RFA#20760 Ending Epidemics Ed & Training Comp D

The New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH), through its AIDS Institute and in collaboration with Health Research, Inc. (HRI), is offering a funding opportunity under Component D of RFA #20760: “Ending Epidemics Education, Training and Technical Assistance Services.” Component D is dedicated to identifying a single academic institution to serve as the New York State Peer Worker Certification Academic Center. This center will oversee the formal certification process for peer workers in the areas of HIV, hepatitis C, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), harm reduction, and criminal justice, and support broader workforce advancement through academic recognition and training development. The selected institution will be responsible for issuing and renewing certifications, maintaining a Peer Review Board, and guiding individuals through the certification process. This includes evaluating candidate materials, facilitating review meetings, and coordinating annual recognition events. The Academic Center will ensure the rigor and academic quality of peer worker training programs, aligning with New York State public health priorities and the needs of individuals with lived experience. Additional responsibilities include managing complaints regarding violations of the Peer Worker Code of Ethics and offering guidance on micro-credentialing and career pathways. Applicants must be accredited, not-for-profit academic institutions located and operating in New York State, offering degree programs in public health or health and human services. A signed Academic Institution of Higher Learning Attestation must be submitted with the application. The applicant must also be prequalified in the New York Statewide Financial System (SFS) by the submission deadline. Component D is funded at $230,000 annually, totaling $1,150,000 over a five-year contract term. No cost-sharing or matching funds are required. The contract is expected to begin on December 1, 2026, following the award announcement scheduled for August 1, 2026. Applications must be submitted through the SFS platform by May 12, 2026, at 4:00 PM ET. All application materials must be compiled into a single PDF. No Letter of Interest or pre-application conference is required. Questions must be submitted by April 7, 2026, via email to [email protected]. Responses will be posted publicly by April 22, 2026. The initiative supports the Department's mission to promote health equity, reduce stigma, and elevate peer involvement as a core component of New York's response to HIV and related syndemics.