Child Care Expansion Initiative Program for New Child Care Providers (CCEI Program)

The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the Child Care Expansion Initiative (CCEI) Program Administrator, seeking a qualified entity to administer a program designed to increase the supply of new licensed child care centers across Texas. The primary objective is to expand child care capacity by at least 6,000 new slots, focusing on child care deserts and employer-supported site-based child care. The selected contractor will be responsible for managing two types of awards: Start-Up Awards (ranging from $15,000 to $75,000) and Initial Operating Awards, based on the number of proposed new child care slots. The RFP was released on October 13, 2025, with proposals due on January 21, 2026, by 10:00 a.m. Central Time. Respondents will be evaluated across four key areas: cost/price (15 points), past performance and qualifications (25 points), technical approach and proposed work plan (50 points), and key personnel qualifications (10 points). Successful candidates must demonstrate experience in evaluating child care business plans, administering multi-million-dollar competitive award programs, and meeting specific information security requirements.

The solicitation emphasizes the use of Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUB), with statewide HUB goals ranging from 21.1% to 32.9% across different contract types. The HUB goal for this contract is 26.0% for other services, requiring respondents to submit a comprehensive HUB Subcontracting Plan that details their intentions for subcontracting work to Texas certified HUB and non-HUB vendors. The total approved budget for the CCEI Program is $25,000,000, with an administrative budget cap of 10% ($2,500,000) for the selected contractor. The contract will have an initial term of approximately 24 months, with TWC having the option to renew for two additional 18-month terms. Respondents must provide proof of an Employer Identification Number (EIN) and a Texas Identification Number (TIN), and must comply with extensive insurance requirements, including Commercial General Liability Insurance, Comprehensive Automobile Liability Insurance, Umbrella Liability Insurance, Professional Liability Insurance, a Fidelity Bond, and Cyber/Privacy Liability Insurance. The program aims to balance awards between employer-supported site-based child care and providers in child care desert zip codes, with a strong emphasis on geographic representation and linguistic accessibility.