Forensic Intensive and Sustained Engagement Teams

The New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) to establish a Forensic Intensive and Sustained Engagement Team (F-INSET) in one location across New York State. This initiative is part of OMH’s broader strategy to enhance trauma-informed, equitable mental health services for marginalized and underserved populations, particularly those with forensic backgrounds. The F-INSET initiative aims to bridge service gaps for individuals who are involved in or have a history with the criminal justice system and have mental health needs. This RFP prioritizes peer-run organizations, particularly those led and staffed by individuals with lived experience of mental health challenges and justice involvement. The F-INSET model is a specialized adaptation of the existing INSET (Intensive and Sustained Engagement Team) program, which provides voluntary, peer-led, mobile mental health services. It is designed to serve adults (18+) with mental health conditions who are either currently justice-involved or have past involvement. These individuals often face limited access to care, compounded by legal and social barriers. F-INSET seeks to deliver trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and non-coercive care in flexible, community-based settings. The program promotes recovery through sustained peer engagement, holistic support systems, and connections to treatment, housing, and legal aid resources. The program will be implemented by one awarded organization that will receive up to $800,000 per year for five years, totaling $4 million. The funded team will consist of a minimum of six staff, including four certified peer specialists and two clinicians, and will serve an estimated 150 individuals per year. Service delivery is mobile and individualized, including in-person, phone, and virtual outreach. Engagements are ongoing, with no rigid timeframes, and are determined by participant needs. The F-INSET teams will also support individuals navigating multiple public systems, including benefits, housing, medical services, and the legal system. Programs are required to work closely with local Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) programs, Single Point of Access (SPOA) contacts, and justice system partners. Eligible applicants are New York State-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that are peer-run. Specifically, at least 51% of the governing board and a majority of the staff must have lived experience with mental health challenges and the public mental health system. Applicants must be prequalified through the Statewide Financial System (SFS) and registered as a vendor before the proposal deadline. Applications must be submitted through SFS—no email or mailed submissions are accepted. Required components include an operating budget, budget narrative, and comprehensive narrative responses addressing population served, program design, implementation, data collection, equity practices, staffing, and more. Proposals will be evaluated in two parts: a technical evaluation worth 80 points and a financial assessment worth 20 points. Key criteria include the program’s implementation strategy, demonstrated understanding of peer support practices, agency performance history, administrative infrastructure, and commitment to diversity and equity. To be considered, proposals must score at least 70 points. The highest-ranked proposal will be selected, with the possibility of reassignment to the next highest if milestones are not met. The anticipated timeline for this funding opportunity includes a proposal due date of December 11, 2024, with award notifications expected by January 24, 2025. Contracts are scheduled to begin on July 1, 2025, and will run for five years. This RFP is recurring, and future rounds may follow a similar timeline. All communication regarding this RFP must go through the designated Issuing Officer, Amanda Szczepkowski, via [email protected]. Interested applicants are also required to notify the Local Governmental Unit (LGU) for each county they plan to serve.