Request For Proposals Overview
The Civitan International Research Center staff at the University of Alabama in Birmingham developed an RFP to announce the availability of funds to improve the quality of child care throughout the state of Alabama. Funding for these projects is provided by the Alabama Department of Human Resources and is available through the Alabama Child Care Consortium, a program coordinated by the UAB Civitan International Research Center. The RFP has been available since June 1, 2000 to any private or public entity interested in submitting a proposal in the area of child care quality enhancement. Proposals for this funding are due by 5:00 p.m. on August 1, 2000 at the Civitan Center.
On June 19, 2000 an optional conference for potential bidders was held at the Gordon Persons Building in Montgomery. Approximately 35 individuals attended this conference, which provided a forum for questions and answers and an opportunity to discuss the scope of the program and nature of the contracts. The questions and answers from that meeting, as well as subsequent questions to the Civitan Center during the writing period, have been posted on the Civitan Center website for the consideration by anyone interested. The address for this information is: www.circ.uab.edu/childcare/rfp.
During the latter part of June, Civitan Center staff developed review committees. These committees consist of representatives of state agencies, advocacy organizations, child care providers, and early care and education experts. On August 16, 2000 the review committees are scheduled to meet in Birmingham to discuss the proposals and determine which of these they will recommend to DRH and the Civitan Center. No members of DHR or the Civitan Center staff will evaluate proposals in this initial review. DHR will consider the committees’ recommendations when making the final funding decisions. Announcement of the awards will take place on or before August 31, 2000.