Athletic Air Charter Travel Services

Texas Southern University is soliciting bids for athletic air charter travel services for its football program under ITB #717-26-756, with proposals due June 18, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. Central Time.

The scope covers roundtrip narrow-body jet aircraft transportation for approximately 130 passengers—student-athletes, coaches, athletics staff, trainers, equipment personnel, and authorized travelers—to three away games: El Paso (September 11–12, 2026); Fort Lauderdale (October 2–3, 2026); and Huntsville, Alabama (November 13–14, 2026). Aircraft must accommodate passengers, luggage, football equipment, medical supplies, and team gear, with in-flight catering, comfortable seating with extra legroom, lavatory access, and optional Wi-Fi. Vendors must hold all required FAA certifications and licenses, demonstrate a proven record providing collegiate or professional athletic team charter services, and submit contingency and emergency response plans.

Pricing must be firm for 90 days from the bid deadline and include all applicable taxes, fees, fuel surcharges, baggage handling, landing fees, and operational costs. Vendors must certify a fixed maximum percentage of escalation for initial and subsequent contract terms. Award will be made on best value to the university, evaluated on proposed costs, contractor stability and business success, quality and reliability of services, delivery terms, and probable contractor performance. TSU reserves the right to award to multiple vendors.

Bids must be submitted in one original, one copy, and a flash drive to TSU's Purchasing Office at 3100 Cleburne Street, Houston, Texas 77004. If the bid exceeds $100,000, vendors must complete Form 1295 (Certificate for Interested Parties) unless publicly traded. Vendors must provide evidence of insurance meeting industry and university standards, identify aircraft type and capacity, submit detailed pricing for each trip, and designate a primary point of contact. At least three references for similar projects may be requested pre-award. Questions are due June 4, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. Central Time via email; no pre-bid meeting will be held. Respondents must certify compliance with Executive Order GA-48 regarding foreign adversary restrictions.