Study of Certified & Licensed Childcare Programs

The Commonwealth of Kentucky Auditor of Public Accounts is requesting proposals for a comprehensive study of certified and licensed childcare programs, with proposals due October 8, 2026 at 3:30 PM Eastern Time. The study is mandated by 2026 House Joint Resolution 50 and will examine statutes, administrative regulations, and agency policies governing Kentucky childcare services.

The scope includes analyzing existing Kentucky regulations with emphasis on Cabinet for Health and Family Services policies; comparing Kentucky's requirements to peer states and national standards; assessing federal law impacts; identifying regulatory barriers and duplicative or excessive regulations; conducting surveys and focus groups with diverse stakeholders including childcare providers, educators, state and local officials, parents, and employers; analyzing local regulatory barriers; and recommending best practices for local governments on zoning, permitting, and land-use policies. The study explicitly excludes analysis of child-to-teacher ratios and maximum group sizes. The contractor must routinely consult and collaborate with the Kentucky Child Care Advisory Council, providing quarterly updates. All participating stakeholders must be guaranteed anonymity to the greatest extent possible.

The contract term runs from November 1, 2026 through June 30, 2028, with a renewal option for one additional one-year period subject to approval by the Finance and Administration Cabinet and the Legislative Research Commission Government Contract Review Committee. The contractor must submit a draft report by September 1, 2027, a revised draft to the Kentucky Child Care Advisory Council by November 1, 2027, and the final report to the Legislative Research Commission by December 1, 2027. Liquidated damages are assessed at 2% of the total contract amount per day for delays beyond the September 1, 2027 deadline, not to exceed the total contract amount.

Evaluation criteria total 1,500 maximum points: 1,200 for the technical proposal, 200 for cost (lowest-priced proposal receives maximum points), and up to 100 for optional oral presentations. The contractor must maintain general professional liability insurance equal to the contract price and professional liability insurance with a minimum of $1,000,000 per claim. All contractors must comply with Kentucky procurement statutes, conflict-of-interest laws, nondiscrimination requirements, and the Commonwealth's Artificial Intelligence Policy. Foreign entities must provide proof of registration with the Kentucky Secretary of State or identify applicable exceptions.