DOEA ITB-24-001-JT Hotel Accommodations

The Florida Department of Elder Affairs (DOEA) has issued Invitation to Bid (ITB) number 24-001-JT for hotel accommodations and meeting spaces to support the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program's statewide training. This competitive procurement seeks qualified bidders located specifically in the Orlando metro area, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Tampa metro area, Gainesville, or St. Augustine, with a minimum four-star TripAdvisor rating. The successful vendor must provide comprehensive lodging and conference facilities for up to 250 attendees, including room accommodations, meeting spaces, meals, and audio-visual equipment for training sessions scheduled in April and May 2025. Key deliverables include fixed-rate pricing proposals, room blocks, and meeting space configurations that can accommodate the program's training needs. The solicitation is structured as an Invitation to Bid, with a posted date of October 31, 2024, and a critical submission deadline of November 11, 2024. The Department anticipates posting the recommended award on November 14, 2024, and has explicitly outlined detailed documentation, record-keeping, and compliance requirements for potential bidders.

The ITB does not specify explicit set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged business enterprises, though standard state procurement guidelines likely apply. The procurement appears open to qualified hotel properties meeting the geographic and rating specifications outlined in the document. While no incumbent vendors are mentioned, the procurement indicates the Department is exempt from federal excise taxes and state sales tax, which may impact pricing considerations. The document suggests the Department retains flexibility to add or delete goods, services, or locations within the general scope of the ITB, providing potential for contract modifications. Although specific budget ranges are not explicitly stated, the requirement to accommodate 250 attendees with comprehensive meeting and lodging services implies a substantial contract value. The procurement also includes standard provisions allowing the Department to modify or cancel the solicitation, underscoring the competitive and dynamic nature of this state contracting opportunity.