Conference Support Assistant and Travel Services
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), specifically the Agricultural Research Service (ARS), has issued a Pre-solicitation notice for Conference Support Assistant and Travel Services. This opportunity is designated as a Total Small Business Set-Aside and is intended as a BPA Call to be issued exclusively to existing BPA holders under contract numbers 1232SA23A0003, 1232SA23A0004, and 1232SA23A0005. An RFQ will be issued to these specific holders, with award based on the Lowest Priced Technically Acceptable (LPTA) response.
Scope of Work
The contractor will provide high-quality, efficient, and effective conference support services for ARS, AFM, FMAD Travel Policy and Systems Branch (TPSB). Key responsibilities include:
- Preparing and reviewing conference packages, including screening and editing information.
- Researching GSA travel schedules for per diem and lodging rates, city pair/governmental airfares, and other transportation modes.
- Obtaining registration fees, agendas, and included items from conference websites.
- Preparing questionnaires and memos, and obtaining National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), Section 889 Certification for large meetings.
- Auditing and verifying data for accuracy and compliance with relevant laws and regulations (FAR, Federal Travel Regulations).
- Utilizing ARS conference system and Agriculture Travel Information System (ATIS) for updates and reporting.
- Assisting with annual conference plan development and reporting.
- Possessing basic skills in Excel, SharePoint, Adobe Acrobat, and customer service tools.
Contract & Timeline
- Opportunity Type: Pre-solicitation (BPA Call)
- Intended Sources: Existing BPA holders (1232SA23A0003, 1232SA23A0004, 1232SA23A0005)
- Anticipated Contract Type: Fixed price, labor hour
- Set-Aside: Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5)
- Period of Performance: 1 year, starting 04/10/2026 - 04/09/2027
- Published Date: March 23, 2026
Evaluation
Award will be made to the BPA contract holder that provides the Lowest Priced Technically Acceptable (LPTA) response.
Place of Performance
Services will be performed on-site at USDA/ARS, George Washington Carver Center (GWCC), 5601 Sunnyside Ave., Beltsville, MD 20705, or remotely from a home site. Work hours are Monday through Friday, 7:30 am to 6:00 pm, in eight-hour shifts.
Special Requirements
Contractor personnel must be qualified, vetted, and meet security requirements including USDA HSPD-12, FIPS PUB 201, and potentially a background investigation (minimum NACI). All personnel must be U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents. The government will furnish necessary IT hardware, software, utilities, and workspace.
Contact Information
Primary Point of Contact: Shalunda Mix (shalunda.mix@usda.gov)