RFA#20760 Ending Epidemics Ed & Training Comp A

The New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH), AIDS Institute, Office of the Medical Director, and Health Research, Inc. (HRI) have released a Request for Applications (RFA #20760) titled “Ending Epidemics Education, Training and Technical Assistance Services.” This initiative represents a substantial investment of state and federal funds aimed at supporting an innovative, multi-component professional training and capacity-building effort. The overarching objective is to reduce health disparities and improve outcomes related to HIV, viral hepatitis, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), sexual health, and substance use disorders, with a particular focus on affected and at-risk populations such as LGBTQAI+ individuals and people who use drugs. This initiative is grounded in the principles of health equity and racial justice. Component A, titled "Regional Training Centers," seeks to identify and support three qualified training contractors, each assigned to one of three defined geographic regions across New York State. These centers will deliver targeted, evidence-based training, education, and technical assistance tailored to the demographic, epidemiological, and social determinants of health within their respective regions. The trainings are designed for non-physician health and human services providers, including social workers, care coordinators, educators, and community health workers. The regional training programs will incorporate a variety of delivery modes, such as in-person sessions, virtual webinars, and hybrid models, using approved curricula developed by the NYSDOH or the contractors. Each regional training center is expected to meet stringent staffing and operational standards, including maintaining a diverse team of trainers, using stigma-free and accessible learning environments, and coordinating with other components of the broader initiative. Centers are required to collaborate with Centers of Expertise from Component B, the Distance Learning Resource Center (Component C), the Peer Worker Certification Academic Center (Component D), and the Training Centers for Peer Leadership (Component E). The expected outcomes for the initiative include reaching at least 7,500 providers annually, increasing certified peer worker employment, and enhancing the inclusivity and responsiveness of public health education statewide. The funding available for Component A totals $742,407 annually across the three regions, with individual regional awards set at $280,407 for Central/Western NY, and $231,000 for each of the other two regions. These funds are distributed between New York State allocations and HRI contributions. The contract period is anticipated to begin on December 1, 2026, and extend for 60 months. Grant funds are restricted to use as a payer of last resort and cannot be applied to services eligible for third-party reimbursement. No matching funds are required. The application submission process is managed via the Statewide Financial System (SFS), and the full application, including all attachments, must be submitted as a single PDF by May 12, 2026, at 4:00 PM Eastern Time. A Letter of Interest is not required. Questions from applicants are due by April 7, 2026, and responses will be posted by April 22, 2026. All questions must be submitted to [email protected]. Awards are anticipated to be announced by August 1, 2026. Proposals will be evaluated on factors including alignment with health equity principles, organizational capacity, experience in training delivery, and responsiveness to regional needs. Applicants must be not-for-profit or governmental entities with a minimum of three years' relevant training experience and must have a physical office in the region for which they apply.