Opportunity
Federal Register #CMS-588
Sole-Source Grants for Early Head Start/Head Start Services in Micronesia and Marshall Islands
Buyer
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
Posted
August 12, 2026
Respond By
October 13, 2026
Identifier
CMS-588
NAICS
624410
The Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Office of Head Start (OHS), is announcing its intent to award two sole-source grants to support early childhood education in the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) and the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI). - Government Buyer: - Office of Head Start (OHS), Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) - OEMs and Vendors: - No Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) or commercial vendors are mentioned; awards are direct grants to FSM and RMI - Products/Services Requested: - Early Head Start and/or Head Start Preschool Services - Plan, establish, and operate comprehensive early childhood education, health, nutrition, and family support programs - Build local capacity for sustainable program implementation - Service quantity: 1 (per country) - No part numbers or commercial products specified - Unique or Notable Requirements: - Awards are based on new statutory authority under the Compacts of Free Association Amendments Act of 2024 and FY 2026 appropriations - The first 24 months are exempt from Head Start Designation Renewal System competition requirements - Focus on comprehensive services for eligible children and families, supporting school readiness and healthy development - Grants are sole-source and not open to commercial competition
Description
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is announcing an opportunity for the public to comment on CMS' intention to collect information from the public. This collection involves the Electronic Funds Transfer Authorization Agreement (CMS-588) which protects Medicare beneficiaries and the Medicare Trust Funds against fraud by verifying payment information. The notice invites comments on the burden estimates, necessity, utility, and ways to enhance the quality and clarity of the information collection. Comments must be received by October 13, 2026.