Response to Human Trafficking Program (RHTP)

The New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA), through its Bureau of Refugee Services, has released the Response to Human Trafficking Program (RHTP) Request for Proposals (RFP). This initiative is designed to support service provision to individuals confirmed as survivors of human trafficking. RHTP is funded exclusively by the State of New York, with $11,985,000 in anticipated funding distributed over a 60-month contract period. Funding is contingent on continued budget appropriations and aims to address the complex needs of trafficking survivors, particularly those who are ineligible for federal public benefits such as Medicaid, SNAP, or Public Assistance. The program is grounded in legislation stemming from the New York State Human Trafficking Law (2007) and further supported by the 2025–2026 state budget. The overarching purpose of the RHTP is to increase prevention efforts, improve access to culturally competent services, enhance capacity in the human services sector, and bolster prosecution efforts against traffickers. Services are provided only to individuals confirmed through the NYS trafficking confirmation process jointly administered by OTDA and the Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS). The program supports a multi-disciplinary approach and encourages trauma-informed, survivor-centered practices in service delivery. Grantees are expected to integrate a wide spectrum of direct services, ranging from case management and housing placement to legal support and mental health care, including referrals where direct provision is not feasible. OTDA outlines eight core service areas that applicants must address in their proposals: case management, public benefits access, shelter/rental assistance, healthcare, mental health services, legal services, food services, and other identified needs. These "other" services may include language interpretation, job training, childcare, transportation, and clothing. Applicants may also choose to include a Survivor Advisory Board (SAB) to incorporate survivor perspectives in program governance, design, and advocacy. For all services, a trauma-informed and culturally appropriate approach is required, and documentation for case planning, referrals, and outcome tracking must be maintained. Applicants eligible to apply include nonprofit organizations, faith-based entities, tribal organizations, local governments, and educational institutions, all of which must be located in and doing business in New York State. Nonprofits must be prequalified in the Statewide Financial System (SFS) by the time of submission. Contracts will use an expenditure-based reimbursement model and must allocate at least 60% of funding toward personal services. Non-personal services are capped at 40%, with up to 10% allowed for administrative costs and Survivor Advisory Board activities. Applications must be submitted through the SFS Vendor Portal no later than 2:00 PM on March 31, 2026. Prior to submission, applicants are strongly encouraged to register in SFS and complete the NYS prequalification process. Written questions are due by February 27, 2026, with responses published by March 13, 2026. Awards are expected to be announced by July 24, 2026, with contracts beginning on October 1, 2026. The contract term will run through September 30, 2031, divided into five 12-month budget periods. Continued funding in future years will depend on performance and availability of funds. Key selection criteria include responses to program-specific questions (55%), the work plan (20%), and the budget (25%). OTDA will review applications regionally across three designated areas: New York City (50% of available funds), the Metropolitan Region (25%), and the Rest of State (25%). The agency reserves the right to adjust awards based on performance, regional needs, and available state resources. All program data, financial records, and case documentation must be submitted through the SUNDIAL system and retained for six years. Additional reporting, monitoring, and compliance with MWBE, EEO, and Executive Order requirements are also mandated.

Emphasize culturally appropriate, trauma-informed services and survivor engagement; Provide detailed work plans and documentation capacity; Leverage community partnerships for legal and housing services.