Request for Information_Washington State Drop In Childcare.docx

SOLICITATION NUMBER*

36C10X24Q0280

Department of Veterans Affairs 5202 Presidents Court, Suite 103 Frederick MD 21703

POINT OF CONTACT*

Contract Specialist Michael Stevens Michael.Stevens5@va.gov

Contracting Officer Jaime Bennett Jaime.Bennett@va.gov

INTRODUCTION:

This RFI is issued by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Strategic Acquisition Center, Frederick, MD (SAC-F), for information and planning purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation no does it restrict the Government as to the ultimate acquisition approach. In accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 15.201(e), responses to this notice are not offers and cannot be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract.

Pursuant to FAR Part 10.002(b)(2)(iii) and (viii) (Market Research), the purpose of this RFI is to understand industry capabilities related to Childcare Services and to collect information to enable further development of a future acquisition strategy to include socio-economic consideration and methods.

Any information received from a contractor in response to this RFI may be used in creating a solicitation. Any information received which is marked with a statement, such as “proprietary” or “confidential,” intended to restrict distribution will not be distributed outside of the Government, except as required by law.

The Government is not responsible for any cost incurred by industry in furnishing this information. All costs associated with responding to this RFI will be solely at the interested vendor's expense. Not responding to this RFI does not preclude participation in any future Request for Proposal (RFP), if any is issued. Any information submitted by respondents to this RFI is strictly voluntary. All submissions will become Government property and will not be returned. Interested vendors are responsible for adequately marking proprietary, restricted or competition sensitive information contained in their response.

RFI RESPONSE INSTRUCTIONS

NOTE: The capability package must be clear, concise, and complete. VA is under no obligation to provide feedback to the company, or to contact the company for clarification of any information submitted in response to this RFI.

Responses are due by 1:00 PM EST, July 3, 2024. Submit your responses directly to Michael Stevens; Michael.Stevens5@va.gov and Jaime Bennett Jaime.Bennett@va.gov.

All responsible sources may submit a response in accordance with the following:

All proprietary/company confidential material shall be clearly marked on every page that contains such.

All SDVOSB/VOSB sources may submit a response in accordance with the following:

All proprietary/company confidential material shall be clearly marked on every page that contains such.

Please keep your response to no more than 30 pages.

RFI responses must include:

1. Company Information:

0. Company Name;

0. Company Address;

0. Point of contact name;

0. Telephone number;

0. Email address/Website URL;

0. Contact Email;

0. SAM UEI;

0. Small Business Administration (SBA) VetCert certification (if applicable);

1. Brief summary describing your company’s technical approach to meeting the requirements, to include:

1. List any previous or existing contracts you have with the VA where similar work was performed to this requirement. Also, is there an existing contract vehicle you recommend be used for this procurement?

1. Responses to all questions below.

Is your company currently providing Child Care Service Contract services to (Federal or State) government agencies?

No

Yes. Please specify which agencies/offices:

With the Veterans Healthcare Administration (VHA) providing the space and furnishing the facility, can your company provide childcare services in the State of Washington (Pugent Sound)? If not both locations, please indicate which locations you could serve.

No

If Yes, how many facilities?

Does your company currently have a VA BPA or other VA contract for Child Care Service Contract services?

No

Yes. Please provide the contract number:

Does your company currently have a GSA contract for Child Care Service Contract services? (Schedule, SIN, NAICS etc.)

No

If Yes, how many facilities?

If one or more of your caregivers is absent or experienced an increased workload, can you provide additional caregivers?

No

If Yes, how many caregivers?

Please identify the maximum daily operational availability of Child Care Service Contract services offered by your company:

5 days/week (Monday - Friday, including extended hours)

6 days/week (Monday - Saturday, including extended hours)

7 days/week (Sunday - Saturday, including extended hours)

None of the above

Please identify the maximum daily operational service hours of Child Care Service Contract services offered by your company:

< 4 hours per day

4 - 8 hours per day

9 - 12 hours per day

13 - 16 hours per day

17 - 20 hours per day

21 - 23 hours per day

24 hours per day

None of the above

Does your company currently have teaming arrangements in place to support a Childcare contract?

Yes

No

Are you currently licensed in the State of Washington to provide drop-in childcare?

If yes, are you willing to provide a copy of the license if a solicitation is issued?

The VA will be providing the drop-in childcare facility, does your license cover the facility? Or will the VA be responsible for ensuring the facility has the proper inspections?

Please explain…

In Washington state, is a single room facility acceptable for mixed age groups between 6 weeks to 18 years old? Or will multiple rooms be needed to prevent a mixture of children of various ages (i.e., Infants in the same room with 12 year olds)?

Please explain any possible constraints.

Are there specific Key Personnel required by the state of Washington to provide drop in childcare services? If so, are there any additional requirements needed for these personnel such as education, training, or certifications?

Are there any required furnishings and/or amenities required in the childcare facility in Washington (i.e.; Cribs, Blankets, Changing Stations, Tables, Chairs, etc.)?

Are there any regulations/laws in Washington with providing drop-in childcare services to mixed age children groups and children that are differently abled up to the age of 18?

Please explain.

What is the current required Washington state childcare ratio?

We welcome your comments and suggestions on this topic. Please include any concerns you may have regarding this Request for Information as well as any pertinent information the VA may not have covered. Industry feedback is critical for services such as these and all comments or concerns will be addressed to ensure the safety and well being of our Veterans children.

Thank you.