Child Care

Muskegon County is seeking proposals for a child care center operator to lease and utilize available spaces within its 274,000 square foot former college campus located at 1903 Marquette Avenue. The Request for Proposal (RFP) targets potential operators for three specific wing spaces: G-Wing North (3,500 square feet), E-Wing (12,800 square feet), and F-Wing (12,800 square feet). Proposers must demonstrate the ability to provide safe and sustainable daycare services, including comprehensive details about business organization, staff capacity, and operational capabilities. The proposal must outline monthly rent for each year, potential financing for facility upgrades, and proposed lease terms. Key submission requirements include detailing proposed hours of operation, child capacity, staffing requirements, and approximate costs per child by age group. Respondents are responsible for necessary facility alterations to meet the 2015 Michigan Rehabilitation Code for Existing Buildings and State of Michigan Licensing requirements. The proposal deadline is Wednesday, April 10, 2024, at 10:00 AM, with potential site visits to be scheduled via email.

The lease will be structured as a gross lease, with the County covering utilities, snowplowing, building maintenance, and lawn service. While no specific set-aside designations were mentioned, proposers will need to demonstrate substantial childcare operational experience and financial capability to transform the campus spaces into a functioning childcare center. The County will provide an existing infrastructure of connected campus buildings, with proposers expected to invest in necessary modifications to meet licensing standards. No specific budget range or award value was explicitly stated in the documentation, though proposers will need to propose monthly rental rates and demonstrate financial viability for potential facility upgrades. Interested parties are encouraged to conduct site tours and thoroughly understand the facility's current condition before submitting a comprehensive proposal. The opportunity appears open to various childcare providers, including private companies, non-profit organizations, and educational institutions with proven childcare management expertise.