements for the past two (2) years if requested by the University.

3. Provide a Financial rating of your company and any documentation (such as a Dunn and Bradstreet analysis), which indicates the financial stability of your company.

4. State whether your company is currently for sale or involved in any transaction to expand or to become acquired by another business entity. If so, please explain the impact both in organizational and directional terms.

5. Provide any details of all past or pending litigation or claims filed against your company that would affect your company's performance under a Contract with the University.

6. Is your company currently in default on any loan agreement or financing agreement with any bank, financial institution, or other entity? If yes, specify the date(s), details, circumstances, and prospects for resolution.

7. Provide a customer reference list of no less than three (3) organizations, including higher education, with which your company currently has contracts with and/or has previously provided the goods/services of equal type and scope within the past five (5) years. Reference list to include, company name, contact person, and telephone number, contract description, length of business relationship and any special requirements.

8. Does any relationship exist whether, by a relative, business associate, capital funding agreement or any other such kinship exist between your company and any University employee? If yes, please explain.

9. Please complete and attach your Cost and Delivery Proposal.

10. Please complete and attach the proposal responses.

11. Please complete and attach all mandatory forms.

12. Please complete and attach any applicable non-mandatory forms.

Transition to Contract

13. Provide a statement of the transition requirements to implement the contract, any unique benefits, and other considerations. Briefly address the requirements, objectives, and activities in Scope of Work.

14. Provide an estimate of the earliest start date following the execution of a contract.

15. Submit a work plan with key dates and milestones. Your response should include:

a. Identification of tasks to be performed and/or equipment to be provided

b. Time frames to perform the identified tasks

c. List any compliance requirements and strategies for federal, state and local government regulations, insurance requirements including worker’s compensation, licenses, and permits, if any and any other regulations as appropriate.

16. Describe the strategy and controls that will be utilized to assure products and services provided, pricing and terms, project timeline, maintenance support, and training. Include samples of reports and documents if appropriate.

17. What difficulties do you anticipate in serving the University and how do you plan to manage these? What assistance will you require from the University?

18. Describe your company's quality assurance program, what are your company’s requirements, and how are they measured?