The National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services is seeking proposals from meeting spaces in the Midwest to submit to host next year’s National Congress on Student Transportation, the 75th such meeting of national stakeholders to update school transportation specifications and procedures.
Earlier this month, STN reported on the intent of NASDPTS to send the RFP during an update provided to members by Murrell Martin, the NCST Steering Committee chair and state director of pupil transportation in Utah, during the association’s annual meeting in Kansas City.
Preference will be given to locations in the central U.S. that are accessible by major airlines and can offer adequate meeting space with onsite or adjacent lodging at a reasonable cost for the estimated 350 delegates. The NCST Steering Committee is also giving preference to dates ending before May 22, though it will consider ending the meeting as late as June 14.
Martin said he is encouraged by the number of inquiries he received even before the formal RFP release.
“On behalf of the steering committee, I want to reassure everyone that they are fully involved with this process and all parties represented are excited about an opportunity to look forward in creating the best possible way to make the 16th Congress a success,” he added. “The steering committee is also excited about the possibility of creating progressive things to take NCST into the future.”
Charlie Hood, executive director of NASDPTS, said RFP submissions are due to Martin by Dec. 5. He noted that the NCST Steering Committee hopes to conclude its evaluation and choose a winning bid by Dec. 12. Then, “barring unforeseen circumstances,” Hood continued, state delegation chairs should receive information on the host site and event registration by the end of the year.
“The Steering Committee is working to ensure the NCST’s continued success, while keeping lodging, registration, and travel expenses affordable for the NCST’s all-volunteer army,” Hood concluded in an email to members. “We are confident that relocating will provide a new, positive opportunity for the successful implementation of the Congress.”
