RFP 784-25-2539- Study Abroad Program in India: Feb 28, 2026- Mar 14, 2026

The University of Houston-Downtown (UHD) College of Public Service is seeking a travel service provider to coordinate a faculty-led study abroad program in India scheduled from February 28 to March 14, 2026. The 15-day program will involve 8-18 students and one faculty member traveling to multiple cities including Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, and Agra, with a focus on social work practices, specifically exploring mental health and suicide prevention through site visits and local organization collaborations. The Request for Proposal (RFP 784-25-2539) requires vendors to provide comprehensive travel and logistics coordination, including mandatory international airfare, with a target budget of $4,000 per participant covering airfare, lodging, breakfast, local transportation, and scheduled program activities. Proposals must include 4-star or better accommodations, with specific requirements such as lodging on the NIMHANS campus in Bengaluru. The evaluation will be based on a 100-point system: 25 points for established social work connections in India, 20 points for direct travel experience, 20 points for pricing, 15 points for references, 10 points for overall experience in study abroad programs, and 10 points for tour plan quality. Proposals are due by August 11, 2025, at 3:00 PM CT, and must be submitted in two PDF copies via USB, with a 30-page limit.

The solicitation encourages participation from Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUB) and requires compliance with various Texas state government regulations. Vendors must disclose educational, state, and local government discounts and adhere to specific legal certifications, including anti-boycott provisions and tax obligations. The University reserves the right to make a split award, multiple awards, or no award at all, and will not guarantee a specific purchase volume. Proposing organizations must have a Vice President or higher-level executive sign the Execution of Offer form, certifying compliance with legal, financial, and operational conditions. While no specific incumbent vendors are mentioned, the contract will become effective upon execution and continue until all services are completed. The procurement follows a competitive sealed proposal process, with an emphasis on maximum benefit to the university in terms of services, total cost, and study abroad expertise.