Child Care Scholarship Services

The Houston-Galveston Area Council of Governments (H-GAC) is soliciting proposals for Child Care Scholarship Services under solicitation number RFP-HS-WKF-CCSS-03-26, with a deadline of May 12, 2026. H-GAC, serving as the fiscal and administrative agent for the Gulf Coast Local Workforce Board (GCWB), oversees workforce development activities across a 13-county Gulf Coast region in Texas. This contract aligns with their mission to support orderly regional development and the well-being of residents through programs funded by federal, state, and local sources, including compliance with the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). The contract has an initial one-year term starting no later than October 1, 2026, with options to renew for up to three additional one-year periods contingent on performance and funding availability. Although no specific contract value or pricing details are provided, the award will be based on a points-weighted evaluation focusing heavily on the interview/demonstration phase and budgeting/staffing plans, using a trade-off evaluation method emphasizing technical merit and overall value. The scope of work, detailed in incorporated attachments, mandates compliance with federal and state laws, workforce policies, financial management standards, and operational guidelines established by H-GAC and the GCWB. It requires delivery of child care scholarship services consistent with Workforce Solutions brand standards, including performance evaluations and reporting responsibilities. Key administrative conditions include stringent cybersecurity requirements, data privacy and protection measures conforming to HIPAA and FERPA, and thorough personnel management with background checks and staffing plans. Contract terms specify adherence to insurance coverage, affirmative compliance with Texas Public Information and ADA laws, and submission of all invoicing and documentation electronically. Inspection and acceptance stipulate that goods and services must be new, unused, fully equipped for immediate use, and meet professional industry standards, subject to inspection at origin or destination. Subcontracting is allowed under strict compliance controls, and the contract is subject to unilateral modification or termination if funding is withdrawn. Final award decisions rest with the H-GAC Board of Directors, ensuring contractual performance aligns with public workforce system standards and community needs.