27-492DOR-ADMIN-B-51476 | FY27-31 Child Care Services - Willard Ice Building

The contract solicitation numbered 27-492DOR-ADMIN-B-51476, issued by the Illinois Department of Administrative Services, seeks proposals for child care services at the Willard Ice Building in Springfield, IL, covering the period from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2031, with a potential total term not exceeding ten years including extensions. The procurement involves operating a licensed child care center serving over 50 children, strictly adhering to Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) licensing standards, Illinois Early Learning standards, and applicable safety and health regulations. The vendor is responsible for curriculum implementation, facility management, staffing to meet specified ratios, sanitation, parental engagement, and compliance documentation. Services must be rendered entirely within the United States, particularly at the designated Springfield location, and vendors must disclose all service locations. The contract does not include traditional pricing or direct State payments; instead, compensation is derived from parent or guardian fees collected and remitted to the Illinois Department of Revenue. This solicitation emphasizes several special contract requirements including thorough background checks, ongoing safeguard training, and strict compliance with Illinois procurement and labor laws, including drug-free workplace certifications and diverse business utilization mandates. Vendors must certify their ownership status with respect to minority, women, veteran, disability, or disadvantaged business categories, and demonstrate a tangible commitment to diversity through documented subcontracting outreach and adherence to Business Enterprise Program goals. The evaluation is based on a point-based technical scoring system with a significant 20% weighting assigned to diversity commitment. The contract administration includes responsibilities for maintaining licensing, allowing inspections, performance monitoring, submission of required documentation, and cooperating in potential facility relocations. Proposals must be submitted electronically via the BidBuy portal, with no pricing figures included in the solicitation document as fees are negotiated separately through the system. The vendor must also provide extensive disclosures to address organizational conflicts of interest and certify compliance with various Illinois statutes, ensuring transparency and regulatory adherence throughout the contract period.