RFP 26-18 Visitor Assistance Program - Kaua‘i

The Hawai'i Tourism Authority (HTA) issued RFP 26-18 on May 15, 2026, seeking qualified firms or individuals to design, implement, and manage a comprehensive Visitor Assistance Program (VAP) on Kaua'i, Hawai'i. The program must provide timely, coordinated, and compassionate assistance to visitors experiencing emergencies or adverse situations, including services for visitors victimized by crime, accidents, medical emergencies, death, or travel disruptions. Core deliverables and objectives include direct visitor assistance and emergency support services such as transportation and temporary lodging coordination; coordination with law enforcement, healthcare providers, consulates, and industry partners; stakeholder engagement and safety outreach; and program administration with accessible intake mechanisms. The contractor must provide translation services, emotional support, guidance, and prevention efforts targeting health and safety issues while serving only temporary visitors without permanent residency who intend to depart within 60 days or possess evidence of return travel. Minimum qualifications require at least ten years of professional experience in visitor support, disaster response, or emergency tourism liaison services; proven expertise working with government or tourism entities; and a team with demonstrated communications, coordination, program management, and cultural sensitivity expertise. The evaluation criteria are weighted as follows: Experience and Qualifications (20 points), Proposed Approach (40 points), Past Performance and Case Studies (20 points), References (5 points), and Price (15 points). Offerors may submit written questions by May 22, 2026, with responses posted by May 26, 2026; proposals are due June 15, 2026, at 2:00 P.M. HST via the HIePRO electronic procurement system, with award notification estimated for the week of June 22, 2026.

The RFP contains no specified set-asides or restrictions limiting participation based on organization type or disadvantaged enterprise status; however, all offerors must obtain a Certificate of Vendor Compliance demonstrating compliance with state tax, employment, workers' compensation, and related laws prior to award. Required insurance includes commercial general liability coverage of $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate, plus automobile liability insurance of $1,000,000 per person/accident for bodily injury and property damage. No incumbent vendors or current contractors are identified in the procurement documents. The contract is a fixed-price agreement with a maximum total compensation of $93,150.00 USD, tax inclusive, funded by Hawai'i State General Funds and subject to fund availability and legislative appropriation. The contract term spans 19 months total, consisting of an initial six-month term from July 1, 2026, through December 31, 2026, providing $26,500.00 USD, and a second 13-month term from January 1, 2027, through January 31, 2028, providing $66,650.00 USD. The fixed price is inclusive of all labor, materials, equipment, travel, program expenses, administrative costs, overhead, taxes, and other necessary costs, with all work product including reports, studies, data, and deliverables becoming the exclusive property of the State of Hawā'i upon completion.