RFQ#19NP4026Q0018-Tourism Tech Innovation

SBU - CONTRACTING AND ACQUISITIONS -- 1 of 9 -- Statement of Work (SOW) Title: Tourism Tech Innovation Program – U.S. Technology Showcase Overview The Public Affairs Section (PAS) of U.S. Embassy Nepal seeks a qualified vendor to design, manage, and implement the Tourism Tech Innovation Program. Building on the relationships, visibility, and outcomes generated through U.S. Embassy’s Ascent Summit 2026 project, this program will transition from dialogue to implementation by advancing commercial collaboration between U.S. and Nepali technology companies in the tourism sector. The program will showcase American innovation and create tangible pathways for U.S. technology adoption in Nepal, particularly in high-traffic tourism regions such as Everest and other high-altitude mountains. It will emphasize practical applications of U.S. commercial technologies, including but not limited to commercial unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), to support mapping, environmental management, and disaster response. This initiative reinforces U.S. economic leadership by positioning American companies as the preferred providers of advanced tourism and environmental technologies. Scope of Work The selected vendor shall build on the Ascent Summit project outcomes and provide full program design, coordination, execution, and reporting across the following components: 1. Program Continuity and Design • Review Summit Ascent outputs, including identified partnerships, innovation tracks, and stakeholder networks. • Design a targeted follow-on program that advances at least three priority collaboration areas identified during Summit Ascent. • Develop a multi-day program in Kathmandu with optional field-based demonstration components in tourism regions. SBU - CONTRACTING AND ACQUISITIONS -- 2 of 9 -- 2. U.S. Technology Deployment • Utilize commercial U.S. technologies for: o Terrain mapping in high-altitude regions o Environmental monitoring and waste management o Disaster preparedness and response • Conduct live or simulated demonstrations that move beyond awareness to pilot implementation. 3. Commercial Pathways • Facilitate structured engagements between U.S. companies and Nepali tourism operators to move from concept to pilot. • Support the development of at least three pilot projects or commercial agreements using U.S. technology. • Provide technical and business advisory support on regulatory approvals, deployment logistics, and sustainability. 4. Stakeholder Engagement • Re-engage key participants from the Ascent Summit Project, including U.S. companies, Nepali tourism leaders, and Sherpa community representatives. • Coordinate with the Government of Nepal to ensure alignment with national tourism priorities. • Prepare briefing materials that clearly define roles, expectations, and outcomes. 5. Program Management and Communications • Assign a project manager to coordinate all activities with PAS and ensure continuity with prior efforts. • Develop communications products that highlight American excellence in technology and reinforce U.S. leadership. SBU - CONTRACTING AND ACQUISITIONS -- 3 of 9 -- • Capture success stories that demonstrate how U.S. innovation improves safety, sustainability, and economic growth in Nepal’s tourism sector. 6. Sponsorship Coordination • Identify, solicit, and secure private sector sponsors whose participation strengthens the program’s technology, tourism, and commercial objectives • Target sponsors such as U.S. and Nepali technology companies, telecom firms, commercial UAV and mapping service providers, outdoor brands, travel operators, and other businesses with a direct stake in tourism modernization and environmental management. • Develop and manage sponsorship packages, benefits, and visibility opportunities in line with U.S. Embassy branding and approval requirements. • Coordinate sponsor contributions to support technology showcases, pilot projects, field demonstrations, and broader commercial engagement outcomes. Proposed Implementation Timeline Phase Timeline Key Activities Mobilization & Planning 15–31 July 2026 Kickoff with PAS, review Ascent Summit outcomes, finalize workplan and stakeholder mapping Stakeholder Engagement & Program Preparation August– September 2026 Re-engage U.S. and Nepali partners, identify pilot opportunities, secure sponsors, and finalize logistics and agenda Program Implementation & Demonstrations October– November 2026 Conduct Kathmandu program, B2B meetings, technology showcases, and field demonstrations Pilot & Commercial Follow-Up November– December 2026 Support pilot projects, partnership development, and commercial pathway discussions SBU - CONTRACTING AND ACQUISITIONS -- 4 of 9 -- Reporting & Closeout Jan-27 Final reporting, success stories, lessons learned, and PAS debrief The proposal submission should be based on the outcomes of PAS earlier event of Ascent Summit. Ascent Summit Outputs, Partnerships, Innovation Tracks, and Networks Ascent Summit 2026 established a new platform for collaboration among Nepal's tourism sector, U.S. technology providers, expedition operators, rescue professionals, aviation companies, government representatives, outdoor brands, environmental organizations, and international climbers. The Summit convened more than 1,600 participants and generated widespread national and international media attention, demonstrating significant interest in practical technology solutions for mountain tourism, safety, and environmental stewardship. The Summit identified several priority collaboration areas: 1. Mountain Safety and Rescue Innovation o Application of advanced technologies to improve expedition safety, route management, emergency communications, and search-and- rescue capabilities. 2. Environmental Monitoring and Sustainable Tourism o Deployment of technologies supporting waste management, environmental monitoring, visitor management, and sustainable mountain operations. 3. Tourism Technology …