In this update:
- NYS and NYC Opportunities
- OMH Releases RFP for $5 Million to Support the Operation of the Bronx Psychiatric Center Wellness Center
- OMH Releases RFP for the Development and Operation of Scattered Site Supportive Housing for Homeless Adults in NYC
NYS and NYC Opportunities
OMH Releases RFP for $5 Million to Support the Operation of the Bronx Psychiatric Center Wellness Center
On August 26th, the New York State (NYS) Office of Mental Health (OMH) issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) seeking one not-for-profit organization to operate a Wellness Center at the Bronx Psychiatric Center. The Wellness Center will provide wellness services, community activities, skills development, personal enrichment, and other supports on the campus grounds. Applicants must have a history providing services to Bronx residents or significant knowledge of the needs of the Bronx community.
The awarded applicant will receive $5 million in total operating funding ($1 million annually) and $1 million for start-up/ramp-up support during the first two years of the contract. Start-up costs may include, but are not limited to, marketing, hiring, furnishing and equipment, and minor capital improvements. The awarded applicant will be expected to consistently seek external funding support (e.g., grants, contributions) to augment the funding provided through this RFP. Contracts will last for five years, beginning January 1, 2026.
The RFP is available here. Applications are due on October 16th. Questions may be submitted to Carol Swiderski at carol.swiderski@omh.ny.gov with a reference to the RFP section and paragraph to which the question refers through September 12th. Answers to questions will be posted on the OMH website September 30th.
OMH Releases RFP for the Development and Operation of Scattered Site Supportive Housing for Homeless Adults in NYC
On August 27th, OMH issued an RFP for the operation and development of up to 200 units for Housing First Supportive Housing for homeless individuals in the New York City region. There will be one program awarded in each of the five boroughs. Applicants may apply for up to 40 units per application, per county. Eligible residents may have a mental health diagnosis, a substance use disorder, and/or physical health care needs; however, mental health diagnoses or other diagnostic criteria are not required to access housing through this initiative. Individuals will be referred from Safe Options Support (SOS), Intensive Mobile Treatment (IMT), or Sheltered Partnered Assertive Community Treatment (SPACT) teams. Programs will be expected to adhere to an expedited referral process that aligns with Housing First principles.
Eligible applicants are not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organizations with experience providing mental health services to individuals with serious mental illness. There is no capital funding associated with this RFP. Funding for the housing units will be a combination of client rent payments and OMH operating funding. Applicants are encouraged to cluster apartments around a building “hub” to support residents with socialization and accessing peer support and other services. Contracts will last for five years, starting July 1, 2026. Awarded applicants will have eight months from the date of contract approval to develop all awarded units.
The RFP is available here. Applications are due on October 23rd. Questions may be submitted to Jerry Witkop at OMHLocalProcurement@omh.ny.gov through September 16th. Answers to questions will be posted on the OMH website on October 2nd.