RFP 1161 Management of OCFS Youth Advisory Board

The New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) has released Request for Proposals (RFP 1161) to identify a qualified not-for-profit organization to manage the statewide OCFS Youth Advisory Board (YAB). OCFS, operating under the leadership of Governor Kathy Hochul and Commissioner Damia Harris-Madden, is committed to improving outcomes for youth and young adults who have experienced foster care, juvenile justice involvement, and/or homelessness. This initiative is an extension of their long-standing focus on racial equity, trauma-informed care, and youth engagement in policymaking. Originally launched in 2017, the Youth Advisory Board is comprised of 10–20 young adults (ages 18–26) from across New York State with lived experience in child welfare, youth justice, and/or homelessness. These members provide direct feedback to OCFS leadership and participate in policy development, advocacy, and systems reform. The primary purpose of this grant is to contract an organization that can facilitate all functions of the YAB, including recruitment, training, supervision, and administrative support. The selected vendor will ensure the board reflects the geographic and demographic diversity of New York, particularly centering the voices of BIPOC, LGBTQAI+, and disabled youth. YAB members will be compensated for their participation, and the vendor will be responsible for managing payments, ensuring accurate timesheets, and offering leadership development and training to board members. Key duties also include planning monthly meetings (virtual and in-person), managing outreach, conducting surveys, ensuring timely communication with OCFS, and facilitating the execution of youth-led assignments. The selected organization must be able to support members with trauma histories in a way that is healing-centered, respectful, and responsive to their needs. The anticipated funding for this program is $135,000 per year, of which approximately $60,000 is allocated for direct payments to YAB members and $75,000 for administrative and operational expenses. The grant is structured as a five-year contract, beginning no earlier than June 1, 2025, and ending May 31, 2030, subject to availability of funding in future years. There is no matching requirement. Applicants may subcontract components of the work, but overall project management must remain with the primary contractor. The selected contractor must have at least two years of experience managing a statewide group of system-impacted youth, five years of service as a not-for-profit organization supporting similar populations, and experience working within the child welfare, juvenile justice, and homelessness systems. Application for this grant follows a two-step submission process. Step 1 requires applicants to complete an online administrative form that opens on October 29, 2024, and generates an application number. Step 2 involves submitting all required documents by replying to the confirmation email from OCFS. These documents include budget and narrative templates, organizational charts, vendor responsibility certifications, and, if applicable, documentation of BIPOC leadership. The final proposal must be submitted via email to [email protected] by 4:00 PM Eastern Time on November 13, 2024. Only one proposal per applicant is allowed. Late or incomplete applications will be disqualified. OCFS emphasizes the importance of addressing Disproportionate Minority Representation (DMR) in the child welfare and youth justice systems. As such, applicants are expected to propose culturally and linguistically competent approaches, prioritize equity across race, gender, and other identities, and demonstrate active partnerships with community organizations. The evaluation process will award points based on technical narrative, budget alignment, organizational capacity, and diversity commitments. Although no bonus points are listed in this RFP, OCFS reserves the right to consider statewide and regional distribution in its final award decisions. The anticipated award notification will occur no earlier than January 15, 2025. Contracts cannot begin until fully executed and approved by the New York State Office of the State Comptroller. OCFS reserves broad rights throughout the procurement process, including the right to withdraw the RFP, reject proposals, negotiate terms, and adjust funding levels. All updates, including Q&A responses and amendments, will be posted to the OCFS funding opportunities website and the New York State Contract Reporter. Interested applicants must monitor these sites for updates and are encouraged to begin the prequalification process in the Statewide Financial System (SFS) as early as possible to avoid disqualification.