Early Childcare Provider

The Commonwealth of Kentucky's Personnel Cabinet is seeking a qualified Early Childcare Provider to operate a comprehensive 12-month childcare program located at the Rosenwald School Building on the Kentucky State University campus in Elliott County. The program will serve children ages 1-5, with potential future expansion to include infants, and will operate Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., excluding Commonwealth Executive Branch holidays. The solicitation (RFP 790, Solicitation Number 2500000344) requires the selected provider to maintain an active childcare license, participate in the Kentucky All Stars program, and achieve a three-star rating within two years. The provider must be capable of accepting both Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) and private pay families. Evaluation of proposals will be comprehensive, with 1,500 points allocated to the technical proposal, 500 points for the cost proposal, and potentially 750 points for oral presentations. The RFP was released on 06/24/2025, with proposals due by 08/01/2025 at 4:00 p.m. EST, and the initial contract term is anticipated from September 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026, with potential renewal options for up to three additional two-year periods.

The Commonwealth will provide the leased space, major building maintenance, utilities, and a furniture/fixture allowance, while the selected provider will be responsible for all operational expenses, including staffing, food service, janitorial services, and program administration. The contract aims to establish a childcare program with rates lower than the average cost in Franklin County to support employee recruitment, retention, and work-life balance. The cost proposal includes detailed tuition rates for children aged one to five years, calculated on a weekly basis and projected for a full 52-week year. Providers can propose additional fees such as registration, activity, parent, late payment, and late pick-up fees, as well as sibling discounts, though these will not be evaluated as part of the proposal. The solicitation does not specify specific set-aside designations or restrictions on responding organizations. The provider will be expected to integrate with existing infrastructure at the Rosenwald School Building and potentially develop an optional infant program with prior approval from the Personnel Cabinet. While specific award values are not explicitly stated, the comprehensive nature of the contract and the required services suggest a significant operational budget.