RFA - PSP - Reallocation and Waitlist for Blue Mt. ELH

The Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) has issued a Request for Grant Applications (RFA) for the Preschool Promise (PSP) program within the Blue Mountain Early Learning Hub region, which encompasses Umatilla, Union, and Morrow counties. The procurement seeks to reallocate 22 available preschool slots for the 2024-2025 program year and establish a waitlist of eligible applicants. Current PSP providers are invited to apply to increase their existing slots, and preschool providers can apply to be placed on the waitlist. Applicants must meet comprehensive criteria related to program quality, including curriculum standards, staff qualifications, family engagement, instructional environments, inclusion practices, professional development, and financial controls. Evaluation will involve a Community Needs Score considering factors such as zip code, setting type, and primary language of instruction. Key dates include a pre-application conference on May 22nd, questions due by May 29th, and applications due by June 17th, with award notifications anticipated by July 12th.

Eligible applicants include various child care providers, early learning programs, and community organizations, with a focus on expanding access in underserved areas. The RFA prioritizes providers serving specific zip codes, with preference given to those in 97868, 97801, 97838, and 97844. No specific set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises are explicitly mentioned. The grant provides a base funding rate of $15,650 per slot annually, with an additional $1,100 per slot for transportation enhancement and one-time start-up amounts of $1,000 per existing slot or $2,000 for new sites. DELC reserves the right to adjust evaluation thresholds and select or decline applicants based on state interests. The total funding will depend on the number of slots awarded, with existing PSP grantees given priority in slot reallocation. Successful applicants placed on the waitlist will remain eligible for potential slot awards through June 30, 2025.