Proposals requested for CDBG-funded minor rehabilitation projects in Columbia, South Carolina
The Richland County First Steps Partnership Board is currently accepting proposals from qualified, licensed contractors to complete minor rehabilitation and safety improvements at two child care facilities in Columbia, South Carolina. These projects are funded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program and are intended to support early childhood education environments that serve low- to moderate-income families.
The scope of work includes targeted upgrades at two Early Head Start centers: Virginia Wingard United Methodist Church and Ridgewood Missionary Baptist Church. Planned improvements range from window replacements and enhanced security features to accessibility and safety upgrades designed to better support infants, toddlers, and staff. The projects do not involve new construction or changes in land use, but they are subject to all applicable federal requirements, including Davis-Bacon labor standards, Section 3 requirements, and equal employment opportunity provisions.
A pre-proposal conference will be held on January 9, 2026, at noon at the Richland County First Steps office in Columbia. Contractors interested in submitting a proposal are strongly encouraged to attend, as this meeting will provide an overview of the RFP and an opportunity to ask questions directly of First Steps leadership.
Proposals must be submitted electronically by 5:00 PM on January 16, 2026. Submissions will be evaluated based on technical qualifications, relevant experience with federally funded projects, proposed approach and methodology, and overall cost. While cost is a factor, it will not outweigh demonstrated experience and capacity to perform the work in compliance with CDBG requirements.
Richland County First Steps is a state-funded nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring that all children are healthy and ready to succeed by the start of school. These facility improvements directly support that mission by strengthening the physical environments in which early learning and care take place.
Proposal Submission Details:
Deadline: January 16, 2026, by 5:00 PM (late proposals will not be accepted).
Format:
PDF submission
Submit To:
Elizabeth Kabalka, Executive Director
Email: [email protected]
