First 5 Kern releases Request for Proposals Please click on the RFP Process link on the left menu for forms and information. After much anticipation of the recent election and the threat of funding cuts, the voters once again reaffirmed early childhood development as a priority. This action allows First 5 Kern – the Kern County Children and Families Commission – to continue to fund healthcare, dental, school readiness, childcare, special needs and other programs at roughly the same level as the current fiscal year and move forward with its Request for Proposal process for its new funding cycle that begins July 2010. Beginning July 1, 2009, First 5 Kern will be seeking proposals from organizations interested in providing services to children ages prenatal to five and their families living in Kern County. These services will be funded for up to three years by the Commission using Proposition 10 funds and must be consistent with the Strategic Plan developed by the Commission. Proposition 10 funds are intended to enhance existing services for children ages prenatal to five and their families, and may not supplant existing resources or create service duplication. The Commission will fund individual programs using the following criteria: √ Applicants must submit the Letter of Intent by July 10, 2009, indicating interest in the RFP √ Programs must target one or more of three major focus areas described in the Strategic Plan.       • Health and Wellness       • Early Childcare and Education       • Parent Education and Support Services √ All applicants must demonstrate effort in the fourth focus area:       • Integration of Services √ Programs must serve children ages prenatal to five and their families √ Only programs serving Kern County residents and with an office located in Kern County will be considered. This will be a new funding process for all programs. Agencies under a current contract with the commission will need to apply for new funding to continue their programs. Agencies not currently funded through First 5 Kern are invited to submit a proposal. Dates to remember: Wednesday, July 1 Request for Proposal Release Tuesday, July 7, 9:00 a.m. or 1:30 p.m. Bidders Conference Friday, July 10, 5:00 p.m. Letter of Intent Due Friday, July 31, 12 Noon RFP Closes at 12 Noon Week of Nov 13 Applicants to be notified of status in writing Wednesday, December 2 Commissioners to review and approve funding (Dates subject to change)