Conference and Lodging Services IHS Nursing Summit

Sources Sought Notice

This Sources Sought Notice (SSN) is issued by the Indian Health Service (IHS) for market research and planning purposes. The IHS Division of Nursing Services (DNS), Office of Quality, and National Nurse Leadership Council (NNLC) are planning the 2026 Nursing & Quality Leadership Summit. This notice seeks to identify potential sources capable of fulfilling the requirements for this summit.

The summit is planned for August 31 through September 3rd, 2026 (alternate dates in June, July, & August 2026 considered) within the continental United States. The host facility must be within walking distance (0.14 miles or less) to local amenities, restaurants, and public transportation, and located in a low-crime rate area. The first day is for planning with 40 participants; the remaining three days will have approximately 275 participants each. Attendees will arrive the day before and depart the day after the event.

This is not a solicitation. If a solicitation is issued, the anticipated period of performance will be one year from the date of award, with up to four additional one-year option periods. The primary NAICS code is 541611 - Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services.

Interested parties must submit a capability statement via email to Daniel.Weingarten@hhs.gov by Thursday, April 30, 2026, no later than 10:00 am EST. The email subject line must include “NNLC 2026 Nursing and Quality Leadership Summit – Your Company Name”. Capability statements should not exceed 10 pages (excluding Past Performance) and must be in Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF format.

Responses are sought from Indian Small Business Economic Enterprises (ISBEE), Indian Economic Enterprises (IEE), and Small Business concerns. Organizations not meeting these criteria should not respond. The information gathered will help determine the appropriate set-aside.

Generic capability statements are insufficient. The capability statement should include a Cover Page, Executive Summary, Technical Areas, Past Performance, and Optional Other Information. All respondents must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM).

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is the "Indian Economic Enterprise Representation Form" required by the Buy Indian Act. It serves as a self-certification for offerors to confirm they meet the definition of an "Indian Economic Enterprise" (IEE) as defined by HHSAR 326.601. This form is to be submitted in response to a Sources Sought Notice, Request for Information (RFI), or Solicitation.

• Eligibility Requirements: The enterprise must meet the IEE definition at the time of offer, contract award, and throughout the contract performance period. Any change in eligibility requires immediate notification to the Contracting Officer.

• Representation: Offerors must indicate whether they do or do not meet the definition of an "Indian Economic Enterprise" with "Indian Ownership" under the Buy Indian Act.

• Required Information: The form requires the Offeror to provide:

  • Name of Federally Recognized Tribal Entity (if applicable)
  • Name of the 51% owner of IEE Firm
  • Business Name
  • Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) Number
  • Certifying Signature and Print Name

• Eligibility Verification: Bidders must accurately complete this form to self-certify their eligibility as an Indian Economic Enterprise for opportunities under the Buy Indian Act.

• Potential for Documentation: Contracting Officers may request documentation to verify eligibility before awarding set-aside or sole source contracts.

• Consequences of False Information: Submitting false or misleading information is a violation of law and subject to penalties.

• SAM Registration: Successful offerors must also be registered with the System of Award Management (SAM).

Statement of Work (SOW) / Performance Work Statement (PWS)

To facilitate an educational forum for the Indian Health Service (IHS), Division of Nursing Services (DNS), Office of Quality, and National Nurse Leadership Council (NNLC) to increase nursing knowledge, skills, and attitudes in leadership, advanced practice, inpatient, ambulatory, and public health nursing.

• Conference Dates: Primarily August 31 - September 3rd, 2026. Alternate dates in June, July, and August 2026 will be considered.

• Location: Within the continental United States, within walking distance (0.14 miles or less) to local amenities, restaurants, and public transportation, in a low-crime rate area.

• Attendees: Day 1 (Planning): 40 participants. Days 2-4 (Main Event): Approximately 275 participants.

• Deliverables include:

  • Conference and lodging space for specified dates and participant numbers.
  • Meeting room setups (hollow square, half-moon, classroom) with specified AV equipment (podiums, microphones, projectors, screens, PCs, mixers).
  • Free Wi-Fi and internet access in meeting spaces.
  • Space for exhibits (20 skirted tables, chairs, wastebaskets).
  • Space for poster sessions (8 poster boards).
  • Conference Committee Board/Storage Room with boardroom seating for 25.
  • Registration tables.
  • Potable ice water in conference and breakout rooms.

• Sleeping Rooms: Block 240 rooms at the Government Rate. Government will not pay for food and beverage. Option to extend stay at contracted rate for up to 20 participants per night for 3 days before and after the conference.

• Facility must be within walking distance to amenities and public transportation.

• Facility must be in a low-crime rate area.

• Free Wi-Fi required in meeting spaces.

• Ability to receive and store conference items one week prior to arrival.

• Photocopy services for up to 50 copy jobs (avg. 10 pages each).

• Coordinate overflow sleeping rooms if needed.

• Dates: August 31 - September 3rd, 2026 (preferred), with flexibility for June, July, or August 2026.

• Location: Continental United States, accessible via walking distance to amenities and public transport.

• No mandatory food requirement from the hotel.

• Government will not authorize or release payment for food and beverage.

• Sleeping rooms to be blocked at Government Rate; attendees are financially responsible for their own rooms.

• Hotel must not exceed the Fiscal Year 2026 Federal Travel Rate for sleeping rooms.

• Free airport transportation/shuttle and hotel parking are preferred.

• Free wireless/internet connectivity in facility and guest rooms is preferred.

• One lockable storage room for equipment and supplies.