EARLY LEARNING QUALITY NETWORK
Improving local care and education through community voice.
ELQN PROCUREMENT
The Early Learning Quality Network (ELQN) is excited to release Requests for Proposals (RFPs) and Small Purchases to engage local vendors in improving early care and education across Harris County. Project scopes include curriculum, materials, facilities, safety, and security, emergency care, technology support, and professional development. ELQN invites qualified organizations to apply and support this community-focused initiative. Details on RFPs, Small Purchases, application requirements, and selection criteria are available in the links below.
To submit complete applications, or if you have any key questions, please contact us at ELQNprocurement@childrenatrisk.org.
Addendums to Open RFPs
- CHILDREN AT RISK has issued Addendum #1 to the Facility, Safety and Security RFQ. It is accessible via this link. Make sure to follow directions included in the RFP as it relates to acknowledgement of any RFP Addenda.
- CHILDREN AT RISK has issued Addendum #2 to the Facility, Safety and Security RFQ. It is accessible via this link. Make sure to follow directions included in the RFP as it relates to acknowledgement of any RFP Addenda.
- CHILDREN AT RISK has issued Addendum #3 to the Facility, Safety and Security RFQ. It is accessible via this link. Make sure to follow directions included in the RFP as it relates to acknowledgement of any RFP Addenda.
- CHILDREN AT RISK has issued Addendum #4 to the Facility, Safety and Security RFQ. It is accessible via this link. Make sure to follow directions included in the RFP as it relates to acknowledgement of any RFP Addenda.
- CHILDREN AT RISK has issued Addendum #1 to the Technology for Households RFQ. It is accessible via this link. Make sure to follow directions included in the RFP as it relates to acknowledgement of any RFQ Addenda.
- CHILDREN AT RISK has issued Addendum #2 to the Technology for Households RFQ. It is accessible via this link. Make sure to follow directions included in the RFP as it relates to acknowledgement of any RFQ Addenda.
Addendums to Closed RFPs
- CHILDREN AT RISK has issued Addendum #1 to the Technology for Child Care Centers RFQ. It is accessible via this link. Make sure to follow directions included in the RFP as it relates to acknowledgement of any RFP Addenda.
- CHILDREN AT RISK has issued Addendum #2 to the Technology for Child Care Centers RFQ. It is accessible via this link. Make sure to follow directions included in the RFP as it relates to acknowledgement of any RFP Addenda.
- CHILDREN AT RISK has issued Addendum #1 to the Emergency & Temporary Care RFP. It is accessible via this link. Make sure to follow directions included in the RFP as it relates to acknowledgement of any RFP Addenda.
- CHILDREN AT RISK has issued Addendum #2 to the Emergency & Temporary Care RFP. It is accessible via this link. Make sure to follow directions included in the RFP as it relates to acknowledgement of any RFP Addenda.
- CHILDREN AT RISK has issued Addendum #1 to the Curriculum Development & Implementation Services RFP. It is accessible via this link. Make sure to follow directions included in the RFP as it relates to acknowledgement of any RFP Addenda.
- CHILDREN AT RISK has issued Addendum #1 to the Early Learning Kits & Materials RFP. It is accessible via this link. Make sure to follow directions included in the RFP as it relates to acknowledgement of any RFP Addenda.
ALL REQUESTS FOR PROPOSALS
All Active Request for Proposals (RFPs)
EARLY LEARNING KITS & MATERIALS
CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION SERVICES
TRAINING & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
EMERGENCY AND TEMPORARY CARE PROGRAM
TECHNOLOGY FOR CHILD CARE CENTERS
TECHNOLOGY FOR HOUSEHOLDS
FACILITY, SAFETY, & SECURITY
CHILDREN AT RISK (C@R) seeks a vendor to enhance early learning environments in child care settings by providing developmentally appropriate indoor and outdoor materials and equipment, addressing the safety needs of facilities, and improving the security of facilities. This initiative will target child care operations in specific zip codes within Harris County, focusing on centers serving children aged 0-8 and participating in the Child Care Services (CCS) program. This initiative is funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), and all work must be completed by August 2026.
Overview
Issuance Date: January 31, 2025
Submission Deadline: March 14, 2025 April 11, 2025
Point of Contact: ELQNprocurement@childrenatrisk.org
DOWNLOAD ALL DOCUMENTATION & INFORMATION RELATED TO THIS RFP.
Information contained on this page is a summary of the details included in the full RFP documents. All interested parties are encouraged to download the PDF using the link above to access all details related to this RFP.
- CHILDREN AT RISK has issued Addendum #1 to the Facility, Safety and Security RFQ. It is accessible via this link. Make sure to follow directions included in the RFP as it relates to acknowledgement of any RFP Addenda.
- CHILDREN AT RISK has issued Addendum #2 to the Facility, Safety and Security RFQ. It is accessible via this link. Make sure to follow directions included in the RFP as it relates to acknowledgement of any RFP Addenda.
- CHILDREN AT RISK has issued Addendum #3 to the Facility, Safety and Security RFQ. It is accessible via this link. Make sure to follow directions included in the RFP as it relates to acknowledgement of any RFP Addenda.
- CHILDREN AT RISK has issued Addendum #4 to the Facility, Safety and Security RFQ. It is accessible via this link. Make sure to follow directions included in the RFP as it relates to acknowledgement of any RFP Addenda.
Request for Proposals/Quotes Timeline
All times are in Central Standard Time (CST)
| Release of RFP & Outreach | January 31, 2025 |
| Preproposal Conference (Virtual) |
February 14, 2025 at 1pm. Register to receive credentials to attend the Proposal Conference by sending email ELQNprocurements@childrenatrisk.org by 4pm on February 13, 2025. Watch Recording Here |
| Questions Submission Deadline | Submit questions ELQNprocurements@childrenatrisk.org by 4pm on February 21, 2025. |
| Application Submission Deadline |
All proposal documents must be submitted by 4pm on March 14, 2025 to ELQNprocurements@childrenatrisk.org. Make sure to include in the subject line: ELQN-Facility, Safety and Security Services. No late or incomplete proposals will be considered
The proposal submission deadline has been extended to CHILDREN AT RISK has issued Addendum #1 to the Facility, Safety and Security RFQ. It is accessible via this link. Make sure to follow directions included in the RFP as it relates to acknowledgement of any RFP Addenda. CHILDREN AT RISK has issued Addendum #3 to the Facility, Safety and Security RFQ. It is accessible via this link. Make sure to follow directions included in the RFP as it relates to acknowledgement of any RFP Addenda. CHILDREN AT RISK has issued Addendum #4 to the Facility, Safety and Security RFQ. It is accessible via this link. Make sure to follow directions included in the RFP as it relates to acknowledgement of any RFP Addenda. |
| Expected Award Notification | May 16, 2025 |
This timetable may be modified based on the number of proposals received and extent of evaluation, presentation, requests for best and final offers and negotiation timeframes.
Pre-Proposal Conference
- Attendance at the Pre-Proposal Conference is not mandatory; however, Offerors are strongly encouraged to attend to discuss the requirements of the RFP and identify any common questions. Persons with disabilities requiring special/reasonable accommodations should contact ELQNprocurements@childrenatrisk.org at least two (2) days prior to the Pre-Proposal Conference.
- The Pre-proposal Conference will be held at 1pm on February 14, 2025 via Microsoft Teams. Should you wish to attend, you must RSVP to ELQNprocurements@childrenatrisk.org by 4pm on February 13, 2025. Upon successful registration, you will be provided with the virtual conference details in order to access the meeting.
- Regardless of whether or not Offerors attend the Pre-Proposal Conference, Offerors are responsible for fully acquainting themselves with the instructions, mandatory requirements, and standard terms and conditions set out in this RFP. It is the responsibility of each Offeror to fully understand the difficulties and restrictions which may impact the cost or effort required to provide the Services.
Questions
- It is the responsibility of each Offeror to examine the entire RFP package, seek clarification in writing, and review Proposal for accuracy before submitting.
- During the period between issuance of this RFP and the Proposals due date, no oral interpretation of the RFP’s requirements will be provided to any prospective Offeror. Requests for interpretation (and other questions) must be made in writing via email to ELQNprocurements@childrenatrisk.org by 4pm on February 21, 2025.
Addenda
- Prior to the Proposal deadline, C@R may wish to amend, add to, or delete from the contents of this RFP. C@R may also issue clarifications resulting from questions submitted. In such situations, C@R shall issue an Addendum to the RFP setting forth the nature of the modification. Once an Addendum is issued, it will be uploaded to the C@R Funding Opportunities webpage (www.elqn.com), and all Offerors who have downloaded the RFP will be notified via email that an Addendum is ready to be accessed.
Proposal Deadline
- Proposals must be electronically submitted to the C@R via email to ELQNprocurements@childrenatrisk.org on or before 4pm on February 28, 2025 April 11, 2025. Please make sure to include in the subject line: ELQN-Facility, Safety and Security Services.
TECHNOLOGY FOR HOUSEHOLDS
CHILDREN AT RISK (C@R) seeks a vendor to enhance early learning environments in child care settings by providing developmentally appropriate indoor and outdoor materials and equipment, addressing the safety needs of facilities, and improving the security of facilities. This initiative will target child care operations in specific zip codes within Harris County, focusing on centers serving children aged 0-8 and participating in the Child Care Services (CCS) program. This initiative is funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), and all work must be completed by August 2026.
Overview
Issuance Date: : February 17, 2025
Submission Deadline: March 14, 2025
Point of Contact: Leslie Mekler-Granillo; ELQNprocurement@childrenatrisk.org
This RFP has been closed to new applicants. Please contact our team with questions or concerns.
EARLY LEARNING KITS & MATERIALS
This RFP has been closed to new applicants. Please contact our team with questions or concerns.
CHILDREN AT RISK has issued Addendum #1 to the Early Learning Kits & Materials RFP. It is accessible via this link. Make sure to follow directions included in the RFP as it relates to acknowledgement of any RFP Addenda.
Issuance Date: November 18, 2024
Submission Deadline: December 18, 2024
Point of Contact: ELQNprocurement@childrenatrisk.org
CHILDREN AT RISK has issued Addendum #1 to the Early Learning Kits and Materials RFQ. It is accessible via this link. Make sure to follow directions included in the RFP as it relates to acknowledgement of any RFP Addenda.
CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION SERVICES
CHILDREN AT RISK has issued Addendum #1 to the Curriculum Development & Implementation Services RFP. It is accessible via this link. Make sure to follow directions included in the RFP as it relates to acknowledgement of any RFP Addenda.
This RFP has been closed to new applicants. Please contact our team with questions or concerns.
Issuance Date: November 18, 2024
Submission Deadline: December 13, 2024
Point of Contact: ELQNprocurement@childrenatrisk.org
TRAINING & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
This RFP has been closed to new applicants. Please contact our team with questions or concerns.
CHILDREN AT RISK (C@R) seeks an Offeror to develop and implement a training and coaching initiative aimed at enhancing the skills and knowledge of child care providers and community members. The initiative will focus on child development, responsive caregiving, inclusivity, cultural competency, and parent engagement. It targets both regulated child care businesses and community members in designated zip codes within Harris County. This program is funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), and all work must be completed by August 2026.
Overview
Issuance Date: November 18, 2024
Submission Deadline: December 18, 2024
Point of Contact: ELQNprocurement@childrenatrisk.org
EMERGENCY AND TEMPORARY CARE PROGRAM<br />
This RFP has been closed to new applicants. Please contact our team with questions or concerns.
Overview
Issuance Date: January 17, 2025
Submission Deadline: February 25, 2025
Point of Contact: ELQNprocurement@childrenatrisk.org
TECHNOLOGY FOR CHILD CARE CENTERS
This RFP has been closed to new applicants. Please contact our team with questions or concerns.
Overview
Issuance Date: January 31, 2025
Submission Deadline: February 28, 2025
Point of Contact: ELQNprocurement@childrenatrisk.org
PROJECT TIMELINES
Request for Proposals (RFPS)
Wave One Timelines
Full Procurements
- Training & Professional Development
This RFP has been closed to new applicants. Please contact our team with questions or concerns.
| Release of RFP & Outreach | November 18, 2024 | For more information on ELQN and the details of this RFP release, click here to watch the Virtual Q&A Webinar hosted on Monday, November 18, 2024. |
| Preproposal Conference (Virtual) |
December 3, 2024 at 1pm. Register to receive credentials to attend the Proposal Conference by sending email to ELQNprocurement@childrenatrisk.org by 4pm on December 2, 2024. |
| Questions Submission Deadline | Submit questions to ELQNprocurement@childrenatrisk.org by 4pm on December 6, 2024. |
| Application Submission Deadline | All proposal documents must be submitted by 4pm on December 18, 2024 to ELQNprocurement@childrenatrisk.org. |
| Expected Award Notification | January 22, 2025 |
Small Purchases Included in Wave One
- Curriculum Development and Implementation Services
CHILDREN AT RISK has issued Addendum #1 to the Curriculum Development & Implementation Services RFP. It is accessible via this link. Make sure to follow directions included in the RFP as it relates to acknowledgement of any RFP Addenda.
This RFQ has been closed to new applicants. Please contact our team with questions or concerns.
| Release and Outreach | November 18, 2024 |
| Application Submission Deadline | All documents must be submitted by 4pm on December 13, 2024 to ELQNprocurement@childrenatrisk.org . |
| Expected Award Notification | January 6, 2025 |
- Early Learning Kits and Materials
This RFP has been closed to new applicants. Please contact our team with questions or concerns.
| Release and Outreach | November 18, 2024 |
| Application Submission Deadline |
All documents must be submitted by 4pm on December 18, 2024 to ELQNprocurement@childrenatrisk.org .
CHILDREN AT RISK has issued Addendum #1 to the Early Learning Kits and Materials RFQ. It is accessible via this link. Make sure to follow directions included in the RFP as it relates to acknowledgement of any RFP Addenda.
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| Expected Award Notification | January 6, 2025 |
Wave Two Timelines
Full Procurements
- Emergency and Temporary Care RFP
- This RFP has been closed to new applicants. Please contact our team with questions or concerns.
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Release of RFP & Outreach
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January 17, 2025
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Preproposal Conference (Virtual)
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January 30, 2025. Register to receive credentials to attend the Proposal Conference by sending an email to ELQNprocurement@childrenatrisk.org by 4pm on January 29, 2025.
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Questions Submission Deadline
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Submit questions to ELQNprocurement@childrenatrisk.org by 4pm on February 5, 2025.
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Application Submission Deadline
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CHILDREN AT RISK has issued Addendum #1 to the Emergency and Temporary Care RFQ. It is accessible via this link. Make sure to follow directions included in the RFP as it relates to acknowledgement of any RFP Addenda.
CHILDREN AT RISK has issued Addendum #2 to the Emergency and Temporary Care RFQ. It is accessible via this link. Make sure to follow directions included in the RFP as it relates to acknowledgement of any RFP Addenda.
All proposal documents must be submitted by 4pm on February 19, 2025 to ELQNprocurement@childrenatrisk.org.
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Expected Award Notification
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March 10, 2025
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Wave Three Timelines
Full Procurements
- Facility, Safety and Security
- Technology for Child Care Centers
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Release of RFP & Outreach
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January 31, 2025
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Preproposal Conference (Virtual)
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February 14, 2025. Register to receive credentials to attend the Proposal Conference by sending an email to ELQNprocurement@childrenatrisk.org by 4pm on February 13, 2025.
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Questions Submission Deadline
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Application Submission Deadline
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All proposal documents must be submitted by 4pm on February 28, 2025 to ELQNprocurement@childrenatrisk.org.
CHILDREN AT RISK has issued Addendum #1 to the Facility, Safety and Security RFQ. It is accessible via this link. Make sure to follow directions included in the RFP as it relates to acknowledgement of any RFP Addenda.
CHILDREN AT RISK has issued Addendum #3 to the Facility, Safety and Security RFQ. It is accessible via this link. Make sure to follow directions included in the RFP as it relates to acknowledgement of any RFP Addenda. CHILDREN AT RISK has issued Addendum #4 to the Facility, Safety and Security RFQ. It is accessible via this link. Make sure to follow directions included in the RFP as it relates to acknowledgement of any RFP Addenda. CHILDREN AT RISK has issued Addendum #1 to the Technology for Child Care Centers RFQ. It is accessible via this link. Make sure to follow directions included in the RFP as it relates to acknowledgement of any RFP Addenda.
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Expected Award Notification
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March 28, 2025
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Small Purchases
- Technology for Households
This RFP has been closed to new applicants. Please contact our team with questions or concerns.
| Release and Outreach | February 17, 2024, 2025 |
| Application Submission Deadline | All documents must be submitted by 4pm on March 14, 2025 to ELQNprocurement@childrenatrisk.org. |
| Expected Award Notification | March 31, 2025 |
NETWORK PARTNERS
The Early Learning Quality Network brings together the expertise of local leaders and trusted organizations:
- Harris County Department of Economic Equity & Opportunity
- CHILDREN AT RISK
- East Harris County Empowerment Council
- Harris County Public Library
- VN TeamWork
- YMCA of Greater Houston
These organizations, each with their unique strengths, share our commitment to building a future where every child has access to high-quality early learning.
Background on Early Learning Quality Networks (ELQN) initiative
The Early Learning Quality Network (ELQN) is a $16.4M initiative funded by American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars to improve early learning and care in Harris County. Launched in 2023, this pilot program aims to build on the unique experiences and strengths of five focal communities through community-led planning and funding, as well as strengthen the early childhood ecosystem to connect caregivers with essential resources. ELQN collaborates with families, child care providers, and community stakeholders to ensure more children benefit from high-quality early learning tailored to their unique needs.
Equity Framework
In recognition of the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on Harris County’s residents and the exacerbation of long-standing inequities Black and Hispanic residents face, Harris County is committed to allocation ARPA Funds in initiatives that will support the long-term access to equitable resources and opportunities for all communities of Harris County. Commissioners Court has, as a result, adopted an Equity Framework by which the process of project selection, design, implementation, and evaluation will be guided. The Equity Framework will ensure that investments are made fairly, integrate input from communities most impacted by this project.
Harris County expects Offerors to design programs in line with the Harris County Equity Framework for Investments funded by the ARPA. For example, Offerors should reference the framework when speaking to how they shall prioritize applicants. The full equity framework can be found here.
Submission Checklist (Full Requests for Proposals)
- Cover Page: 1 Page
- Firm Experience & Qualifications: 2 Pages
- Firm Capacity & Resources: 3 Pages
- Organization & Project Methodology: 5 Pages
- Budget and Justification: 2 Pages
Attachments-Required
- Proposal and Addenda Acknowledgements
- Certification Regarding Lobbying
- Conflict of Interest Questionnaire
- Whistleblower Policy
- Certification of Compliance with Federal Standards & Requirements
- Audited or reviewed financial statements (last 2 fiscal years)
- Organizational Budget
- Subcontractor Listing Form
- References
- Minimum Insurance Requirements
- Pre-award Risk Questionnaire
Submission Checklist (Small Procurements)
- Cover Page: 1 Page
- Firm Experience & Qualifications: 2 Pages
- Firm Capacity & Resources: 3 Pages
- Organization & Project Methodology: 5 Pages
- Budget and Justification: 2 Pages
Attachments-Required
- Proposal and Addenda Acknowledgements
- Certification Regarding Lobbying
- Conflict of Interest Questionnaire
- Audited or reviewed financial statements (last 2 fiscal years)
- Organizational Budget
- Subcontractor Listing Form (if applicable)
- References
- Minimum Insurance Requirements
- Pre-award Risk Questionnaire
Proposal Requirements
Applicants must include the following in their proposal:
- Executive Summary – Brief overview of the proposed project.
- Project Description – Detailed explanation of the project, including objectives, target audience, and expected outcomes.
- Work Plan – Timeline and milestones for project completion.
- Budget – Comprehensive budget with justification for each expense.
- Qualifications – Information about your organization or team, including relevant experience and previous projects.
- Evaluation Metrics – Plan for assessing the impact and success of the project.
Content of the Proposal
The Proposal shall address the areas listed below in the order given. The responses provided will be the basis for evaluation of the Offeror. The Proposal must include firm experience and qualifications, program administration and implementation, a complete budget alone with a budget justification, as well as any other information that the Offeror feels appropriate to include in its Proposal.
Firm Experience & Capacity
- Knowledge and competency in solicitation subject matter.
- Demonstrate capability of complying with federal reporting requirements.
- Presents a project team with sufficient experience and availability to complete proposed work.
- Experience managing large, federally funded projects.
Program Administration & Implementation
- Description and approach to developing and delivering services and/or products as per RFP specifications.
Budget
- Offerors must provide a budget necessary to complete the work, including both indirect costs (e.g., personnel and administrative costs).
Attachments
- Include all requisite attachments in final RFP packet.
Service Areas
The Local Network Organizations (LNO) will be on the front lines of community engagement, convening local stakeholders to assess the state of child care quality in their
neighborhoods and develop a child care quality action plan tailored to the needs of each community. Each LNO will focus on neighborhoods classified as a high quality child care desert, across the specified zip codes:
- Harris County Public Library will serve the following zip codes: 77021, 77033, 77047, 77048, 77051, and 77379.
- YMCA of Greater Houston will serve the following zip codes: 77009, 77022, 77032, 77037, 77039 77091, 77060, and 77076.
- East Harris County Empowerment Council will serve the following zip codes: 77015, 77029, 77030, 77032, 77044, 77047, and 77049.
- VN Teamwork will serve the following zip codes: 77027, 77036, 77056, 77057, 77072, 77074 77081, and 77099.
Get Involved
Are you a provider, parent, or community member interested in supporting early childhood education? Join us in our mission to make a lasting impact across Harris County. Whether you’re looking to partner, volunteer, or learn more, we invite you to be a part of the change. Together, we can create a brighter future for our youngest learners.
Stay Connected
Follow @childrenatrisk on social media and subscribe to our newsletter to stay updated on our progress and learn more about how ELQN is making a difference in early learning across Harris County.