SBE-AU084-School Nutrition Training Conference

The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) is seeking a vendor to provide comprehensive event services for the 2025 School Nutrition Programs Annual Training Conference, scheduled for Monday, June 16th (half day, 300 attendees) and Tuesday, June 17th (full day, up to 650 attendees) in either Champaign/Urbana, Bloomington/Normal, or Peoria. The procurement requires a vendor to supply a fully equipped event space with specific requirements including registration tables, meeting rooms in classroom and theatre styles, exhibitor tables, and a main room for keynote sessions and lunch. Deliverables must include comprehensive meal services, audiovisual equipment, and a room block of 60 hotel rooms. The vendor must provide detailed insurance coverage, including $1 million in General Commercial Liability, Auto Liability, Worker's Compensation, and Professional Liability Insurance. The Request for Quote (RFQ) mandates that all costs be included in a single total price, with prices valid for 30 days and no price increases permitted. The proposal submission deadline is March 27, 2025, with the contract term running from execution through June 19, 2025.

The state encourages small businesses to participate and register with the State of Illinois, potentially offering opportunities for Small Business Enterprises (SBEs) to compete for this contract. While no specific set-aside designations are explicitly stated, the standard Illinois certifications document suggests potential preferences or requirements for vendors, particularly those meeting diverse business criteria. The procurement documents include a comprehensive 33-point certification process that vendors must complete, covering aspects such as labor practices, criminal history, tax compliance, and workplace standards. No incumbent vendor information is provided in the available documents. The budget range is not explicitly stated, but the comprehensive nature of the required services suggests a significant contract value that would cover venue rental, catering, audiovisual equipment, and associated conference logistics. ISBE reserves the right to reject any offers and maintains flexibility in the procurement process.