The Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (“OPWDD”) is issuing this Career-Specific Vocational Training Request for Applications (RFA) for the purpose of awarding one (1) or more contracts for the provision of career-specific vocational training for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). This population is significantly under-represented in the general workforce. Additionally, as a result of the pandemic, the number of unemployed individuals in OPWDD’s supported employment services has doubled. Of the 16,000 people receiving employment and vocational services, 3,000 individuals in Supported Employment (SEMP) are unemployed and 4,000 individuals are in vocational services that prepare individuals for competitive employment.

New York State funding is being allocated across several state agencies to increase wages and benefits, and to connect job seekers to employment opportunities. This funding affords OPWDD the opportunity to provide career-specific training to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities who are seeking competitive employment in the career field of their choice.

• In order to effectively and efficiently deliver this career-specific vocational training to a significant number of people with I/DD, OPWDD is encouraging Providers to work together as a group for the benefit of the individuals they serve.
• If the Bidder is submitting a bid as a Group of Providers, there should be a Lead Provider that will receive payment from OPWDD and Member Providers. The Lead Provider (Bidder) will coordinate and may reimburse Member Agencies for services in either the development/adaptation or delivery of the career-specific training program if needed.

The minimum qualifications that must be met for an Applicant to be considered for evaluation under this RFA are as follows:

• Must be a Not for Profit (NFP) organization authorized to do business in New York (including NFP corporations formed under New York State Law, local government units, or organizations created by an act of the New York State Legislature for charitable purposes which include providing services to persons with developmental disabilities).
• Must be authorized in their OPWDD Operating Certificate to provide Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) through the OPWDD Medicaid Waiver. Home and Community Based Services Waiver | Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (ny.gov)
• The Lead Provider Agency and all Member Agencies of a Group of Providers must not be on OPWDD’s Early Alert list at the time the application is submitted.
• The Lead Provider Agency must be current on the submission of Consolidated Fiscal Reports (CFRs) at the time the application is submitted. The Lead Provider Agency must provide the most recent CFR schedule 2A for the purpose of demonstrating overall financial viability. Applicants may be asked to provide an interim CFR, including CFR schedule 2A, and interim financial statements.
• The Lead Provider Agency must be registered in Grants Gateway with Prequalified Status.

This opportunity has been published in GRANTS GATEWAY, and Applications must be submitted through GRANTS GATEWAY. Bidders are strongly encouraged to submit entries at least 2 days in advance of the due date. Please take note of the following dates:

Calendar of Events

RFA Release Date Friday, December 2, 2022

Pre-Bid Conference 10:00am, Monday, December 12, 2022

Deadline for Submission of Questions and

Notice of Intent to Bid or Not to Bid Thursday, December 15, 2022

Issuance of Response to Questions Monday, December 19, 2022

Application Due Date 11:00am, Thursday, February 2, 2023

Anticipated Notification of Tentative Award Thursday, February 16, 2023

Anticipated Contract Start Date Friday, March 17, 2023

NOTE: The above dates are tentative and subject to change at OPWDD’s sole discretion.

OPWDD expects all contractors to make good faith efforts to provide opportunities to NYS Certified Minority and Woman Owned and Service Disabled Veteran Owned Businesses.