The New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) issues this Request for Proposal (RFP) to announce the availability of state funds to develop and maintain the Independent Developmental Disability Ombudsman Program (hereinafter, “Ombudsman”) authorized under Mental Hygiene Law § 33.28. OPWDD seeks to fund one entity to provide independent, conflict-free Ombudsman services to assist individuals with developmental disabilities and preserve their rights. As described below in Section 2, the Ombudsman will act as a resource and advocate for individuals and families as they navigate OPWDD’s programs.

The Ombudsman will be the single entity in charge of services and shall develop a statewide infrastructure to deliver services on a local level. Local agencies, referenced herein as “community-based organizations,” will assist in the direct delivery of services though subcontract(s) with the Ombudsman.

This RFP will be posted on both the NYS Office for People With Developmental Disabilities Procurement Opportunities website, and on the New York State Contract Reporter website, as required by Economic Development Law 4-C Titled: “The Procurement Opportunities Newsletter.”

Pursuant to New York State Finance Law Sections 139-j and 139-k, the Procurement Lobbying Act applies to this solicitation. The restricted period begins with the publication of this ad and will end with the formal approval by OSC of the contractual agreement.