The New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) is issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the redevelopment and operation of an eight-unit Community Residence (CR) in Oneida County. This initiative supports OMH’s commitment to strengthening community-based mental health services that reduce the need for psychiatric hospitalization and long inpatient stays. The program aims to provide housing and services for adults living with serious mental illness (SMI), including those with co-occurring substance use disorders, with at least 50% of referrals expected to come from state psychiatric centers. Individuals with Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) orders are to be prioritized.
The selected provider will be responsible for identifying a new site for the CR and may receive both capital and operating funding. Capital costs will be determined collaboratively with OMH’s Bureau of Housing Development and Support and must receive further approval from the Division of the Budget and the Office of the State Comptroller. Agencies that do not require capital funding may apply for operating support alone. The CR must adhere to state licensing and regulatory requirements, including Title 14 NYCRR Part 595 and Mental Hygiene Law Section 41.34. Services must support recovery and wellness through evidence-based, person-centered approaches and ensure residents have access to behavioral, health, and rehabilitative supports. The program is designed to promote transition to more independent housing over time.
Applicants must be not-for-profit agencies with 501(c)(3) status and a record of serving individuals with SMI. They must also be prequalified in the Statewide Financial System (SFS) by the deadline. The proposal process requires use of a designated template and electronic submission through the SFS portal. A workplan is not required at this stage, but a complete submission includes a provider contact form, certifications on sexual harassment and gender-based violence, a budget (uploaded in Excel), and proof of notification to the Local Governmental Unit. Agencies are encouraged to begin their application early to avoid technical issues.
Evaluation will consider several factors including understanding of the target population, quality of proposed services, implementation capacity, financial structure, and commitment to diversity and inclusion. A total of 100 points is available, with applicants needing a minimum of 70 points for consideration. Award will be made to the highest scoring proposal, with OMH reserving the right to reassign the contract if necessary. The anticipated contract term is five years.
The application is due by January 20, 2026, at 2:00 PM EST. Questions are due by December 1, 2025, with answers posted by December 23, 2025. Notification of award is anticipated by February 18, 2026. All applications must be submitted through the SFS portal, and late submissions will not be accepted. The primary contact for this opportunity is Jerry Witkop, Contract Management Specialist at OMH.
Start early to avoid technical submission issues; proposal will be rejected if naming/file format rules not followed.
