NJEDA Extends RFI Deadline Seeking Input to Bolster NJ’s Child Care Sector

On Dec 30, 2020

The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA), in coordination with the New Jersey departments of Human Services (DHS) and Children and Families (DCF), has extended the Request for Information (RFI) deadline for seeking insights and ideas on ways to build the business capacity and sustainability of child care providers in New Jersey.

The RFI, which can be found at https://www.njeda.com/Bidding-Opportunities-General/Economic-Transformation-RFIs, aims to identify business challenges that these providers face as they operate throughout COVID-19. Responses are due no later than 11:59 p.m. on January 22, 2021.

This RFI seeks information on obstacles and potential disparities that child care providers of all types have encountered managing their businesses, accessing capital, and establishing partnerships. The NJEDA is looking to better understand the short- and long-term challenges child care providers are facing in their business operations, including challenges to accessing public resources (e.g., Paycheck Protection Program [PPP], NJEDA Small Business Emergency Assistance Grants, DHS COVID-19 Provider Grants) and private capital. The input gathered will help strengthen the Garden State’s child care sector by identifying strategies, programs, or other initiatives that could shore up critical resources as the state continues to respond to the pandemic.

The NJEDA is also requesting ideas on solutions to these challenges, including training and technical assistance programs for child care providers on business operations; expanded partnerships among providers; and funding sources to support child care operations.

“We are taking an important step to address the longstanding challenges that child care providers face, as well as new obstacles brought on by the ongoing pandemic,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan “Child care providers are critical to the strength and resilience of our economy. Governor Murphy has been unwavering in his commitment to rebuilding our state’s economy in an equitable manner. Through initiatives such as this RFI, we are working with our partners in and around state government to achieve that goal.”

The RFI seeks responses from such entities as child care providers; child care technical assistance providers; child care advocacy organizations; business and entrepreneurship support organizations; Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) agencies; Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) providing loans and/or financial support to child care providers; policy and academic researchers; and foundations and philanthropic initiatives that support child care. The Authority is also interested in hearing perspectives from organizations that could potentially deliver technical assistance to child care providers within New Jersey.
The RFI is the latest in a series of steps the State of New Jersey is taking to alleviate the burden families – particularly those with young children – face while navigating the economic impacts of COVID-19, as well as the economic impact on child care providers. This includes providing personal protective equipment (PPE) to child care centers and family child care providers, waiving parent co-pays in the State’s child care subsidy program, tuition support for school-aged supervision, and many other resources. A full list of these programs can be found within the RFI at https://www.njeda.com/Bidding-Opportunities-General/Economic-Transformation-RFIs.

Additionally, the NJEDA’s Small Business Emergency Assistance Grant Program has provided over 600 child care providers with nearly $6.3 million in in grants from NJEDA through Phase 2 and Phase 3 of the COVID-19 Small Business Emergency Assistance Grant Program. Child care providers have also been encouraged to enroll in the NJEDA’s PPE Access Program, with discounts of up to 70% on PPE.

All questions concerning this RFI must be submitted in writing no later than 11:59 PM EST, on January 6, 2021 via e-mail to: [email protected]. The subject line of the e-mail should state: “Questions-2020-RFI-OET-COVID19-Childcare-116”. Answers to questions submitted will be publicly posted on the Authority’s website on or about January 13, 2021 at: https://www.njeda.com/Bidding-Opportunities-General/Economic-Transformation-RFIs  as Addendum.

All RFI responses must be submitted in writing via e-mail to: [email protected]. The subject line of the e-mail should state: “RFI Response-2020-RFI-OET-COVID19-Childcare-116”.

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