ATL-25008 SUD Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors

The New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (NYS OASAS) has released Request for Applications ATL-25008, titled SUD Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors. The program seeks to strengthen employment outcomes for individuals in treatment and recovery from substance use disorder, a population that faces persistent barriers to employment and community reintegration. Through this initiative, OASAS will fund not-for-profit organizations to provide vocational rehabilitation services, including the hiring or retention of two vocational rehabilitation counselors per provider. The counselors will work within designated economic development regions and New York City boroughs, ensuring comprehensive, regional support aligned with treatment and recovery efforts. This grant is a companion to RFP 25009 on statewide job development and technical assistance services, and together they aim to expand recovery-focused employment pipelines across New York. NYS OASAS is a state agency overseeing one of the nation’s largest substance use disorder service systems, serving more than 731,000 individuals annually across prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery programs. Its mission emphasizes equity, compassion, and evidence-based practices, while its programs include both direct care at state-run Addiction Treatment Centers and oversight of over 900 certified programs statewide. Through this RFA, OASAS extends its mission to foster independence and long-term recovery by focusing on workforce engagement, job readiness, and reducing employment stigma for those impacted by addiction. Funding availability totals $9.8 million annually to support up to 28 providers, with two providers funded in each of the ten state economic development regions and two providers in each New York City borough. Contracts may be awarded for up to five years, with an annual ceiling of $350,000 per provider, subject to state budget appropriations and performance reviews. Allocations may be adjusted based on outcomes, service needs, or state funding. Payments will be made quarterly, reconciled annually, and subject to fiscal reporting requirements through the Consolidated Fiscal Reporting System. Eligible applicants must be not-for-profit organizations authorized to do business in New York State and operating one of the following: residential programs under Part 819 or 820, outpatient opioid treatment programs under Part 822, or OASAS state-aid funded recovery centers. Applicants must maintain a physical presence in the region or borough for which they apply. While meeting eligibility is required, preferred qualifications include prior experience delivering employment services to people with SUD, engagement with New York’s employment systems such as ACCES-VR and Department of Labor, and established partnerships with employers and community organizations. Applications must include both administrative and technical submissions. Administrative requirements include a signed cover letter, budget forms, conflict of interest certification, diversity practices questionnaire, and certifications under Executive Orders 16 and 177, along with a sexual harassment policy certification. Technical applications must detail organizational experience, staffing qualifications, service delivery plans, collaboration strategies, data reporting systems, and commitment to stigma reduction. Proposals must clearly demonstrate how services will extend beyond in-house clients to the broader community. Evaluation will follow a best value model, combining technical merit (78 points), fiscal score (20 points based on requested funding level), and diversity practices (2 points). A minimum composite score of 70 is required for consideration. Applications that meet eligibility and completeness requirements will undergo review, and final awards will be contingent on funding availability and approval by the New York State Comptroller. Award notifications are expected by December 15, 2025, with contracts anticipated to start March 1, 2026. The timeline for key events includes the release of the RFA on September 24, 2025, the deadline for written inquiries on October 10, 2025, anticipated release of responses to inquiries on October 17, 2025, the application submission deadline on November 7, 2025 at 4:00 PM EST, and the expected award announcement in mid-December. All inquiries must be submitted in writing to OASAS.sm.Grants@oasas.ny.gov, and completed applications must be emailed to OASASfunding@oasas.ny.gov with the subject line indicating ATL-25008 and the bidder’s name. The designated contact for this RFA is Wendy L. Fioravanti, Contract Management Specialist 2, Bureau of Contracts and Procurements, NYS OASAS, Albany, NY.

Demonstrate prior vocational service experience, community partnerships, and strong outcome tracking