ESBD_466153_1762551683786_Addendum 1 Q&A.pdf

This is an Addendum 1 Q&A document issued by the University of Houston Downtown for Request for Proposal 784-26-2609 regarding a Study Abroad Program in Ghana scheduled for July 12-25, 2026. The addendum, dated November 7, 2025, confirms that no questions were submitted by the questions and interpretations deadline. The RFP seeks qualified travel service providers to coordinate a faculty-led study abroad program accommodating 20-40 students and two accompanying faculty members for a 14-day educational and cultural experience. Required services include round-trip group-booked economy class airfare between Houston and Accra, minimum 3-star accommodations, daily meals, ground transportation, on-the-ground representation, and airport transfer services. Vendors must develop a comprehensive itinerary incorporating educational and cultural site visits aligned with academic program goals. The inquiry deadline was November 6, 2025 at 3:00 PM CT, with the Q&A addendum posted November 10, 2025 at 5:00 PM CT, and the proposal submission deadline of November 17, 2025 at 3:00 PM CT.

Evaluation criteria assess the quality of travel itinerary (40 points), pricing (25 points), accommodations and transportation (15 points), overall study abroad experience (10 points), and references (10 points). The target budget is $4,000 per participant, covering all program services for the total group with faculty costs covered through group discounts. A Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) subcontracting requirement establishes a 9% HUB goal for services contracts, with all respondents required to submit a HUB Subcontracting Plan or risk disqualification. Contractors must maintain Commercial General Liability insurance of at least $1,000,000 per occurrence and comply with state and federal regulations, including Executive Order GA-48. Proposals must be submitted in two individually sealed envelopes within one package, including two physical copies and electronic documents on USB. The University reserves the right to make split awards, multiple awards, or no award and may conduct oral presentations with selected respondents. Payments will be processed within 30 days of invoice receipt following service completion under UHD's Standard Purchasing Agreement.