The Air Force Services Center (AFSVC) is seeking to implement a Backup Care Pilot Program for military families facing child care disruptions due to illness. This initiative, prompted by significant impacts on families at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson and Mountain Home AFB, aims to provide reliable, temporary child care solutions when children cannot attend their regular arrangements. The program intends to offer up to 10 days of care per year for eligible children, ensuring that parents can focus on their military duties without added stress. AFSVC is calling for qualified child care firms with at least five years of experience to manage this pilot program, which emphasizes adherence to state licensing and the provision of online platforms for easy access. The selected contractors must ensure compliance with industry standards and government regulations. The ultimate goal is to enhance military family well-being and maintain workforce stability within the Department of the Air Force by providing a structured and efficient back-up care solution for unexpected child care needs. The program is set for one year and will require ongoing data reporting and effective marketing to ensure its accessibility to military families.

The Backup Child Care Request for Information (RFI) addresses the development of a pilot program aimed at providing care for children unable to attend regular child care due to illnesses. Key inquiries focus on the definition of illnesses, program structure, and care provider credentials. The government outlines that services are to be offered in center-based or licensed home settings, adhering to state regulations. The program is structured for direct payments to providers, excluding any subsidies for staffing or facility modifications. The RFI specifies the target demographic, estimating that around 1,000 children at JBER and 400 at Mt. Home could benefit from this program. Additional operational aspects include eligibility criteria for providers, measurement of pilot success through participant rates and service availability, and a flexible format for delivery of program proposals. Furthermore, the document reflects the intent to explore options for military families while emphasizing adherence to existing licensing requirements and training needs for caregivers. With no set launch date, the government is actively conducting market research to better understand feasible service solutions that meet their expectations without incurring extra costs for families. Overall, this initiative indicates a commitment to enhancing child care services for military families in specific contexts of illness-related care.