Request for Information (RFI) Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Head Start National Customer Service Improvement Project (CSIP)

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Office of Head Start (OHS), issued a Request for Information (RFI) on April 13, 2026, regarding the Head Start National Customer Service Improvement Project (CSIP). This RFI is a market research initiative only and does not constitute a solicitation or commitment to award a contract. The government is seeking industry feedback on a draft Performance Work Statement for a planned nationwide Head Start customer service contract. Responses must be submitted electronically by April 27, 2026, at 5:00 PM ET to jan.welsh@hhs.gov with "Head Start National CSIP" in the subject line. All submissions will become government property and will not be returned to respondents.

Interested contractors must submit formatted responses as single-spaced PDF or Word documents in Times New Roman or Arial font (11 pt. minimum) containing four sections: a cover sheet with company information and SAM UEI number; Section A with feedback on the draft PWS (5 pages maximum); Section B with responses to technical questions regarding personnel capacity, retention strategies, and existing contract vehicles (10 pages maximum); and Section C with a capability statement demonstrating experience in project management, data management and analytics, federal program compliance, and serving underserved communities (10 pages maximum). There are no stated eligibility restrictions, though respondents must provide socio-economic status information on the cover sheet. The anticipated contract will support customer service, grants management assistance, and data management for Head Start, Early Head Start, and Early Head Start-Child Care Partnership programs across six regional offices nationwide, with a base performance period from September 1, 2026, through August 31, 2027, followed by four one-year option periods and one six-month extension option.