MH253033 - Youth Safe Spaces Program

MH253033 - Youth Safe Spaces Program
Round 3
Request for Proposals
Grant Procurements
(On-Line Submission Required)
Statewide Financial System (SFS) Identifier- MH253033
Release July 2026

New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH)
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Introduction and Background .................................................................................................... 1
1.1. Purpose of the Request for Proposal ................................................................................ 1
1.2. Target Population/Eligibility Criteria .................................................................................. 2
2. Proposal Submissions ............................................................................................................... 2
2.1. Designated Contact/Issuing Officer ................................................................................... 2
2.2. Key Events/Timeline .......................................................................................................... 3
2.3. Bidders Conference ........................................................................................................... 3
2.4. Disposition of Proposals .................................................................................................... 3
2.5. Eligible Agencies ............................................................................................................... 3
2.6. RFP Questions and Clarifications ..................................................................................... 4
2.7. Addenda to Request for Proposals ................................................................................... 4
2.8. Disqualification Factors ..................................................................................................... 4
2.9. SFS Prequalification Requirement .................................................................................... 5
2.10. Vendor Registration, Prequalification and Training Resources for Not-for-Profits ............ 5
3. Administrative Information ........................................................................................................ 7
3.1. Reserved Rights ................................................................................................................ 7
3.2. Debriefing .......................................................................................................................... 8
3.3. Protests Related to the Solicitation Process ..................................................................... 9
3.4. Term of Contracts .............................................................................................................. 9
3.5. Minority and Women Owned Business Enterprises .......................................................... 9
3.6. Participation Opportunities for New York State Certified Service-Disabled Veteran
Owned Business ............................................................................................................. 11
3.7. Equal Opportunity Employment ....................................................................................... 11
3.8. Sexual Harassment Prevention Certification ................................................................... 12
3.9. Gender-Based Violence and the Workplace Certification ............................................... 12
3.10. Bid Response .................................................................................................................. 12
3.11. Acceptance of Terms and Conditions ............................................................................. 12
3.12. Freedom of Information Requirements ............................................................................ 13
3.13. NYS and OMH Policies ................................................................................................... 13
4. Evaluation Factors and Awards ............................................................................................... 13
4.1. Evaluation Criteria ........................................................................................................... 13
4.2. Method for Evaluating Proposals .................................................................................... 14
4.3. Process for Awarding Contracts ...................................................................................... 14
4.4. Initial Awards and Allocations .......................................................................................... 14
4.5. Contract Termination and Reassignment ........................................................................ 15
4.6. Award Notification ........................................................................................................... 15
5. Scope of Work ........................................................................................................................... 16
5.1. Introduction ...................................................................................................................... 16
5.2. Objectives and Responsibilities ....................................................................................... 18
5.3. Operating Funding ........................................................................................................... 21
6. Proposal Narrative .................................................................................................................... 22
6.1. Notification of LGUs ........................................................................................................ 22
6.2. Executive Summary & Demonstration of Need ............................................................... 22
6.3. Description of Program .................................................................................................... 23
6.4. Implementation ................................................................................................................ 24
6.5. Agency Performance ....................................................................................................... 24
6.6. Utilization Review, Reporting, and Quality Improvement ................................................ 25
6.7. Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Recipient Input .............................................................. 25
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New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH)
7. Financial Assessment ............................................................................................................... 26
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New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH)
Youth Safe Spaces
RFP #MH253033
Applicant Checklist
Frequent Issues/Questions:
- Please begin working on your application in SFS no later than 5 business days before the
application due date and submit no later than 48 hours before the due date. This will allow you
time to troubleshoot any issues that arise that may prevent you from submitting. Exceptions will not
be considered or made for an applicant who cannot complete their proposal/application by the due
date and time of the RFP.
- All required forms/templates are available in the "Event Comments and Attachments" section of SFS.
Please note that there are restrictions to the type, size and naming conventions of the files and
attachments uploaded in SFS. For more information, please review the SFS Attachment Guide here.
Failure to comply with these guidelines may result in attachments not being viewable to reviewers.
- No workplan is required at this time. If awarded, a workplan will be developed during the contract
development phase.
- The "Bid Amount" box is required to be filled out in SFS. Please enter the total amount of funding
your organization is requesting from NYS OMH in this box.
- New York State reserves 5-10 business days from the receipt of complete Prequalification
Applications to conduct its review. If supplementary information or updates are required, review times
will be longer. Due to the length of time this process could take to complete, it is advised that
nonprofits prequalify as soon as possible. Failure to successfully complete the prequalification
process early enough will prohibit the submission of the application in SFS.
____________________________________________________________________________
Please complete the following checklist prior to submission of your proposal. This checklist SHOULD
NOT be submitted, it is for your use only.
Confirm the following:
Your organization has met the eligibility requirements outlined in Section 2.4 Eligible Agencies
Your organization is prequalified in SFS. SFS will prevent submission if your organization is a not-
for-profit and not prequalified (see Section 2.8 and 2.9 of the RFP document for more information
on Registration, Prequalification and Training Resources for SFS)
Updates to the RFP can happen at any time, per Section 2.6, check the OMH website for any
updates to the RFP posted by OMH.
Notification of intent to apply was sent to local government unit and proof has been uploaded in
SFS. A list of County Local Mental Hygiene Directors can be found here.
Provider Contact form completed and uploaded in SFS
Sexual Harassment Prevention Certification Completed and uploaded in SFS
Gender Based Violence and the Workplace Certification completed and uploaded in SFS.
Proposal Template completed and any applicable attachments labeled with question numbers (For
example, if a question asks for an organizational chart, when providing that document, make sure it
is labeled specific to that question number.)
Proposal Template and attachments (except budget, see next checkbox) combined into one PDF
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New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH)
and uploaded in SFS under Q1
Budget Template Completed (left in Excel) and uploaded in SFS under Q2
Application submitted in SFS prior to the due date and time listed in Section 2.2 Key
Events/Timeline (OMH strongly advises that applicants do not wait until the last day/last few hours
to complete and submit applications/proposals to Grant RFPs. Exceptions will not be considered or
made for an applicant who cannot complete their proposal/application by the due date and time of
the RFP).
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New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH)
1. Introduction and Background
1.1. Purpose of the Request for Proposal
One in five youth and young adults experience mental health challenges, yet nearly 60% do not
receive the support they need.1 In 2023, Governor Hochul conducted a Youth Mental Health
Listening Tour.
Young people gave feedback on the specific challenges they face:
* Challenges in developing positive relationships: Many youth face difficulties in building
positive peer relationships and social skills. This reflects a notable absence of school and
community-based programs designed to foster these connections.
* Perceived lack of empathy and cultural sensitivity: Youth frequently express dissatisfaction
with the perceived lack of empathy and cultural awareness among adults. As a result, many
prefer to seek support from peers and trusted adults who share their demographic and
cultural backgrounds.
* Insufficient community-based resources: Limited investment in community resources has
deprived many young people of opportunities for recreation and mental wellness promotion.
In particular, young people highlighted the need for safe spaces where they can interact with
peers, participate in community activities, and design the vision for programming. The lack of
designated safe spaces in schools and communities exacerbates these challenges, leading to
heightened mental health crises, disengagement from services, and unmet basic needs,
especially among high-risk populations [e.g., BIPOC (Black Indigenous People of Color),
migrants, LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual, Transgender, Questioning/Queer), differently
abled, Native American, etc.].
In response to youth demands for more youth-driven programs, New York State (NYS) Office of
Mental Health (OMH) has announced funding for one Youth Safe Space Program targeting
individuals ages 12-24. This program will adopt the supplemental model of this framework and
allow other community spaces - such as libraries, OASAS Youth Recovery Clubhouses, Boys
and Girls Clubs, local recreation centers, etc. - to expand service offerings through an
application and funding process. There will be only one award. Applicants are not required to
be licensed OMH providers to participate.
The Youth Safe Spaces will:
* Reduce social isolation by providing peer-led, supportive, culturally responsive, non-
judgmental environments for youth and young adults through the promotion of positive peer
relationships and non-clinical activities.
* Enhance youth understanding of wellness and empower them to advocate and access
community resources by facilitating linkages to mental wellness resources, both non-clinical
and clinical.
* Increase community capacity for youth mental wellness activities by facilitating peer-led
1 Reinert, M, Fritze, D & Nguyen, T (July 2024). "The State of Mental Health in America 2024." Mental Health America,
Alexandria VA.
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New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH)
trainings and providing support to adult allies and community members when seeking
support for young people.
* Provide opportunities for young people to empower themselves to advocate for better youth
services and supports in their communities by teaching/coaching in advocacy and other skills
to promote better services and supports for themselves, their peers, and their communities.
The Youth Safe Spaces Program framework embodies a multifaceted approach to youth mental
health, prioritizing voluntary, youth-led, and non-clinical programming. Its foundational principles
include positive youth development, recovery-oriented principles, civic engagement and
advocacy, mental health awareness and education, and social equity and justice. While Youth
Safe Spaces do not replace clinical settings, they address critical cultural, financial, and
logistical barriers that prevent many young people from seeking traditional mental health
services and supports. By offering voluntary, non-clinical support, these community-driven
programs complement clinical care and fill a vital gap in the mental health care continuum.
The awardee will participate in training and technical assistance provided by OMH and adhere
to forthcoming program guidance to ensure alignment with the initiative's objectives. This
framework represents a significant step toward meeting the mental health needs of New York
State's young people by creating accessible and culturally sensitive spaces that promote
wellness, recovery, and community connection.
OMH invites applications from programs that youth and community members already view
as safe, welcoming, and trustworthy spaces. These may include grassroots organizations,
faith-based groups, libraries, museums, arts and recreation centers, youth mentorship
programs, and other nonprofit community spaces that support young people's well-being.
Notice: Notification of intent to apply should be made in writing to the Local Governmental Unit
(county director of community services), as defined in Section 41 of the New York State Mental
Hygiene Law, for each county to be served under the program application. (Find your LGU-
https://www.clmhd.org/contact_local_mental_hygiene_departments/ )
1.2. Target Population/Eligibility Criteria
The program is designed to support youth and young adults ages 12-24 across New York State.
The programs will serve individuals at risk of developing mental health challenges as well as
those who may or may not have a documented mental health diagnosis.
2. Proposal Submissions
2.1. Designated Contact/Issuing Officer
OMH has assigned an Issuing Officer for this project. The Issuing Officer or a designee shall be
the sole point of contact regarding the RFP from the date of issuance of the RFP until the
issuance of the Notice of Conditional Award. To avoid being deemed non-responsive, an
applicant is restricted from contacting any other personnel of OMH regarding the RFP. Certain
findings of non-responsibility can result in rejection for a contract award. The Issuing Officer for
this RFP is:
Jeremy Rossello
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New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH)
Contract Management Specialist 2
New York State Office of Mental Health Contracts and Claims
44 Holland Avenue, 7th Floor
Albany, NY 12229 OMHLocalProcurement@omh.ny.gov
2.2. Key Events/Timeline
RFP Release Date 7/16/2026
Bidder's Conference 8 / 4 / 2 0 2 6
Questions Due 8/6/2026
Questions and Answers Posted on Website 8/27/2026
Proposals Due by 2:00 PM EST* 9/17/2026
Anticipated Award Notification 10/15/2026
Anticipated Contract Start Date 1/1/2027
*OMH strongly advises that applicants do not wait until the last day/last few hours to complete
and submit applications/proposals to Grant RFPs. Exceptions will not be considered or made for
an applicant who cannot complete their proposal/application by the due date and time of the
RFP. Please note that there are restrictions on the type, size and naming conventions of
the files and attachments uploaded in SFS. For more information, please review the SFS
Attachment Guide here. Failure to comply with these guidelines may result in
attachments not being viewable to reviewers.
2.3. Bidders Conference
A Bidder's Conference will be held on the above date and time (see Section 2.2) to provide an
overview of the RFP. The link to join the conference will be posted on the OMH website, under
Procurements or access it by clicking the link below-
Webinar topic: NYS OMH Youth Safe Spaces Cycle 3 Bidder's Conference
Date and time: Tuesday, August 4, 2026 1:00 PM | (UTC-04:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada)
Register link:
https://meetny-gov.webex.com/weblink/register/r8dc37a2dbe3d0194e46ffff2a3b80255
2.4. Disposition of Proposals
All proposals submitted by the due date and time become the property of OMH. Any proposals
not received by the due date and time do not get reviewed and are excluded from consideration.
2.5. Eligible Agencies
Prequalification is required for all not-for-profit organizations seeking grant funding from New
York State. Please see Section 2.8 and Section 2.9 for additional Disqualification Factors and
Prequalification Information.
1. The applicant organization is a not-for-profit agency with 501(c) (3) incorporation located
and doing business in New York State
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New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH)
2. The applicant organization's proposed location for the supplemental model of Youth
Safe Spaces to expand services will be in a zip code without an existing OMH Youth
Safe Space Program. Ineligible zip codes include: 11377,11798, 12203, 13662, 14456,
14513, and 14850.
3. The applicant organization's proposed location for the supplemental model of Youth
Safe Spaces to expand services will be in an Economic Development Region (EDR)
without an existing OMH Youth Safe Spaces Program. Ineligible EDRs include: Capital
Region, Finger Lakes, Long Island, New York City, North Country, and Southern Tier.
Please be advised that all questions regarding Eligibility will be responded to through the official
posting of the Questions and Answers. No questions about Eligibility will be responded to either
individually or prior to the posting of the Q&As.
2.6. RFP Questions and Clarifications
All questions or requests for clarification concerning the RFP shall be submitted in writing to the
Issuing Officer by e-mail to OMHLocalProcurement@omh.ny.gov by the "Questions Due" date
indicated in Section 2.2 and will be limited to addressing only those questions submitted by the
deadline. No questions can be submitted or will be answered after this date. No questions will
be answered by telephone or in person. Please enter "Name of RFP" in the subject line of the
email.
The questions and official answers will be posted on the OMH website by the date listed in the
timeline Section 2.2.
2.7. Addenda to Request for Proposals
In the event that it becomes necessary to revise any part of the RFP during the application
submission period, an addendum will be posted on the OMH website and the NYS Contract
Reporter.
It is the applicant's responsibility to periodically review the OMH Procurement website and the
NYS Contract Reporter to learn of revisions or addendums to this RFP. No other notification will
be given.
2.8. Disqualification Factors
Following the opening of bids, a preliminary review of all proposals will be conducted by the
Issuing Officer or a designee to review each proposal's submission for completeness and verify
that all eligibility criteria have been met. Additionally, during the proposal evaluation process,
evaluators will also be reviewing eligibility criteria and confirming that they have been met.
During either of these review processes, proposals that do not meet basic participation
standards will be disqualified, specifically:
* Proposals from applicants that do not meet the eligibility criteria as outlined in 2.5 or
* If the proposal submitted does not conform/comply to criteria set forth in Section 2.5 or
4.4, the application will be disqualified.
* Proposals from applicants that do not meet the initial awards and allocations criteria as
outlined in 4.4 or
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New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH)
* Proposals that do not comply with bid submission and/or required format instructions as
specified in 2.10 or
* Proposals from eligible not-for-profit applicants who have not completed Vendor
Prequalification, as described in 2.9, by 2:00 PM EST on the Proposal Due Date posted
in section 2.2 or
2.9. SFS Prequalification Requirement
Pursuant to the New York State Division of Budget Bulletin H-1032, dated June 7, 2013, New
York State has instituted key reform initiatives to the grant contract process which require not-
for-profits to be Prequalified in order for proposals to be evaluated and any resulting contracts
executed.
Proposals received from eligible not-for-profit applicants who have not been Prequalified by the
proposal due date of 2:00 PM EST on the Proposal Due Date posted in Section 2.2 will not be
able to submit their bid response through SFS.
Please do not delay beginning and completing the prequalification process. The State
reserves five (5) days to review submitted prequalification applications. Prequalification
applications submitted to the State for review less than 5 days prior to the RFP due date
and time may not be considered. Applicants should not assume their prequalification
information will be reviewed if they do not adhere to this timeframe.
2.10. Vendor Registration, Prequalification and Training Resources for Not-for-Profits
NOTE: All applications must be submitted through the Statewide Financial System (SFS).
No applications will be accepted electronically, US Postal Service, express mail delivery
service or hand delivered.
For any application that does not contain all of the required documentation and/or "See
Attached" responses that were to be uploaded, please be advised that the application
will be reviewed and scored as submitted. For any incomplete response or missing
and/or inappropriately submitted documentation, points will be deducted. It is the
responsibility of the applicant to ensure, prior to submission, that the application is
appropriate and complete. A workplan is not required for this RFP.
Each proposal submission through SFS is required to contain:
* Operating Budget (Appendix B)
All applicants must be registered with the New York State Statewide Financial System
(SFS) and all Not-for-Profit agencies must be prequalified prior to proposal submission.
Not-for-profit organizations must Register as a vendor with the Statewide Financial System and
successfully Prequalify to be considered for an award.
This grant opportunity is being conducted as an SFS bid event. Not-for-profit vendors that are
not prequalified can initiate and complete bid responses. However, not-for-profit vendors that
are not prequalified will NOT be allowed to submit their bid response for consideration.
Information on Registration and Prequalification are available on the Grants Management
Website. A high-level synopsis is provided below.
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