RFI001-25, Licensed Affordable Childcare

Gwinnett County, Georgia is issuing Request for Information (RFI) RFI001-25 to identify qualified licensed childcare service providers to operate an affordable childcare program serving children ages 6 weeks to 5 years at the Gwinnett Community Resources Center at Bethany Church Road. The procurement seeks to reduce barriers for working families and support early learning outcomes in southern Gwinnett through a licensed facility occupying 7,512 square feet. Prospective providers must hold current Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL) licensure and demonstrate experience operating quality childcare services; providers must secure their own funding with no startup support or initial funding provided by the county. The selected provider will assume responsibility for staffing, licensing compliance, programming, meal service, equipment procurement, and all operational delivery while Gwinnett County maintains building and grounds infrastructure. Deliverables required in responses include organizational overview with evidence of licensure and accreditations, detailed business plans addressing hours of operation (standard business hours with potential extended care options not exceeding 11:00 PM) and staffing models, fee structures with sliding scale affordability options for low-income families, evidence of quality program experience, facility use plans, and compliance and insurance documentation. Providers must maintain state licensing requirements, health and safety standards, staff-to-child ratios, and all DECAL regulations, and will be expected to collect and manage tuition payments, scholarships, and subsidies while providing quarterly and annual performance reports tracking enrollment, affordability metrics, program quality, family engagement, child outcomes, and staff retention. Responses are due by 3:00 P.M. local time on November 24, 2025, to Jake Scarpone at Jake.Scarpone@GwinnettCounty.com, with the RFI posted on October 28, 2025.

This opportunity is restricted to Georgia-licensed childcare providers only, with out-of-state licensure not qualifying applicants for participation. Providers are prohibited from constructing additions to existing facilities or repurposing space for kitchen areas and must arrange food services or meal planning through external means. The RFI does not identify any incumbent vendors, current contractors, or set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises. Existing infrastructure at the facility includes a site map detailing 7,512 square feet of space across multiple classrooms and support areas, along with an inventory of existing furnishings and equipment available for the selected provider's use. The RFI does not specify a contract award date, contract term, renewal options, or award value or budget range for this opportunity.