Child care center operations for military families, federal employees, and Head Start programs. Find active federal and state child day care services contracts — AI-scored against your profile across SAM.gov and 200+ portals.
Annual federal spending under NAICS 624410 exceeds $1.5 billion, driven largely by DoD child development centers (CDC) and HHS Head Start grants. Competition is moderate, with a mix of large national providers and small local operators. Contracts are typically awarded as single-award IDIQs or BPAs at the installation or regional level, with fixed-price or cost-reimbursement structures. Demand is inelastic, tied to military family support and early childhood education mandates. Most opportunities are set-aside for small businesses, including 8(a) and HUBZone preferences.
These agencies are the largest buyers of child day care services services and products in the federal government. Each awards contracts under NAICS 624410 regularly — build relationships with their small business offices first.
To win child day care contracts, focus on obtaining CCDBG certification and military accreditation (e.g., NAEYC). Most awards are lowest-price technically acceptable (LPTA) with strong emphasis on past performance in similar settings. The single highest-leverage move is to pursue 8(a) or HUBZone certification, as many DoD and HHS contracts are exclusively set aside for these programs. Target base-level contracting officers at military installations and Head Start grantees directly.
Most child day care services are procured via agency-specific IDIQs or BPAs, often LPTA. GSA Schedule 624410 is available but rarely used. DoD uses DOD Child Development Program contracts; HHS uses Head Start grants. Evaluation emphasizes past performance, staffing plans, and compliance with child-to-staff ratios.
At minimum, you need state child care licensing and CCDBG certification. For DoD contracts, accreditation by NAEYC or a military-approved body is often mandatory. Head Start programs require compliance with Head Start Program Performance Standards.
Performance bonds are rarely required for child day care services because contracts are services-based and typically under $150,000. However, larger IDIQs or construction-related child care facilities may require bonds.
Awards vary widely: base-level child development center contracts range from $500,000 to $5 million annually. Head Start grants average $1-3 million per grantee. Most are single-award IDIQs with 1-5 year terms.
Yes, but prime contractors often self-perform most services. Subcontracting is common for specialized services like special education, transportation, or food service. Ensure your subcontracting plan meets FAR 52.219-9 requirements if over $700,000.
Competition is moderate. For small business set-asides, you may face 3-5 bidders. For unrestricted contracts, large providers like KinderCare or Bright Horizons compete. Head Start grants are less competitive due to geographic restrictions.