The Performance Work Statement (PWS) from the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) outlines tasks for the Child Care and Early Education Policy Research Analysis project. Its primary objective is to provide research and policy resources to improve programs for low-income children and families, particularly those utilizing the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF). The project focuses on synthesizing existing knowledge, collecting new data, and conducting policy analyses to inform service delivery, quality improvement, and workforce development in child care and early education settings. The scope includes original research, data analysis, engagement with stakeholders, and dissemination of findings through accessible reports and presentations. Key activities involve engaging experts, assessing relevant policies, and developing recommendations based on rigorous methodological approaches. The project will take place over 60 months, with potential extensions, emphasizing continuous communication with federal representatives and integrating feedback from stakeholders to enhance research relevance and application. Overall, this PWS reflects ACF’s commitment to leveraging evidence-based strategies to inform and refine child care policies and practices, ultimately supporting the development and well-being of children in underserved communities.

The government file outlines requirements for an RFP focused on child care and early education (CCEE), soliciting detailed insights from potential bidders regarding their expertise and experience in key CCEE topics over the past five years. Key areas of inquiry include child development, economic implications of CCEE, program cost modeling, workforce development, policies affecting access to care, and data collection methodologies. Additionally, the file seeks descriptions of applicants' experiences in managing complex projects, responding to rapid analysis requests, and engaging with stakeholders, including researchers, policymakers, and families. Bidders are also asked about their capacity to prepare OMB documentation, develop data collection instruments, and analyze administrative datasets. Moreover, the document addresses companies' interests in submitting proposals and discusses anticipated challenges, clarification needs regarding the RFP, and their accounting capabilities for handling fixed fee contracts. This RFP is critical for informing policy and practice within the CCEE sector, emphasizing the importance of evidence-based insights and collaboration among various stakeholders in the field.