Occupational Safety and Health Training and Education

The Occupational Safety and Health Training and Education (OSH T&E) Program, jointly administered by the New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) and the Hazard Abatement Board (HAB), is a competitive grant initiative aiming to promote workplace safety through education and training. For the 2026–2027 cycle, approximately $5.9 million is available to support programs that help employees and businesses across New York State mitigate occupational hazards. This funding opportunity was created under Article 29 of the NYS Labor Law, which charges HAB with awarding grants that foster healthier, safer working environments. The program prioritizes training designed to prevent workplace illnesses and injuries, including hazard-specific education on toxic substances, airborne infectious diseases, ergonomics, noise, heat, chemical exposure, and workplace violence. Applicants may propose training activities that help employees understand the NYS Right-to-Know Law, OSHA/PESH standards, or tackle industry-specific safety challenges. Programs must be actionable within the contract period (August 1, 2026, through July 31, 2027), and certain activities—like academic curricula development, CDL training, and indirect costs unrelated to SUNY/CUNY—are ineligible for funding. Grants are awarded for one year and reimbursed only after costs are incurred, with all payments subject to strict documentation and audit. NYSDOL must approve all vouchers, and training conducted before August 1, 2026, is not eligible. Nonprofits may request up to a 25% advance but must meet specific financial and bonding requirements. Contract awards require timely submission of all documentation, registration in the Statewide Financial System (SFS), and—for nonprofits—SFS prequalification. Eligible applicants include a wide range of New York-based entities such as public and private businesses, labor organizations, municipalities, not-for-profit organizations, trade associations, and educational institutions. Each applicant must employ at least two paid staff, maintain good standing on state regulatory obligations, and comply with equal opportunity and diversity requirements. Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBEs) and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Businesses (SDVOBs) are strongly encouraged to participate, with specific contract participation goals and reporting obligations outlined. Applicants must submit proposals electronically through the SFS portal by 4:00 PM ET on January 5, 2026. Required components include a detailed work plan, budget (via TGMS 2026), Equal Employment documentation, and compliance statements. Late or incomplete submissions will be disqualified. A bidder information session will be held virtually on December 2, 2025, and questions must be submitted by December 12, 2025. Responses to questions will be posted by December 19, 2025. Proposals are evaluated on program design (60%), work plan (20%), and budget (20%). NYSDOL uses a strict scoring rubric and reserves the right to reject any or all proposals. Award announcements are expected in Spring 2026. Contractors will be monitored for compliance, performance, and fiscal responsibility throughout the contract term. Final reports and documentation must be submitted after the contract ends. Recipients who fail to meet requirements risk disqualification from future funding rounds.

Submit early; detail work plan and budget; ensure eligibility and prequalification; follow attachment checklist closely.