NJEDA Issues RFI Seeking Input to Bolster NJ’s Child Care Sector
TRENTON, N.J. (December 11, 2020) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA), in coordination with the New Jersey departments of Human Services (DHS) and Children and Families (DCF), today issued a Request for Information (RFI) seeking insights and ideas on ways to build the business capacity and sustainability of child care providers in New Jersey. The RFI 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 8, 2021. The RFI can be found at https://www.njeda.gov/Bidding-Opportunities-General/Economic-Transformation-RFIs.
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.
“Today we took 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.
“Child care is essential both to our economic recovery and to our children's development. The Murphy Administration has worked hard to support working families' child care needs and the providers who serve them throughout this ongoing public health crisis with increased funding, tuition assistance and grants, but more work is needed,” DHS Commissioner Carole Johnson said. “We are pleased to have collaborated with NJEDA and DCF on this RFI to help NJEDA get input on how it can use its strengths to best support child care when it’s needed most.”
DCF Commissioner Christine Norbut Beyer echoed the need for access to reliable, safe, affordable, accessible, and quality child care.
“COVID-19 has forced many families to adjust their work schedules, commuting patterns, and the way their children learn,” said Commissioner Beyer. “It is essential that they have access to reliable child care within their own neighborhoods and that these providers have the tools they need to operate safely.”
The RFI announced today 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.gov/Bidding-Opportunities-General/Economic-Transformation-RFIs.
Additionally, 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 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 December 23, 2020 via e-mail to: childcarerfi@njeda.com. 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 December 30, 2020 at: https://www.njeda.gov/Bidding-Opportunities-General/Economic-Transformation-RFIs as Addendum.
All RFI responses must be submitted in writing no later than 11:59 PM EST on January 8, 2021, via e-mail to: childcarerfi@njeda.com. The subject line of the e-mail should state: “RFI Response-2020-RFI-OET-COVID19-Childcare-116”.
About NJEDA
The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) serves as the State’s principal agency for driving economic growth. The NJEDA is committed to making New Jersey a national model for inclusive and sustainable economic development by focusing on key strategies to help build strong and dynamic communities, create good jobs for New Jersey residents, and provide pathways to a stronger and fairer economy. Through partnerships with a diverse range of stakeholders, the NJEDA creates and implements initiatives to enhance the economic vitality and quality of life in the State and strengthen New Jersey’s long-term economic competitiveness.
The NJEDA administers a variety of grant, low-cost financing, and technical assistance programs for small and mid-sized businesses impacted by COVID-19. Comprehensive information about these programs and other State support for businesses impacted by the pandemic is available at https://business.nj.gov/covid.
To learn more about NJEDA resources for businesses call NJEDA Customer Care at 609-858-6767 or visit https://www.njeda.gov and follow @NewJerseyEDA on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.
