Background
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is seeking to identify qualified sources capable of providing comprehensive retreat services for eligible Vet Center clients under the Readjustment Counseling Service (RCS) retreat program.
This Sources Sought Notice is issued solely for information and planning purposes and is not a solicitation or request for proposals. The goal is to augment readjustment counseling services for Veterans experiencing challenges related to combat exposure, military service, military sexual trauma, and reintegration issues.
Work Details
The contractor shall develop, coordinate, and execute group retreat events that include:
- A minimum of three (3) retreat events during a one-year performance period;
- Retreats accommodating up to twenty (20) participants per event;
- Four- to six-day retreat events including participant travel days;
- At least one women Veterans-only retreat during the performance period;
- Locations within or accessible to RCS Continental District 4, which includes Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi, Wyoming, Utah, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska.
Activities may include reintegration into family and community settings, financial counseling and education, occupational counseling and career assessments, stress reduction techniques, conflict resolution education, team-building activities, and experiential outdoor activities. The contractor must provide a turnkey solution including program development, staffing, travel coordination, lodging, meals, transportation, supplies, equipment facilitation of activities, outcome reporting, safety support capabilities, and compliance with privacy requirements.
Period of Performance
The contract will be performed over a one-year period with a minimum of three retreats conducted within this timeframe.
Place of Performance
Retreats will be held in locations within or accessible to RCS Continental District 4: Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi, Wyoming, Utah, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska.
Bidder Requirements
Interested firms must demonstrate experience in planning multi-day retreats for Veteran populations and managing logistics associated with travel and accommodations. They should employ staff with relevant certifications such as Mental Health First Aid and CPR/First Aid. Firms should also provide evidence of experience supporting Veteran populations and meeting accessibility requirements.
SOURCES SOUGHT NOTICE Readjustment Counseling Service (RCS) Group Retreat Program Market Research Only Not a Solicitation Notice ID: 36C25627Q0120 NAICS Code: 561599 PSC: G003 Response Due Date: November 16, 2026, at 4:00 PM CST Contracting Activity: Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), NCO-16, Commercial Acquisition Team New Orleans 1. Purpose This is a Sources Sought Notice issued solely for information and planning purposes. This notice is being used by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to identify qualified sources capable of providing comprehensive retreat services for eligible Vet Center clients under the Readjustment Counseling Service (RCS) retreat program. This announcement is not a Solicitation, Request for Proposal (RFP), Request for Quotation (RFQ), or Invitation for Bid (IFB). Responses to this notice are for market research purposes only and will be used by the Government to determine the availability of qualified sources and the appropriate acquisition strategy, including whether a socioeconomic set-aside is appropriate. The Government does not intend to award a contract based on this notice and will not reimburse any costs incurred in responding. 2. Requirement Overview The VA Readjustment Counseling Service anticipates a requirement for a contractor to develop, coordinate, and execute group retreat events designed to augment readjustment counseling services for eligible Vet Center clients. The retreat program is intended to provide a structured, supportive environment for Veterans and other eligible participants experiencing challenges associated with combat exposure, military service, military sexual trauma, and related reintegration issues. The contractor shall provide a turnkey solution that includes program development, staffing, travel coordination, lodging, meals, transportation, supplies, equipment, activity facilitation, and outcome reporting. Anticipated Scope The contractor shall provide: A minimum of three (3) retreat events during a one-year performance period. Retreats accommodating up to twenty (20) participants per event. Four- to six-day retreat events, including participant travel days. At least one women Veterans-only retreat during the performance period. Retreat locations within or accessible to RCS Continental District 4, consisting of: Texas Louisiana Arkansas Mississippi Wyoming Utah Colorado Kansas Missouri Nebraska Program Elements Retreat activities may include: Reintegration into family, employment, and community settings. Financial counseling and education. Occupational counseling and career assessments. Stress reduction techniques and resilience-building activities. Conflict resolution education and skill development. Team-building and experiential outdoor activities. Contractor Responsibilities The contractor shall be capable of providing: Retreat planning and administration. Qualified facilitators and support personnel. Mental Health First Aid support. Travel arrangements for participants. ADA-compliant transportation and accommodations. Lodging and meals. Appropriate retreat facilities and equipment. Safety and emergency support capabilities. Participant evaluation and outcome reporting. Compliance with applicable privacy and confidentiality requirements. 3. Desired Capabilities Interested firms should demonstrate experience and capability in the following areas: Planning and conducting multi-day retreat programs for Veteran, military, family, behavioral health, or similar populations. Managing all logistics associated with participant travel, lodging, transportation, meals, and program execution. Providing experiential, educational, or therapeutic group programming. Supporting participants with accessibility and accommodation needs. Employing staff with appropriate certifications, such as: Mental Health First Aid CPR/First Aid Wilderness First Responder (when applicable) Conducting activities in a safe and structured environment utilizing recognized industry standards and risk-management practices. Measuring participant outcomes and customer satisfaction. Coordinating with federal personnel supporting retreat operations. 4. Information Requested Interested firms are requested to submit a capability statement containing the following information: Company Information Business name Address UEI CAGE Code Point of contact Telephone number Email address Website address Business Status Identify all applicable business categories: Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB) Small Business HUBZone Small Business 8(a) Small Business Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Economically Disadvantaged Woman-Owned Small Business (EDWOSB) Other socioeconomic designation, if applicable If claiming SDVOSB or VOSB status, identify current SBA VetCert certification status. Relevant Experience Provide up to three contracts or projects completed within the last five years that are similar in scope and complexity. Include: Customer name Contract number (if applicable) Period of performance Dollar value Description of services provided Customer point of contact (if available) Technical Capability Describe your firm's ability to: Conduct multiple retreat events annually. Coordinate participant travel and logistics. Provide lodging and meal services. Support outdoor and experiential activities. Meet accessibility requirements. Conduct outcome assessments and reporting. Staffing Describe: Key personnel categories. Relevant certifications. Experience supporting Veteran populations. Geographic Coverage Identify the geographic areas where your firm currently operates and the locations where retreat services could be provided. Pricing Information Provide rough-order-of-magnitude pricing or commercial pricing methodology for planning purposes. Pricing information will be used for market research only and will not constitute an offer. Interest in Future Solicitation State whether your company would likely submit an offer as a prime contractor if the requirement were solicited as: SDVOSB Set-Aside VOSB Set-Aside Total Small Business Set-Aside Unrestricted Competition 5. Response Submission Responses should be limited to approximately 10-12 pages, excluding supporting certifications and past performance documentation. Submit responses electronically to: Luke Miles, Contract Specialist Email: luke.miles@va.gov Subject Line: Sources Sought Response RCS Group Retreat Services [Company Name] Responses must be received no later than: November 16, 2026, at 4:00 PM CST 6. Disclaimer This Sources Sought Notice is issued for market research purposes only and does not constitute a commitment, implied or otherwise, that the Government will issue a solicitation or award a contract. The Government reserves the right to use the information received to determine the most appropriate acquisition strategy. Responses will not be returned and no reimbursement will be made for costs associated with responding to this notice. The Government may contact respondents for clarification or additional information as part of its market research efforts.
