Sources Sought: The United States Census Bureau is conducting market research to identify available sources for the proposed services below:

DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES: The United States Census Bureau seeks a qualified childcare provider to operate and manage an accredited and licensed fee-for-service child development center in a federal government-provided facility on a secure federal government campus.

The Suitland Federal Child Development Center (SFCDC) is a child development center provided for the convenience of federal government employees, primarily those located on the Suitland Federal Center (SFC) campus in Suitland, MD. The SFCDC is the result of a unique partnership between three federal government agencies located on the SFC campus: the US Census Bureau, the Office of Naval Intelligence (ONI), and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

The SFCDC capacity consists of seventy-three (73) children ranging from 6 weeks to 5 years old.

The SFCDC operating hours are Monday through Friday, 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. excluding weekends, federal holidays, or any date/time the SFC campus is officially closed.

The operation and management of the SFCDC shall be consistent with professional standards established for early childhood education programs, as determined by the Governing Board of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)) and adhere to the applicable laws, regulations, policies and procedures established by the federal government and the State of Maryland. The SFCDC must also pass Department of Defense (DOD) annual inspections and maintain DOD certification through the Navy Child and Youth Program (OPNAVINST 1700.9E).

The Contractor shall implement and continually promote a child development program that demonstrates a caring and intellectually stimulating environment and that complies with the Creative Curriculum, as required by NAEYC. Other appropriate developmental goals for each age group should focus upon, but not be limited to:

1. Promoting the cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development of children;
2. Promoting the positive self-esteem of children;
3. Encouraging non-sexist, non-stereotyping attitudes;
4. Encouraging parental involvement; and
5. Supporting and respecting various family compositions and cultures.

The Contractor shall provide breakfast, lunch and one snack: afternoon, every day to each child not restricted to formula, baby food or other special diet. All foods must meet the Child Care Component of the Child and Adult Care Food Program (7CFR 226) as established by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Daily menus must be posted in all classrooms.

The Contractor shall maintain daily general housekeeping procedures including, but not limited to, daily laundry, maintaining the kitchen, general rinsing/sanitizing of toys, general floor sweeping, and wiping countertops.

The Contractor shall establish and maintain an internal inspection system, operating plans, and written policies in accordance with NAEYC standards, OPNAVINST 1700.9E, MD State Licensing, and Federal laws and regulations governing the health and safety of children (including but not limited to child abuse).

The Contractor shall develop and administer enrollment and withdrawal requirements, procedures and policies of the SFCDC, and marketing strategies to achieve 100% enrollment of the SFCDC, including recruitment and retention strategies.

This is a­­ no-cost type contract for services for child development center operation and management. The Contractor shall collect from parents/legal guardians of enrolled children the monthly tuition rate for the appropriate age group. It is the responsibility of the Contractor to ensure that sufficient tuition rates are collected to cover all costs incurred and to provide for profit. The Contractor shall bear any incurred costs in excess of collected tuition.

ACCREDITATION, LICENSING, AND CERTIFICATION

The Contractor shall ensure the SFCDC attains NAEYC accreditation within 18 months of contract award and thereafter maintains NAEYC accreditation throughout contract performance: http://www.naeyc.org

The SFCDC shall obtain and maintain annually upon initial inspection Department of Defense (DOD) certification through the Navy Child and Youth Program (OPNAVINST 1700.9E):

http://doni.daps.dla.mil/Directives/01000%20Military%20Personnel%20Support/01-700%20Morale,%20Community%20and%20Religious%20Services/1700.9E%20CH-1.pdf

The Contractor shall submit an application for Maryland State Licensing within 30 calendar days of contract award and thereafter obtains and maintains the state license throughout the contract performance.

The Contractor shall ensure the SFCDC meets all Maryland state and local licensing requirements: http://www.marylandpublicschools.org/MSDE/divisions/child_care/.

The Contractor shall obtain and maintain certificate of insurance prior to commencing services, including student accident coverage providing medical coverage for children enrolled at the SFCDC who are injured at SFCDC , comprehensive and general liability insurance, and comprehensive automobile insurance and provide evidence of payment of the premium. Contractor must name the U.S. Census Bureau as an additional insured on the commercial general liability insurance policy.

HOW TO RESPOND

Interested companies must submit their capabilities statements that demonstrate similar services, experiences and certifications via electronic submission at pamela.a.miller@census.gov. The submission is limited to ten (10) pages (page size: 8.5x11”) or less. Include the company name, address, business size and Unique Entity ID number, as well as a contact person and their email address and telephone number on the introduction/cover page. No information will be accepted by telephone or mail. Any questions regarding this request relevant to this notice, may be directed to the provided e-mail address. The subject Line should read Questions - Child Care Services 1333LB-24-PM-00000024.

DISCLAIMER

This notice is issued solely for information and planning purposes and does not constitute a solicitation. In accordance with FAR 15.201 (e), responses to this notice are not offers and cannot be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract. Respondents are solely responsible for all expenses associated with responding to this notice. Responses to this notice will not be returned. Respondents will not be notified of the result of the review.

NAICS CODE: 624410 - Child Day Care Services

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