Turnkey Services – Financing, Redevelopment, and Operator – for Downtown El Paso Childcare Facility

Workforce Solutions Borderplex is seeking a qualified firm to deliver turnkey services for the development and operation of a childcare center at the County-owned vacant building located at 501 E. 1st Ave in downtown El Paso, Texas. The facility is designed to serve over 90 children and respond to demonstrated demand from approximately 11,000 downtown employees, with strong community support confirmed through surveys. The selected respondent will be responsible for securing all necessary financing through non-WSB sources including private investment, philanthropy, and New Market Tax Credits, with no financial contribution or reimbursement obligations from WSB or El Paso County. The firm must design, construct, and equip the facility in full compliance with applicable state and local laws, permits, and lease terms, and ultimately operate it as a licensed Texas child-care provider under the oversight of the Texas Health and Human Services Commission and the Texas Workforce Commission, including mandatory participation in the Texas Rising Star program if serving subsidized children. The project requires a 20-year operational commitment under a sublease arrangement, with construction and certificate of occupancy required no later than December 31, 2030. Proposals must be submitted as a single PDF not exceeding 15 numbered pages by 3:00 p.m. MST on June 23, 2026, via email to procurement@borderplexjobs.com, with no hand-delivered or mailed submissions accepted. Evaluation will be based on a weighted scoring system prioritizing experience and qualifications, including public-private partnership history, the proposed project concept and 20-year operational model, and a proven finance plan with demonstrated success in securing philanthropic and tax-credit funding. Additional factors include background and overview of the firm, with a tiebreaker awarding five points to qualified Veteran Heroes United in Business certified entities. Applicants must certify compliance with federal and state laws including the Drug-Free Workplace Act, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, as well as disclose any potential conflicts of interest using Form CIQ and provide documentation of legal authority to submit the proposal. All costs and financial obligations are the sole responsibility of the respondent, and WSB retains the right to negotiate the final terms prior to contract award, with responsiveness to RFP requirements being a mandatory pass/fail gate for consideration.