RFA #20635, Outreach, Education, Training and TA

The New York State Department of Health has released a funding opportunity under RFA #20635, titled Outreach, Education, Training, and Technical Assistance. This program is designed to strengthen the capacity of local health departments (LHDs) across New York State by providing both in-person and virtual training, education, and technical support. The program emphasizes equipping LHDs to address current and emerging public health challenges in areas such as early intervention, children and youth with special health care needs, environmental health, chronic disease prevention, maternal and child health, sexual health, drug user health, and broader community health improvement strategies. Additionally, an important focus is placed on improving vaccination equity, particularly outside of New York City, by leveraging data-driven approaches to identify under-vaccinated communities and support initiatives to raise and sustain immunization coverage. The scope of work for the funded applicant includes delivering evidence-based strategies, supporting Department program deliverables, and providing assistance on state immunization requirements, immunization reporting practices, and public health workforce development challenges. The contractor will serve as a liaison between the Department and local health departments, fostering collaboration, facilitating compliance with federal and state laws and grant deliverables, and improving communication between multiple levels of government and community stakeholders. Key activities under this opportunity include conducting statewide and regional meetings, facilitating annual conferences on early intervention, children with special health care needs, and environmental health, as well as convening coalitions to address immunization and vaccine-preventable diseases. The grantee will also be responsible for developing surveys, generating reports on public health issues, and supporting LHDs with accreditation and workforce resiliency efforts. The program calls for building resources such as toolkits for vaccine equity, quality improvement, outreach, and public health messaging. These will be housed in a central repository for use across local departments. In addition to education and training activities, the contractor will develop media and outreach materials to strengthen vaccine confidence, expand trusted messenger networks, and support community engagement strategies. Annual immunization meetings and quarterly coalition convenings will be used to coordinate efforts to achieve Immunization Action Plan goals and respond effectively to emerging public health threats. By supporting these collaborative processes, the grantee will help improve public health equity and capacity across the state. Applications are due on December 3, 2025, by 4:00 PM Eastern Time. A Letter of Intent is required by October 1, 2025. Applicant questions are due October 15, 2025, with answers to be published by October 29, 2025. The anticipated award date is September 30, 2026, and the initial contract length is five years, with total funding available of $3,910,600. The program is restricted to not-for-profit organizations. Submissions must align with the requirements set forth by the Department of Health and should include a clear demonstration of organizational capacity to conduct statewide and regional public health training and support. The grant program does not list an explicit cost-sharing or matching requirement, suggesting that no financial match is mandated for participation. Eligible applicants are limited to not-for-profit organizations, which indicates the Department’s intent to work with mission-driven entities with experience in public health training and support. Contacts for the program include Bryan Tarr, who may be reached at OPH.GrantContract@health.ny.gov. Applicants should consult the official Request for Applications for detailed submission instructions, evaluation criteria, and program requirements. With an anticipated award timeline of nearly one year after submission, applicants should prepare for a multi-stage review and contract execution process before the program launch.

Applicants should emphasize statewide training capacity, experience with public health technical assistance, and ability to manage multiple conferences and coalitions annually.