Child Daycare Center Operator

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June 2, 2026
RAMP ID #230043

June 2, 2026
Prospective Operators:
SUBJECT: REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR CHILD DAYCARE CENTER OPERATOR
The City of Los Angeles Harbor Department (Harbor Department) invites the submittal of proposals
from qualified child care center operators to provide child care services in the Liberty Hill Plaza Building located
at 100 West 5th Street San Pedro, CA 90731. These services shall commence after a contract is approved by
the Board of Harbor Commissioners.
Instructions and forms to be used in preparing the proposal are found in the information included in the
Request for Proposals (RFP).
The schedule for this RFP will be as follows:
Request for Proposals Published Tuesday, June 2, 2026
Reservation Deadline for Site Tour Wednesday, June 17, 2026, by 3pm
Mandatory Pre-Proposal Meeting and Thursday, June 18, 2026, at 10am
Tour of Daycare Center
Questions Due Tuesday, June 23, 2026, by 3pm
Responses Posted Tuesday, June 30, 2026
Proposals Due Thursday, July 16, 2026, by 3pm
If your firm cannot agree to the requirements exactly as set forth in this RFP, please do not
submit a proposal.
For questions regarding this RFP, please contact Tanisha Herr by email at Therr@portla.org. Questions
must be submitted by 3pm, Tuesday, June 23, 2026. Responses will be posted on the Harbor Department's
website and the Regional Alliance Marketplace for Procurement (RAMP), at www.rampla.org, on Tuesday,
June 30, 2026. It is the responsibility of all proposers to review both websites for any RFP revisions or
answers to questions prior to submitting a proposal in order to ensure their proposal is complete and
responsive.
In addition to providing information requested in this RFP, it should be noted that there are
administrative documents that must be submitted with the proposal. Please refer to the Business Enterprise
Programs and Contract Administrative Requirements section of this RFP. In order for your proposal to be
deemed responsive, these documents MUST be included with your proposal.
All consultants and subconsultants must be registered on RAMP at the time proposals are due. If
selected for award, for-profit companies and corporations must comply with RAMP's demographic reporting
requirements, per the Mayor's Executive Directive 35.
Sincerely,
TRICIA J. CAREY
Director, Contracts and Purchasing Division
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................................................................... 5
1.1 Brief Overview of the Project ................................................................................................................................. 5
1.2 The Port of Los Angeles ........................................................................................................................................ 5
1.3 The Childcare Center ............................................................................................................................................. 5
2. OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION ................................................................................................................ 6
2.1 Goals and Objectives of the Opportunity ............................................................................................................... 6
2.2 Operator Minimum Requirements.......................................................................................................................... 6
2.3 Scope of Work ....................................................................................................................................................... 7
3. PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS ............................................................................................................... 11
3.1 Mandatory Pre-Proposal Meeting and Site Tour ................................................................................................. 11
3.2 Proposal Questions ............................................................................................................................................. 11
3.3 Proposal Submission ........................................................................................................................................... 12
3.4 Evaluation Process and Selection Criteria .......................................................................................................... 12
3.5 Proposal Content ................................................................................................................................................. 12
3.6 Checklist for RFP Submittal Requirements ......................................................................................................... 16
4. STANDARD CONTRACT PROVISIONS ................................................................................................. 17
4.1 Affirmative Action ................................................................................................................................................. 17
4.2 Small/Very Small Business Enterprise Program ................................................................................................. 17
4.3 Business Tax Registration Certificate .................................................................................................................. 17
4.4 Indemnity and Insurance Requirements .............................................................................................................. 17
4.5 Conflict of Interest ................................................................................................................................................ 22
4.6 Compliance with Applicable Laws ....................................................................................................................... 22
4.7 Governing Law / Venue ....................................................................................................................................... 22
4.8 Termination Provision .......................................................................................................................................... 22
4.9 Proprietary Information ........................................................................................................................................ 22
4.10 Trademarks, Copyrights, and Patents ................................................................................................................. 23
4.11 Confidentiality ...................................................................................................................................................... 23
4.12 Notices ................................................................................................................................................................. 23
4.13 Termination Due to Non-Appropriation of Funds ................................................................................................. 24
4.14 Taxpayer Identification Number ........................................................................................................................... 24
4.15 Service Contractor Worker Retention Policy and Living Wage Policy Requirements ......................................... 24
4.16 Wage and Earnings Assignment Orders/Notices of Assignments ...................................................................... 25
4.17 Equal Benefits Policy ........................................................................................................................................... 25
4.18 State Tidelands Grants ........................................................................................................................................ 25
4.19 Contract Solicitations Charter Section 470 (c) (12) ............................................................................................. 25
4.20 Recordkeeping And Audit Rights ......................................................................................................................... 26
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ATTACHMENTS / EXHIBITS
Attachment 1 - Aerial View and Floor Plan
Exhibit A - Affirmative Action Program Provisions
Exhibit B - Operator Description Form
Exhibit C - Business Tax Registration Certificate (BTRC) Number
Exhibit D - Equal Benefits Ordinance
Exhibit E - RFP Selection Evaluation Form
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1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Brief Overview of the Project
The Waterfront and Commercial Real Estate Division is soliciting proposals from qualified
childcare center operators ("Proposers") serving infants to pre-Kindergarten children to operate a
childcare center, located at 100 W. 5th Street, San Pedro, CA. 90731, from Monday through Friday,
excluding City holidays, from 6:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
All Proposers must be currently operating childcare centers, licensed pursuant to all
requirements set forth under the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) Code of
Regulations Title 22, Division 12, for Child Care Centers, and in good standing for the last four years.
Proposers shall be able to demonstrate ability to conduct its operation in a first-class and professional
manner, and present achievable plans for the Center's management and operations.
The term of the contract resulting from this Request for Proposals (RFP) is five years, with one
five-year renewal option, from the date of execution of the agreement.
1.2 The Port of Los Angeles
The Port of Los Angeles is America's Port(R), the nation's premier gateway for international
commerce and the busiest seaport in the Western Hemisphere. Located in San Pedro Bay, 25 miles
south of downtown Los Angeles, the Port encompasses 7,500 acres of land and water along 43 miles
of waterfront.
The Port features both passenger and cargo terminals, including cruise, container, automobile,
breakbulk, dry and liquid bulk, and warehouse facilities that manage billions of dollars' worth of cargo
each year. One of the world's busiest seaports and leading gateway for international trade in North
America, the Port of Los Angeles has ranked as the number one container port in the United States
each year since 2000. In 2025, the Port handled a total of 10.2 million container units.
The Port of Los Angeles is a department of the City of Los Angeles (also known as the Los
Angeles Harbor Department) and is governed by the Los Angeles Board of Harbor Commissioners, a
panel appointed by the Mayor of Los Angeles. Although the Port is a City department, it is not
supported by City taxes. Operating as a landlord port with more than 200 leaseholders, the Port
instead generates its revenues from leasing and shipping service fees. The Port's jurisdiction is
limited to the Harbor District, which includes property in San Pedro, Wilmington, and Terminal Island.
1.3 The Childcare Center
The Child Care Center (Center) has operated at the Liberty Hill Plaza location since 1994 to
provide access to quality childcare services for employees of the Harbor Department and the
surrounding community. The 8,500 square foot childcare facility is located within the Liberty Hill
Plaza Building at 100 West 5th Street in San Pedro. The Center meets all building codes and license
requirements to serve as a childcare center and is fully air conditioned, heated, and equipped with a
fire sprinkler system.
The Center includes a serving/warming kitchen and adjoining outdoor play area, a staff meeting
room, office, age-appropriate toilets and lavatories for children, reception area, central supply/storage
area, utility/laundry area, janitor closet, and outside storage.
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There is barrier-free accessibility, and all exit doors are equipped with panic hardware. The
curbside childcare drop-off and pick-up area for parents/guardians is located at the front entrance of
the Liberty Plaza building. All furnishings, equipment, and materials provided are owned by the
Harbor Department.
The Center is currently operated by the YWCA, a National Association for the Education of
Young Children (NAEYC) accredited agency and is open from 6:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday
through Friday. A total of 48 children, consisting of 7 infants, 12 toddlers, 21 preschool-aged children,
and 8 children in the pre-K program are currently enrolled. A total of 60 children can be
accommodated at the Center.
2. OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION
2.1 Goals and Objectives of the Opportunity
The goal of this RFP is to award a five-year contract with one, five-year renewal option,
exercisable upon the mutual consent of the Harbor Department and the Operator. The responsible
Operator shall accomplish the following:
A. Maintain a high-quality childcare, development, and educational center consistent with the
standards and guidelines from a reputable and independent third-party organization such
as the NAEYC, National Accreditation Commission (NAC), National Early Childhood
Program Accreditation (NECPA), or other similar organization, hereinafter "accrediting
organization";
B. Provide a safe, caring, nurturing and consistent environment for enrolled participants that
offers age-appropriate activities and experiences that will aid in a child's growth and
development that will help them prepare for school;
C. Develop an effective plan that demonstrates financial viability, ensures sustainable
operations throughout the year and accountability for all aspects of operations;
D. Display awareness and responsiveness to the demographics and special needs of the
enrolled Center's participants; and
E. Establish and promote strong working relationships among Center personnel, the
consumer-parents, and City personnel, while protecting personal rights and applicable
confidentiality policies.
2.2 Operator Minimum Requirements
A. Firm Qualifications
In order for a submitted proposal to be considered responsive to this RFP, all proposing
entities must clearly demonstrate the following minimum acceptable qualifications in their written
proposal.
1. Proposer must have a valid childcare license with at least four (4) years of experience
as an operator of a childcare center program, demonstrating adherence to all licensing
requirements set forth under the California Department of Social Services Code of
Regulations Title 22, Division 12, for Child Care Centers, including other mandatory
regulations, statutes and court decisions affecting CDSS programs. Operator shall
maintain a State of California Child Care license and be in good standing during the
term of the agreement.
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2. Principal on-site manager for the Center must have at least a minimum of three years of
recent experience managing or operating a licensed childcare center that includes
infants, toddler, and preschool age children.
3. Proposer must not have unresolved fines or penalties, investigations and/or pending
disciplinary actions for offenses or failure to correct deficiencies by the CDSS -
Community Care Licensing Division or any other regulatory agency overseeing/affecting
CDSS programs.
4. Proposer must not have had any contracts or licenses revoked due to bankruptcy, poor
performance, or breach of contract terms within the last four (4) years from the release
date of this RFP.
B. Accreditation Requirements
In order to ensure that Operator maintains a high quality child care program meeting or
exceeding State requirements, standards employed and levels of services equal to or better than an
accrediting organization are required. Operator shall conduct its operations at least equal to or better
than similar infant and child care facilities providing similar services.
Proposer, if not currently accredited with a reputable and recognized independent third-party
accrediting organization, must articulate and demonstrate ability to document compliance for future
accreditation in its proposal. Additionally, if such a Proposer becomes the Operator, it shall implement
the accrediting organization's standards while pursuing accreditation and these standards shall be
maintained throughout the duration of the contract.
2.3 Scope of Work
Operator shall perform and be responsible for ALL functions necessary to successfully operate
a child daycare center which include, but are not limited to, the following:
General Requirements
1. Obtain and maintain all necessary licenses and permits;
2. Operate the Center at Operator's sole cost and expense;
3. Assign a principal on-site manager for the Center who has at least a minimum of four (4)
years of recent experience managing or operating a childcare center;
4. Identify and maintain necessary staff-to-child ratios and substitute caregivers trained for
each specific age group with provisions to ensure continuity of childcare during shift
changes and absences of regular staff;
5. Provide child daycare services from 6:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except
during holidays;
6. Operator shall provide a system for receiving and releasing the children, which protects
their safety and security;
7. Provide nutritional food in the morning, afternoon, and late afternoon with consideration of
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specific needs, or age-appropriate diets;
8. Operator shall establish and maintain a childcare program with effective procedures to
ensure the health, safety, and security for all persons involved in the program;
9. Operator shall develop programs/curricula that offer age-appropriate activities and
experiences that will aid in a child's growth and development that will help them prepare for
school;
10. Operator shall provide the Executive Director, or designee, access to review all schedules
of rates and prices for services and facilities offered on the premises. If, after being notified
and given a reasonable opportunity to discuss and justify any rate or price increase, the
Executive Director determines that the increase is unreasonable or inappropriate, the
Operator shall modify the rates or prices as directed by the Executive Director;
11. Provide transportation to and from the Center during approved field trips or activities
outside the Center;
12. Establish a plan to be used during emergencies and disseminate and post at the Center, as
necessary;
13. Operator shall maintain a contact list of names, phone numbers, and emails of
parents/guardians of each child. This list shall also contain multiple contacts with the family
or extended family and all available medical or other emergency contact information;
14. Perform daily custodial duties to be conducted after the childcare facility is closed, including
emptying trash bins and diaper bins, as the needs arise;
15. Maintain a clean and safe environment by following daily cleaning protocols to ensure
classrooms, play areas, and restrooms are cleaned and disinfected throughout the day;
16. Provide a variety of age-appropriate toys and learning materials that support children's
growth and development. Replace and maintain said toys and learning materials to meet
children's interests and developmental stages, as necessary. Processes to replace the
toys must meet applicable local, state, or federal regulatory requirements; and
17. Provide services at reasonable rates that take into consideration the City-provided
privileges including free rent, certain services, equipment, furniture and fixtures, as well as
utilities including water, electricity, gas, telephone, and Wi-Fi.
Inspection of Premises
1. Operator shall inspect all areas of the premises-including paving, structures,
buildings, and improvements-and maintain them in a safe condition at all times. The
Executive Director, or designee, may enter the premises at reasonable times to assess
compliance;
2. If City deems it necessary to maintain or repair the premises, Operator shall cooperate
fully with City to assure that the work can be performed in a timely manner; and
3. Property Inspections will be conducted at a minimum of two (2) times per year by City
Staff.
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Operations, Budget and Fundraising
1. Develop goals for the Center's operations and formulate a budget that demonstrates the
Operator's ability to provide for all expenditures for the current year and subsequent years;
2. If necessary, manage and coordinate with the current Operator, in an effective and orderly
manner, the transition of management and operation of the Center, including transferring of
daycare records and files, at Operator's expense;
3. Maintain records of operations such as enrollment register, waiting list, income and
expense records, financial statements, bank statements, payroll records, injury reports, and
other related information for the daycare facility;
4. Operator shall reserve 25% of the Center's spaces to be occupied by children of low and
middle-income families, as defined by the City of Los Angeles Human Services and Family
Development Division;
5. Operator shall provide a 10% discount to City of Los Angeles Harbor Department
employees. The Harbor Department Employee Discount shall be 10% of the regular tuition
offered for day care services. In consideration for providing the services required by this
Agreement, City shall:
a. Provide Operator with an operating space that is approximately 3,500 square feet of
indoor interior space and 3,500 square feet of outdoor interior space; and
b. Provide Operator with an initial equipment fee of up to Fifty Thousand Dollars
($50,000). Each subsequent year City shall provide Operator with equipment fee of
up to $10,000 each year;
6. In order for Operator to receive equipment fee, Operator must provide quotes to City for
needed equipment. After approval by the Director of Waterfront & Commercial Real Estate,
funds will be released to Operator for the purchase of needed equipment by Operator.
Operator shall provide invoices to the City, to confirm actuals spent on equipment. Operator
will maintain accounting of equipment fees received from City and actuals spent on
equipment. Funds unused from previous year will not carry over to subsequent year;
7. Equipment purchase and approval will only occur once per year. The initial equipment fee
and yearly equipment fees may be used for the purchase of equipment reasonably needed
for the operation of the day care. Equipment may further include decorations, rugs, wall
murals, decorative designs, tables, chairs, teaching instruments, toys, cribs, pillows,
blankets, and other items as reasonably needed for the operation of a day care and in the
best interests of the children;
8. Children of the City of Los Angeles Harbor Department employees are defined as any child
or grandchild of a current City of Los Angeles Harbor Department employee or any child
granted legal or physical custody to a current City of Los Angeles Harbor Department
employee; and
9. Additionally, Operator shall:
a. Pay for all training, salaries, and benefits of its employees in compliance with the City
of Los Angeles Living Wage ordinance, or higher, as the Operator deems competitive
and reasonable;
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b. Promote the Center to maintain full enrollment and recruit additional participants as
needed;
c. Pursue grants and fundraising opportunities to support operations;
d. Create and maintain a website for the Center to provide current and public
information, as well as to promote the Center, distribute materials, surveys, and other
information as the City and Operator deem appropriate;
e. Assess and collect tuition and other fees as appropriate at rates preapproved by the
City, use fees collected for the operation of the Center, and accept all risks, full
liability, and complete responsibility for any operating losses in managing the Center.
Operator shall receive tuition fee subsidy from the Harbor Department for the children
of its employees who are enrolled in the Center; and
f. Pay all taxes, liens, penalties and assessments of any kind levied upon the Operator,
or activities associated in the operation of the Center.
Reporting Requirements
Licenses and Certificates
1. Copy of the Child Care License, issued by the California Department of Social Services
and renewal certificates;
2. Copy of accreditation certificate:
a. If currently accredited, Operator to provide copy of accreditation document(s) as well as
a copy of subsequent application/submittals for the renewal of its accreditation (and
supporting documentation) within 30 days after submission. Operator to submit renewal
certification upon receipt; or
b. If not currently accredited, Operator to provide a comprehensive timeline for
accreditation. This plan shall include the rationale for selection of its chosen agency as
an accrediting organization;
3. Copies of the following as applicable:
a. Application for accreditation submitted to accrediting organization within 30 days after
submission, including supporting documentation;
b. Any report on status of application for certification or accreditation on a quarterly basis
within 30 days after submission or receipt from accrediting agency; and
c. Accreditation certificate upon receipt of approval;
4. Provide the Executive Director with a 30-day written notice for any proposed increases in
tuition and other fees and allow the Director of Waterfront & Commercial Real Estate two
weeks to provide comments; and
5. Operator shall request written approval from the Executive Director or designee for any
increase in tuition fees at or above 10% within any 12-month period;
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