Request for Information (RFI) Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Head Start National Customer Service Improvement Project (CSIP)
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Office of Head Start (OHS), has issued a Request for Information (RFI) for the Head Start National Customer Service Improvement Project (CSIP). This RFI seeks industry feedback on a draft Performance Work Statement (PWS) for a planned nationwide customer service contract. Responses are due Monday, April 27, 2026, at 5:00 PM ET.
Purpose & Context
This RFI is for market research and planning purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation. The government aims to gather information to inform a new, planned competition for an OHS nationwide customer service contract, focusing on enhancing the Head Start program's data management capabilities.
Scope of Work (Anticipated)
The planned contract will provide professional and technical support services for grant management, data management, and customer service functions for ACF and OHS. Key activities include:
- Providing high-quality grants management support for Head Start, Early Head Start, and Early Head Start-Child Care Partnership grants.
- Delivering professional customer service to grant recipients and federal staff.
- Conducting comprehensive data management services, including data entry, quality assurance, data infrastructure, processing, transformation, product development, and analysis.
- Maintaining user-informed, accessible, accurate, and secure data management processes and systems, utilizing tools like Smartsheet.
- Ensuring grant recipient compliance with grant agreements and federal regulations.
- Supporting continuous improvement in regional office operations and processes.
Key Requirements for RFI Response
Respondents are invited to submit information demonstrating their capability to provide the referenced requirements. Submissions should include:
- A Cover Sheet (max. 1 page)
- Section A: Feedback on Draft PWS, including Position Qualifications (max. 5 pages)
- Section B: Vendor Response to Questions (max. 10 pages)
- Section C: Capability Statement (max. 10 pages)
Contract Details (Anticipated)
- Anticipated NAICS Code: 541611 – Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services.
- Period of Performance: A base year beginning September 1, 2026, with four one-year option periods and one six-month option.
- Place of Performance: Multiple cities and states within the United States; remote positions are allowed, with some onsite requirements at OHS Regional Office locations.
Eligibility & Set-Aside
This RFI does not specify a set-aside. Responses will assist the Government in determining the appropriate acquisition method, including potential small business set-asides. Vendors should include their business size designation (e.g., small business, SDVOSB, WOSB, large business) in their capability statement, addressing the availability and capability of qualified small business sources.
Submission Details
- Response Due: Monday, April 27, 2026, at 5:00 PM ET.
- Submission Method: Email to jan.welsh@hhs.gov with "Head Start National CSIP" in the subject line.
- Format: Single-spaced, Times New Roman or Arial font (11 pt. minimum), formatted as a PDF or Word document.
- Contact: Jan Welsh (jan.welsh@hhs.gov, 301-348-3151).
Additional Notes
Industry is encouraged to include questions with their responses. No classified or sensitive information should be included. The government will not provide feedback on submissions other than acknowledgment of receipt.