Veterans Affairs (VA) Kids Care Services American Lake VA
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 Veterans Affairs (VA), specifically Network Contract Office 20, is conducting market research through a Sources Sought notice for Kids Care Services at the American Lake VA facility in Tacoma, WA. This initiative aims to identify qualified sources capable of providing hourly drop-in childcare services for veterans' children. Responses are due by February 20, 2026.
Scope of Work
The required services include hourly drop-in childcare for children aged six (6) weeks through twelve (12) years, and up to eighteen (18) years for children with special needs. Care is temporary, not exceeding three hours per child, and aligns with outpatient clinic hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm). The contractor must provide a minimum of three staff per location, including one Childcare Clerk and two Childcare Attendants, with at least one attendant experienced in caring for special needs children. A Program Manager is also required. Services must adhere to state-specific childcare regulations, federal laws, and maintain specific child-to-staff ratios (e.g., 1:4 for infants, 1:10 for preschoolers). The VA will provide facility space, furniture, marketing, emergency SOPs, diapers, wipes, toys, and snacks.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought (Market Research)
- Anticipated Contract Type: Firm Fixed Price Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) for a five-year period.
- Set-Aside: Market research is being conducted to determine potential small business participation, including Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB), Veteran Owned Small Business (VOSB), HUBZone, Woman Owned Small Business (WOSB), and Small Disadvantage Business. The NAICS code is 624410 (Child Care Service) with a small business size standard of $9.5 million.
- Response Due: February 20, 2026, by 21:00 UTC.
- Published: February 13, 2026.
Information Requested
Interested parties are requested to submit:
- Company name, address, point of contact.
- Size status and representations (e.g., SDVOSB, VOSB, HUBZone, WOSB, Large Business).
- Confirmation of small business status under NAICS 624410.
- For large businesses, details of authorized distributors.
- Subcontracting intentions, including estimated detailed percentage breakdowns.
- A capability statement demonstrating ability to fulfill the PWS requirements.
- Relevant experience and up to three (3) recent past performance references (within last three years).
- General pricing for per diem rates (for market research only).
Additional Notes
This is strictly a market research notice and not a solicitation. Responses will not be evaluated for contract award but will inform the Government's determination of potential sources. A synopsis and/or solicitation may be published at a future date. Responses must be submitted in writing via email to james.harris13@va.gov.