Nutrition Navigators Technical Assistance

The Nutrition Navigators Technical Assistance program, administered by the Food and Nutrition Policy Bureau of the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA), invites proposals from eligible nonprofit organizations to provide statewide technical assistance in support of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) outreach. The selected grantee will play a pivotal role in ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations by assisting the Nutrition Navigators Direct Services (DS) providers. The Nutrition Navigators initiative encompasses two components—Direct Services and Technical Assistance—and applicants may apply for both. The core objective of the Nutrition Navigators-TA grant is to provide comprehensive support to SNAP outreach providers. This includes delivering policy training, maintaining tools such as a statewide SNAP pre-screening tool, developing statewide outreach and training materials, and performing in-depth needs assessments across communities affected by food insecurity. Additionally, the TA provider will coordinate quarterly and annual reporting to meet federal requirements and assist in the preparation of the annual State Outreach Plan submitted to the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service. These efforts aim to reduce food insecurity by ensuring eligible individuals are aware of and can access SNAP benefits effectively and efficiently. The funding structure is built on a reimbursement model. Applicants must demonstrate the capacity to front 75% of their annual budget, with potential reimbursement from state and federal sources. The program will allocate between $2,000,000 and $7,000,000 annually, with OTDA anticipating up to 40% of the State General Fund allocated to SNAP outreach to be directed to the TA provider. The allowable sources of funding include state allocations, local tax levy dollars, and in-kind contributions from public entities. Unallowable sources include individual private donations and federal funds without prior approval. Contracts will span five years, beginning October 1, 2026, and ending September 30, 2031. Eligible applicants are limited to New York State-based nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations that demonstrate capacity and experience in working with economically and socially disadvantaged communities. They must be registered in the Statewide Financial System (SFS), prequalified through the Grants Gateway system, and compliant with the New York State Attorney General’s Charities Bureau. Additionally, vendors must have active VendRep profiles with the Office of the State Comptroller. Applications must be submitted electronically through the SFS portal by 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time on April 3, 2026. Written questions may be submitted to Erin Putnam by February 11, 2026, and responses will be posted by February 27, 2026. The award notification is anticipated by July 8, 2026, with contract start dates expected October 1, 2026. The submission process involves uploading a completed project description form, responses to application questions, a detailed budget, and required attestations related to MWBE, EEO, and funding commitments. Evaluation will be based on three weighted components: responses to application questions (40 points), project description including a budget narrative (40 points), and the detailed budget (20 points). Criteria emphasize experience in policy training, pre-screening tool development, needs assessments, and collaborative capacity. Additional considerations include the applicant’s ability to provide in-kind and matching funds and fulfill MWBE participation goals. Contact information for proposal inquiries is [email protected]. The official Request for Proposals document is available via the OTDA Contracts and Grants portal.