Italy & Greece: Collegiate Volleyball Summer 2026

Southwest Minnesota State University is seeking a travel specialist to arrange a comprehensive collegiate volleyball tour to Italy and Greece in June 2026. The Request for Proposal (RFP) calls for an all-inclusive educational abroad package featuring a 10-day, 11-night itinerary covering Milan, Rome, Nafplio, and Athens. Key deliverables include round-trip international airfare from Minneapolis-St. Paul, ground transportation, group lodging, athlete-focused meals, five competitive exhibition volleyball matches, training facility access, and cultural excursions. The proposal was issued on December 23, 2025, with a submission deadline of January 23, 2026, at 11:00 AM CST. Evaluation criteria are comprehensive, including 5% for adherence to Minnesota State terms, 25% for work plan and itinerary detail, 30% for cost and value, 20% for respondent qualifications, and 20% for response completeness. The contract is anticipated to commence on January 31, 2026, with a nine-month term, and no site visits or bidders conferences are currently scheduled.

The procurement opportunity includes provisions for supplier diversity preferences and requires respondents to submit specific documentation, including an Affidavit of Non-Collusion and Workforce and Equal Pay Declaration Page. While no specific set-aside designations are explicitly mentioned, the RFP suggests a focus on diverse and qualified vendors. The budget for this contract is established at $130,000, with a target travel cost of $5,000 or less per traveler for an estimated group of 21 participants, with pricing analysis requested for groups ranging from 20 to 30+ travelers. Respondents must address various requirements, including exception clauses, conflicts of interest, insurance coverage, and specialized services such as handling oversized athletic equipment, accommodating dietary restrictions, and managing last-minute schedule changes. The contract will require comprehensive international travel management, with a focus on creating an educational and competitive volleyball experience for the collegiate team.