ITN Lease a College Facility to Provide Child Development & Education Services

Northwest Florida State College has issued an Invitation to Negotiate (ITN) #2025-2026-01 seeking a qualified vendor to lease and operate the Mary Lou O'Connor Child Development & Education Center (CDEC) facility on its Niceville Campus in Okaloosa County, Florida. The procurement aims to identify a third-party provider to run a child development and education business serving children ages 2.5-5 years old, with potential services including daytime, after-school, and evening care. The ideal vendor must maintain NAEYC accreditation, operate a Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) program, employ staff with appropriate credentials, and provide services at least Monday through Thursday during business hours. A non-mandatory pre-proposal site visit is scheduled for October 7, 2025, at 8:00 a.m., with proposal submissions due October 16, 2025, at 8:00 a.m. The evaluation process will assess proposals based on qualifications, business plans, experience, proposed rent, and references, with a maximum score of 100 points, focusing on the vendor's ability to effectively manage the 4,970 square foot facility that includes two classrooms, two offices, multiple bathrooms, a kitchen, and laundry facilities with a maximum occupancy of 64 children.

The solicitation does not specify explicit set-aside designations or restrictions on responding organizations. The vendor will be responsible for all operational costs, including utilities, custodial services, and maintenance, while paying rent to the College. Additional requirements include providing internship opportunities for College early childhood education students and offering discounts to College community members and military families. The College anticipates an initial lease term of one to three years, with potential probationary periods and renewal opportunities. The vendor may also have the opportunity to contract with the Early Learning Coalition for school readiness services. While specific award values are not explicitly stated, the vendor will be responsible for managing a facility with significant infrastructure, including a fully equipped child development center. The proposed arrangement represents a comprehensive operational partnership that extends beyond a traditional lease, emphasizing the College's goal of maintaining a high-quality early childhood education environment while generating facility utilization revenue.