2026 Veterans Employment Services Training Symposium

The Texas Veterans Commission is soliciting proposals for the 2026 Veterans Employment Services Training Symposium, a five-day event for approximately 180 attendees, to be held in Texas. The solicitation, numbered 403-2026-1801-001, was posted on June 9, 2026, with proposals due by April 15, 2026, at 2:00 PM Central Time. Offerors must secure a venue providing approximately 165 single-occupancy guest rooms, nine meeting rooms with specified capacities, full audiovisual support consistent with the event agenda, and comprehensive food and beverage services. The contractor must establish room blocks without requiring a deposit, accommodate fluctuations in attendance, and waive attrition penalties. Performance must comply with applicable Texas Government Code sections and include adherence to the Texas Public Information Act and confidentiality requirements. The place of performance is in Texas, with delivery of services occurring at the designated event location, and inspections may occur either at the contractor’s facility or onsite. Award will be determined on a best value basis, not lowest price technically acceptable, with evaluation factors weighted as follows: compensation and fees (40%), facility location and date availability (25%), quality of accommodations (15%), qualifications and experience (10%), and meeting room layout and amenities (10%). Past performance is evaluated on a pass/fail basis, and failure to provide acceptable references or pass a facility inspection will result in disqualification. Proposals must include Exhibit A (past projects with references), Exhibit B (detailed price list for lodging, meeting space, A/V, and catering), Exhibit C (sample menus), Exhibit D (execution form), and signed addenda. Offerors must be registered in SAM, hold a Texas Identification Number, and comply with the Drug-Free Workplace Act and HB1295 transparency certification if the contract exceeds $1 million. Additional requirements include maintaining insurance with Texas-licensed carriers rated “A” by Best, providing E-Verify confirmation for employees, certifying no conflicts of interest or involvement with prohibited entities, and ensuring compliance with anti-discrimination, anti-bribery, and human trafficking prohibitions. Invoices must be submitted to Texas Veterans Commission Accounts Payable in Austin and include vendor TIN, PO number, and service dates. Payment will be issued via state warrants or local systems using state-appropriated funds, and all contractual terms will bind subcontractors. The contract may include optional items