2027 and 2028 Death and Missing Persons Conference

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is requesting proposals for hosting the 2027 and 2028 Death and Missing Persons Conference through the SWIFT Supplier Portal, with proposals due October 26, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. Central Time. The selected facility must be located within 35 miles of the Post Office at 422 Laurel Street, Brainerd, Minnesota 56401 as measured by Google Maps and cannot be a casino. Small business enterprises, including those certified by the Minnesota Office of Equity in Procurement, are explicitly invited to participate.

The 2027 conference is scheduled for April 28–30 or May 12–14, 2027, and the 2028 conference for April 5–7, 2028. The BCA anticipates approximately 350 attendees per conference, though this is an estimate only and the State does not guarantee minimum numbers of lodging rooms, attendees, or meals. Pricing submitted must be firm and shall not be adjusted if attendance falls below the estimate.

The contract term runs from November 9, 2026 through April 30, 2028. Evaluation occurs in three phases (responsiveness review, scoring evaluation, and finalist selection) with scoring criteria comprising acceptance of State terms and conditions (100 points), cancellation policy (100 points), and cost detail (800 points) totaling 1,000 points, plus up to 120 additional preference points for certified targeted group, economically disadvantaged, or veteran-owned businesses. The State reserves the right to inspect facilities prior to award and may reject proposals based on facility conditions including odors, damaged furniture, stained carpeting, dirty linens, mold, or unsanitary conditions.

Questions are due October 13, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. Central Time directed to Kaleigh Stevens at Kaleigh.Stevens@state.mn.us, with responses provided via addendum. Responders must submit all required attachments including declarations of accuracy and non-collusion, exceptions to State terms and conditions, completed price schedule, and workforce and equal pay declaration through SWIFT. Non-electronic and email responses will not be accepted. The Vendor Assistance Helpdesk is available at 651.201.8100, Option 1, Reference RIF1098.