Category: Newsletter

Request for Proposal for CKCAC Technology Support Services

Central Kentucky Community Action Council, Inc., is requesting proposals for Technology Support Services. CKCAC serves eight counties (Grayson, Hardin, LaRue, Marion, Meade, Nelson, and Washington) with various technology needs and is looking for a service provider who can meet them. Please review the attached RFP for more details. Proposals are due via email to bryan.conover@ckcac.org by April 30, 2025.

Request for Proposal (RFP) for CKCAC Technology Support Services

Project Overview

Central Kentucky Community Action Council, Inc. (CKCAC) is a 501(c)(3) organization with our central office in Lebanon, Kentucky. CKCAC operates community service programming, public transportation, early childhood education, and other service functions for citizens and families in need across eight counties of central Kentucky, including Breckinridge, Grayson, Hardin, LaRue, Marion, Meade, Nelson and Washington counties.

CKCAC requests proposals from qualified service providers to offer comprehensive technological support for our organization. CKCAC requires support for our technology infrastructure across 25 main office locations and 8 additional offices, (the 8 additional require device-only support not network support) throughout our service area. Currently, CKCAC has 227 laptops and/or desktops with approximately 230 email accounts in use, and we are looking for a partner who can help ensure our systems and technology run smoothly. The successful service provider will be responsible for:

1. Technology Support Desk Services

• Support Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
• Communication Methods: Phone, email, and an online support portal for easy access to assistance.
• Response Time: We expect timely responses to address technical issues or user questions.
• Types of Support: This includes troubleshooting, configuration, problem-solving, and user support for all Microsoft devices and applications.
• Coverage: Support should include all devices in use across the organization, such as desktops, laptops, printers, mobile devices, and other Microsoft-based devices.

2. Ticketing System for Support Requests

• A clear and efficient ticketing system will be used to manage and track all support requests.
• The system should allow users to easily submit, monitor, and communicate their needs and concerns.
• The system should send automatic updates to both the user and support staff about the status of their request.
• Features should include priority tracking, service level agreement (SLA) monitoring, and reporting.

3. Strategic Leadership Expertise and Execution Support

• We require access to experienced professionals for complex issues, such as network troubleshooting and strategic advice. This may include Network Administrators, IT Directors, or Virtual CIO (vCIO) services.
• CKCAC has twelve programs with varied technological needs. A successful service provider will work with each Director to ensure that programs are operating efficiently and effectively with technology needs met.
• Support for advanced network issues, server configurations, firewall management (including 8 SonicWall firewalls), and security will be necessary.
• A vCIO / IT Director will be needed to guide the long-term strategy in collaboration with CKCAC’s Executive Director and Program Directors, including planning for growth, recommending technology (hardware and software) upgrades, and ensuring that our infrastructure can scale with our business within budgetary constraints.
• The service provider will also be responsible for supporting our server environment, which includes a server running Windows Server 2016, that if we continue use will require an upgrade of the OS before end of life.

4. Infrastructure Support

• Network Support: Assistance with all network-related issues, including local networks, wireless networks, firewalls (8 SonicWall devices), and network switches.
• Device and Software Support: Help with all Microsoft devices (desktops, laptops, servers) and software applications like Microsoft 365, Windows OS, and Teams. This should include updates and patches to our devices.
• Antivirus and Security: Ongoing protection against cyber threats with Sophos Antivirus and comprehensive security measures, including firewall management and patching.
• Microsoft 365 Management: The service provider will be responsible for managing our Microsoft 365 environment, including user setup, licensing, email management, and troubleshooting.
• Server and Backup Support: Regular management and monitoring of our host server (Windows Server 2016). Proposals should consider a backup plan that ensures business continuity in case of failure.
• Security Camera Systems and Support: Management and support of (10) existing ExacqVision camera systems and new locations including adding/deleting users, assist in retaining footage as necessary and making sure connections are stable.
• Phone system: Maintain and support 3CX phone system in 6 locations and any new locations. This includes setting up ring groups, inbound/outbound rules, SIP trunks, extensions, E911 configurations, and all other support.

5. Onsite Resource Support

• CKCAC has one internal employee who serves as an onsite resource and can provide a “set of hands”, that also has a working knowledge of end user support issues.
• The service provider will be required to collaborate with and assist with this internal resource regarding tasks, project work, and other support activities.
• There is also a higher-level technical person that can answer initial questions during onboarding but will have limited access to assistance in the future.
• Coordination between the service provider and the onsite resource will be essential to ensure smooth operation and timely resolution of issues.

6. Scalability and Flexibility

• The service provider should be able to accommodate our future growth, both in terms of new users, additional devices, and expansion of our infrastructure.
• The solution must adapt to changes in technology, including cloud integration, network expansion, or additional server deployments.

7. Key Deliverables

• A Service Level Agreement (SLA) outlines response times and resolution expectations for different types of issues.
• Quarterly reports showing data about our systems and our tickets.
• Scheduled system maintenance and recommendations for technology upgrades or improvements.
• Clear documentation for any major changes made to our systems or configurations.

8. Proposal Requirements

• A detailed description of your company’s experience providing support services, particularly for organizations like ours in size and structure.
• Overview of your support model with an explanation of how your ticketing system works and integrates into your support process.
• Breakdown of the support plan, including your hours of operation, how you handle escalations, and your expected response times.
• Clear pricing, including hourly rates, package costs, and any additional fees for specialized support. Please note that CKCAC is a tax-exempt entity and documentation will be provided to the successful provider.
• Any additional services or solutions you offer that could be beneficial for our organization.

9. Evaluation Criteria

We will evaluate proposals based on:

• The quality and thoroughness of the proposed support services.
• The experience and qualifications of your support team.
• Your ability to meet service expectations and resolve issues quickly.
• The flexibility of your proposed solution to grow with our organization.
• Your organization’s ability to assist with strategic planning.

Submission Details

Please submit your proposal via email by Wednesday, April 30, 2025 at COB to bryan.conover@ckcac.org.

If you have any questions or need clarification regarding this RFP, please reach out to bryan.conover@ckcac.org by Monday, April 21, 2025 at COB to ensure adequate time to share appropriate response(s).

Central Kentucky Community Action Council, Inc., looks forward to reviewing your proposal and establishing a strong partnership for our technological support needs for us to better serve the needy citizens and families of central Kentucky.

 

 

 

 

Head Start: Celebrating 60 Years!!!

My name is Jennifer Akin, and I’m excited to be the new Head Start Director. I’m passionate about early childhood education, and I want to remind you why Head Start is so important for young children and families.

Head Start is a program that helps children get a strong start in life. We offer children from age two to five the support they need to do well in school and beyond. Since it started in 1965, Head Start has been helping children by providing not only education but also health care, family support, and social-emotional development.

The first few years of a child’s life are critical for learning and development. When children are given a positive, supportive environment during this time, it prepares them for future challenges and success. Research shows that children in Head Start programs are more likely to perform well academically, build strong relationships, and thrive as they grow older.

For many families, Head Start offers an opportunity for a brighter future. It’s not just about academics—it’s about creating pathways to a better life and breaking the cycle of poverty.

There are many ways to support Head Start in our communities. You can volunteer, work for or simply share information about the program with others. If you know a family who could benefit from Head Start, reach out to us. We are currently accepting applications for the upcoming year.

Together, we can help every child get the strong start they deserve.

The Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) is a federally funded non-profit program that promotes healthy eating using USDA guidelines for meals being served in Family Day Care Homes, Childcare Centers, and Adult and Special Need Centers. It is administered by the Kentucky Department of Education using Federal Funding. Central Kentucky Community Action, Inc (CKCAC) currently serves in 18 counties as a CACFP Sponsor for 25 Family Child Care Homes, 22 Childcare Centers (with 2 additional centers in the application process) and 1 Emergency Shelter.

CACFP monthly reimbursements are based on the number of creditable meals served and the eligibility of the children being served. Participants in the Food Program may be Infants up to 12-year-olds in Family Day Care Homes and/or Centers, and up to 18-year-olds for Emergency Shelters. Up to 3 meals per child may be claimed each day in the CACFP, which is generally Breakfast, Lunch and Afternoon (PM) Snack.

CACFP helps providers serve healthy meals; keep tuition low, making childcare affordable for parents; and provides access to nutrition education. If you have a Family Child Care Home or a Center, or know of someone who does, please contact CKCAC’s Food Program Director Kathy Hagan at kathy.hagan@ckcac.org or 270-692-2136 X501 for more information about the CACFP.

March is an important month for CKCAC. Spring brings new opportunities for growth as the flowers and trees begin their growth.

This month, our new CSBG Director joins us. Her name is Katrina Wilbanks and she is going to be a great asset to our agency. If you are a community partner who works with our CSBG office, please be on the lookout for Katrina and introduce yourself.

LIHEAP Crisis funding has been extended through the end of March. If you have community members at risk of having their gas or electricity shut off due to past due balances, please have them contact our local CSBG offices.

Our previous Executive Director, Hal B. Goode, has rejoined CKCAC as a consultant to help explore housing needs in our area. Hal is also helping strengthen our marketing and social media efforts to share the wonderful news of CKCAC. Hal will be reaching out to community partners for advice on both of these things, so be sure to give Hal your input!

CKCAC is continuing to monitor policy changes at the federal and state levels. I am in constant contact with our Congressional and General Assembly delegations and will continue to work across the Community Action network to identify areas of growth. I want to ensure the longevity and success of CKCAC and appreciate any support you can provide on this journey. We are all in this together!

Thank you for all you do.

Spring is here and the Community Collaboration for Children is busy planning April Child Abuse Awareness Month. We have pinwheels and signs that will be distributed among our 8 counties. We are having a Caregivers conference at the Nelson County Civic Center on April 16^th 8:30-1:00. Contact Ronda Bertrand to register ronda.bertrand@ckcac.org.

Parent Engagement Meeting Program helping to prevent truancy in Washington, Elizabethtown City and Hardin County Elementary schools. Currently, we are serving Radcliff and Creekside with plans to expand into all of Hardin County Elementary schools.

Trail of Hope Regional Networks Build A Bed program has been extremely busy already making sure 127 children have a bed. We are working on sponsorships to purchase bed frames, mattresses, bedding, and pillows. Trail of Hope Regional Network will meet in person at Hardin County Extension Office in Elizabethtown at 10:00 AM on March 11^th and our last meeting will be May 20^th. If you are interested in being a network member please reach out to Ronda Bertrand, CCC Network Coordinator at 270-692-7553.

Wow!! Cakes 4 Kids volunteers have been busy the past several months. CCC has delivered 6 cakes to our families.

The Senior Companion Program (SCP) is actively looking for volunteers and our numbers are growing!

Been working on our United Way Grant and meeting with Ms. Sharon Bach for this years grant.

The meal numbers were down a little due to the cold weather, centers being closed in January because of the weather, some were closed for several days.

Getting games, puzzles activities for each center from the Veterans Program we were given. The seniors were asked for suggestions they would like new at the center. Congregate Meals is hoping to get the seniors to come back into the centers to congregate with their friends.

We are excited for our upcoming new Hardin County kitchen at the new building in Elizabethtown, very different inside from my first visit there.

We are still shorthanded in Grayson needing a part-time cook. I had completed interviews for the Coordinator position so we are hopeful.