RFA - PSP - Reallocation and Waitlist for South Coast Regional Early Learning Hub

The Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) is issuing a Request for Applications (RFA) for the Preschool Promise (PSP) Reallocation and Waitlist for the South Coast Regional Early Learning Hub, targeting Columbia County and surrounding areas. The procurement seeks eligible child care centers, family child care providers, and early learning organizations to either increase existing PSP slot allocations or be awarded new slots for the 2024-2025 program year. Successful applicants will either receive immediate slot allocations or be placed on an Applicant Waitlist Pool for potential slots available before June 30, 2025. Key program requirements include serving families at or below 200% of the federal poverty level, maintaining specific quality standards, and implementing inclusionary practices. Evaluation criteria will assess applicants on racial/cultural equity, family engagement, instructional quality, professional development, and financial controls. The RFA requires applicants to operate PSP programs for a minimum of 900 direct service hours, maintain specific class sizes and teacher-child ratios, implement research-based educational programming, and conduct developmental screenings. The application deadline is June 17, 2024, with award notifications expected by June 25, 2024.

The RFA does not specify explicit set-aside designations or restrictions on responding organizations beyond the general eligibility requirements for early learning providers. While no specific disadvantaged enterprise provisions are outlined, the evaluation process appears to prioritize racial and cultural equity. No incumbent vendors or current contractors are explicitly identified in the documents. The grant provides a base funding amount of $15,650 per slot annually, with an additional transportation enhancement of $1,100 per slot per year. The total funding availability is not precisely capped, but the initial grant term is one year with potential renewal options. Successful grantees will receive funding to support program operations, staff recruitment and retention, and will be required to comply with detailed reporting and monitoring requirements. One-time new slot funds of $1,000 per slot are also available, and grantees must meet specific insurance and professional development requirements to maintain their funding and slot allocations.