Study Abroad Program in Europe: Jan 2, 2026-Jan 11, 2026

The University of Houston-Downtown (UHD) is seeking proposals for a Study Abroad Program in Europe through Request for Proposal RFP784-25-2375, targeting a 10-day group trip to Brussels, Luxembourg, and Frankfurt scheduled from January 2 to January 11, 2026. The procurement is specifically for the Marilyn Davies College of Business and will accommodate 10-25 students and 2 faculty members. Key deliverables include comprehensive travel services such as round-trip coach-class flights with limited layovers, 3-star or higher centrally located hotels, ground transportation, daily breakfast, group dinners, and travel insurance. The program requires a vendor to provide a representative who will accompany the group and facilitate visits to European institutions including the European Commission, European Parliament, and European Central Bank. Evaluation criteria will assess six core areas: professional connections in Europe, overall study abroad travel experience, direct experience providing European travel, pricing, quality of tour plan, and references. The proposal was posted on March 20, 2025, with responses due by April 11, 2025, at 3 PM CST, and the target price is estimated at $3,500 or less per participant.

The solicitation does not explicitly outline specific set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. The total estimated budget range appears to be between $35,000 and $87,500, depending on final participant count and specific service selections. While no incumbent vendors are mentioned, the RFP suggests vendors should demonstrate extensive experience in European educational travel and institutional visits. The contract requires comprehensive insurance coverage and compliance with University of Houston standard purchasing agreement terms. Vendors must provide detailed pricing structures for both student and faculty participants, with an expectation of group discounts. The procurement allows flexibility in departure and return dates, permitting travel within two days of the specified January 2-11, 2026 timeframe. Successful respondents will need to showcase robust European professional networks and a proven track record in coordinating educational travel programs.