Childcare Facility & Operator

Auburn University and the City of Auburn are conducting a Request for Information (RFI) to identify potential childcare facility operators for a proposed private sector childcare program. The RFI seeks to establish a comprehensive childcare center serving children ages 6 weeks to 5 years, with potential for after-school care, located in Auburn, Alabama. Interested providers must submit detailed information including business qualifications, childcare license number, references, and a comprehensive fee structure covering full-time and part-time rates for different age groups (0-2 and 2.5-5 years). The university specifically seeks operators with Early Learning Program Accreditation through the National Association for the Education of Young Children. Key procurement dates include an RFI release on May 14, 2025, with final questions due by May 23, 2025, and submissions due by June 20, 2025 at 4:45 pm CST. Evaluation criteria will focus on the ability to prioritize childcare needs for Auburn University employees and Lee County residents, manage minimal facility costs, and effectively hire and manage appropriate childcare staff.

The RFI is open to both public and private organizations interested in providing childcare services, with no specific set-aside designations mentioned. Potential operators will be responsible for their own expenses related to responding to the RFI, and the document explicitly states that this is a market research exercise that does not guarantee a future contract award. The commodity code for this opportunity is 91111900 for personal care services. While no specific budget range is provided, the RFI suggests that operators should factor in minimal facility costs when developing their proposed rate structures. Responses should be submitted through the Procurement & Business Services Sourcing Event Portal, with the primary contact being Christalyn Thomas. The university intends to use this RFI to gather information for potentially creating a future solicitation for a childcare facility and operator, emphasizing that the current document is informational and planning-focused.