RFA - PSP - Reallocation and Waitlist for Eastern Oregon Community Based Service Hub

The Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) has issued a Request for Applications (RFA) for the reallocation and waitlist management of 16 Preschool Promise (PSP) slots in the Eastern Oregon Community Based Services Hub region, which covers Baker, Malheur, and Wallowa counties. The RFA seeks applications from new and existing eligible PSP providers to obtain or increase their current allocation of PSP spaces for the 2024-2025 program year. Eligible applicants include certified child care centers, certified family child care providers, early learning hubs, and other child care providers. Evaluation criteria include a Community Needs Score based on zip code, setting type, and primary instruction language, with slots allocated in priority order until all spaces are filled. Applicants will be assessed on their ability to meet program quality standards, including staff qualifications, curriculum requirements, family engagement, and child assessment protocols. The application deadline is June 17, 2024, with award announcements anticipated on July 12, 2024, and an initial one-year grant term with potential renewal options.

The RFA does not specify any specific set-aside designations or restrictions on responding organizations. The base award is $15,650 per slot per year, with additional funding available for transportation ($1,100 per slot) and one-time new slot costs ($1,000 per slot). Successful applicants who do not immediately receive a slot will be placed on a waitlist, with spaces awarded as they become available during the program year at the agency's discretion. The total funding for the program includes Personnel Support funds of $1,426.70 per slot, which must be used for strategies promoting recruitment, retention, and compensation of qualified staff. Providers must demonstrate financial controls, business strategy, and alignment with community needs to be considered for award. The agency reserves the right to not select any applicants and to conduct additional rounds of competition if needed, with the total potential compensation for the 2023-2025 period not to exceed a specified amount that varies by individual grant agreement.