How to bid on the 665th Yellow Ribbon Event for the DEPT of Defense

What the agency is buying

The Department of Defense, specifically the South Dakota National Guard, is seeking a hotel or event venue in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. This venue will host a Yellow Ribbon event on November 7-8, 2026. The services required include meeting spaces, meals, audio/visual equipment, and other food and beverages for approximately 275 adults and 65 youth.

This is an opportunity for venues to provide comprehensive event services for a significant government gathering.

Key dates and deadlines

The solicitation was published on September 3, 2026. The deadline for submitting your proposal is September 15, 2026, at 2:00 PM ET. It is crucial that all offerors have an active SAM registration by September 15, 2026, at 12:00 PM MDT, which is the time of the solicitation closing. Award of the contract is dependent on the availability of fiscal year 2027 funds.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is a 100% Total Small Business Set-Aside, making it suitable for small businesses in the hospitality or event venue industry. Firms with experience in hosting large events, particularly those involving both adult and youth attendees, and providing comprehensive services including catering and AV support, are well-suited. The relevant category is facilities, specifically event and meeting space rental.

How to respond

To access the solicitation, click the “View original source” link. If the first click takes you to the portal’s homepage, click it again to go directly to the bid. You may need to create a free account on the portal to view all associated documents, though this is not always required for every bid.

Ensure your SAM registration is active by the deadline to be considered for this opportunity.

Practical tips for a competitive response

When preparing your response, clearly detail how your venue meets all specified requirements, including the capacity for 275 adults and 65 youth, available meeting spaces, and your ability to provide meals, audio/visual equipment, and other food and beverages. Provide a clear breakdown of your proposed costs, as this will be a Firm Fixed Price Contract.

Highlight any experience you have with similar government or large-scale events. Double-check that your SAM registration is current and active well before the submission deadline to avoid any last-minute issues.