New York State Contract Reporter #2139978

New York OCFS regional Child Care Support Centers and substitute-caregiver pools

New York State is seeking nonprofit child care referral agencies to operate regional substitute-caregiver pools for licensed and registered child care programs. - Government buyer: New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS); the opportunity identifies the Division of Administration and Bureau of Contract Management/Procurement Unit, and the Division of Child Care Services. - Requested service: Establish and operate Child Care Support Centers (CCSCs) that recruit and vet substitute caregivers, maintain regional pools, and place qualified caregivers with child care programs at no cost to providers. - Awards and funding: Up to four awards are anticipated, with no more than one per OCFS-defined region. Total anticipated funding is $12.5 million over five years, or approximately $625,000 per awardee annually, subject to appropriations and budget approval. - Eligibility and notable requirements: Applicants must be established nonprofit Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agencies serving the applicable region. Awardees must obtain an OCFS operating certificate and oversee qualifications, background clearances, training, caregiver onboarding, pool availability, performance monitoring, and quarterly program and budget reporting. - Budget conditions: No local match is required. A $25 Statewide Central Registry clearance fee applies for each substitute caregiver. Caregiver wages and related employment expenses are excluded from OCFS-funded costs; eligible onboarding and professional-development stipends are identified. State-funded indirect costs are limited to up to 15% of direct costs. - Named vendor/support provider: The Early Care and Learning Council (ECLC) will provide implementation technical assistance and relevant technology. No product OEMs or specific commercial vendors are identified. - Products and quantities: No products, part numbers, or equipment quantities are requested; the service opportunity anticipates four regional centers.

Description

The New York State Office of Children and Family Services is seeking applications from eligible child care resource and referral agencies to establish regional Child Care Support Centers. Each center will administer a substitute caregiver pool for OCFS-licensed or registered child care programs, recruiting and verifying substitute caregivers and placing them as needed to support continuity of care and program operations. The Early Care and Learning Council will provide technical assistance and technology. Up to four awards are anticipated statewide, with no more than one per OCFS-defined region; anticipated funding is $12.5 million over five years, or approximately $625,000 per awardee annually. Applicants must be not-for-profit organizations operating as listed CCR&R agencies and must be prequalified by the application deadline unless exempt.

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