Head Start / Early Head Start Educational Partners

Hillsborough County is seeking competitive sealed bids from qualified contractors with licensed childcare facilities to provide educational service programs for Head Start and Early Head Start children. The procurement (ITB-25-00275) covers two service clusters: Cluster One with 20 Early Head Start classrooms (160 children slots) and 6 Head Start classrooms (120 children slots), and Cluster Two with 11 Early Head Start classrooms (88 children slots) and 6 Head Start classrooms (120 children slots). Contractors must meet extensive requirements including facility standards, staff qualifications, educational programming, nutrition services, and health and safety protocols. A non-mandatory pre-bid conference is scheduled for October 27, 2025, with proposals due on November 21, 2025, at 2:00 PM Eastern Time. The contract will be awarded to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder, with compensation structured as a per-week rate for children served, and will have a five-year term with potential annual Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA).

The procurement does not explicitly mention specific set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises. The county will provide supporting services including mental health services, child health screenings, eligibility and enrollment management, staff training, and quality assurance monitoring. Contractors will be compensated for full weeks of service, including holidays, with the estimated total project budget of $27,723,050.00. The solicitation requires comprehensive insurance coverage, including Commercial General Liability, Automobile Liability, Workers' Compensation, Professional Liability, and specialized insurance types like Physical Abuse and Molestation Insurance. Contractors must provide detailed documentation including a Drug-Free Workplace Form, insurance certificates, direct deposit authorization, and a substitute W-9 form. The county will utilize electronic payment systems and maintain strict performance standards with potential contract termination clauses based on compliance and performance metrics.