HHS ACF - Baby FACES - MRAS

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), is seeking to conduct a comprehensive study on the Early Head Start programs, known as the Early Head Start Family and Child Experiences Study (Baby FACES). The General Services Administration (GSA) is conducting market research on behalf of HHS to identify potential contractors who can design and execute this nationally representative study. The aim of Baby FACES is to gather detailed data on various aspects of Early Head Start, such as children's development, family engagement, health, self-sufficiency, family support services, and the quality of classroom and home visiting environments. This study will help ACF track changes over time and ensure that program investments are yielding intended benefits for children, families, and communities.

The primary objective of this task order is to generate critical evidence that will inform ACF's decision-making processes. This involves designing a new round of Baby FACES that will yield nationally representative estimates while leveraging modern data collection methods. The study seeks innovative approaches to promote key child and family outcomes by identifying effective strategies that support cognitive development in children, improve child health, ensure safe home environments, and promote parental employment. Additionally, it aims to increase the accessibility and timeliness of data dissemination while reducing participant burden by linking existing data sources with newly collected information.

Contractors interested in this opportunity should have experience conducting large-scale research with Early Head Start programs or similar initiatives. They should also demonstrate expertise in executing complex sampling designs for surveys while achieving high response rates. Experience in obtaining necessary clearances such as OMB Paperwork Reduction Act clearance and IRB human subjects' approvals is essential. Furthermore, contractors should be adept at linking primary collected data with existing databases like the Head Start Enterprise System.

Ultimately, this initiative will support ACF's mission by providing valuable insights into how Early Head Start programs operate across different contexts nationwide. It will also enable ACF to meet its research requirements under the Head Start Act efficiently while advancing its goals related to promoting quality early learning environments and enhancing overall child outcomes.