Use of Third-Party Event Planners

In general, a third-party event planner may not be used. If it is absolutely necessary to use one, business units must comply with the approval requirements in Procurement Policy and Procedures memorandum No. 70.24, Acquiring Training, Meeting, and Conference Services and Facilities/Space for Training, Meetings or Conferences.

In these exceptional cases, approval must be obtained in advance from the DCOS a minimum of 60 days in advance of any procurement action. The request must contain projected costs, a detailed explanation as to why the business unit cannot use internal resources for planning and logistics, and a justification for the request.