Logistics Support

The contract requires comprehensive logistical, administrative, and financial support for the U.S. Department of State’s Foreign Press Center International Media Reporting Programs, encompassing Media Co-operatives, Large and Small International Reporting Tours, Domestic Reporting Tours, and Local Reporting Tours. The provider must manage all aspects of travel coordination including air, lodging, ground transportation, and meeting space reservations, as well as issue per diem and incidental expenses in compliance with GSA regulations, procure SIM cards, arrange emergency health insurance, collect sensitive biographical data including passport and visa information, and subcontract qualified travel facilitators to serve as program producers. The selected vendor, Meridian International Center, possesses sole source designation based on its institutional expertise and proven ability to deliver under high-pressure, complex public diplomacy environments involving sensitive international information. The program operates under a Time and Materials pricing structure with a base year running from September 30, 2026, through September 29, 2027, and four optional one-year extension periods through September 29, 2031, with performance centered in Washington, D.C. at the Global Public Affairs office. The vendor is required to submit draft budgets within one week of request, detailed post-program invoices with supporting documentation, and maintain a shared tracking document for program progress. All services must conform to strict federal compliance standards including FAR clauses covering whistleblower protections, anti-trafficking measures, cybersecurity restrictions, equal opportunity, labor standards, and prohibitions on certain foreign technology providers. The contract places strong emphasis on technical excellence and operational readiness, with past performance in U.S. government public diplomacy logistics and handling sensitive international information being paramount in the evaluation process, outweighing cost considerations. Offerors must demonstrate direct experience through three verified references and submit a technical proposal not exceeding 25 pages in 12-point font with one-inch margins, formatted in Microsoft Word or PDF. Proposals must include the Unique Entity Identifier, organizational details, point of contact, business size status, and applicable NAICS codes, along with resumes of proposed personnel demonstrating relevant qualifications. Payment is governed by the Prompt Payment Act and conducted exclusively via Electronic Funds Transfer through the System for Award Management, with invoices subject to review and reimbursement only for accepted services. The Contracting Officer’s Representative is solely authorized to inspect and accept deliverables, while any unauthorized changes or services will not be compensated. Contractors must clearly identify themselves as non-federal employees in all communications, avoid use of State Department logos, and fully disclose any potential organizational conflicts of interest. Failure