RFA#20760 Ending Epidemics Ed & Training Comp E

The New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH), through its AIDS Institute and in collaboration with Health Research, Inc. (HRI), invites applications under Component E of RFA #20760, titled “Ending Epidemics Education, Training and Technical Assistance Services.” This component supports the creation of three Training Centers for Peer Leadership and Access to Employment Resources, one in each defined region of New York State. These centers will train and mentor peer workers—individuals with lived experience relevant to HIV, hepatitis C, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and substance use disorder—to prepare them for meaningful roles in the public health workforce. The initiative reflects the Department’s broader mission to advance health equity, fight stigma, and promote inclusive health systems through lived experience and peer engagement. Component E focuses on providing training and mentorship opportunities for peer workers to support New York State’s Ending the Epidemic goals. Selected contractors will be responsible for delivering culturally responsive, trauma-informed training that builds on the lived experiences of participants. Activities include skills-based education, employment preparation, leadership development, and connections to wraparound services such as housing, mental health care, and other supports. The centers are expected to coordinate closely with the Academic Center under Component D and other initiative partners to ensure standardized, effective peer development statewide. Each Training Center must demonstrate expertise in workforce development and experience with the target populations, as well as a commitment to equity and community-driven public health. Contractors are expected to support peer workers from training through job placement and retention, fostering sustainable career pathways. The service model must reflect regional needs, and contractors must maintain a physical office within the service region for which they apply. Total funding available for Component E is $750,000 annually, with three anticipated awards of $250,000 each. The funding period is five years, totaling $3,750,000. There is no cost-sharing or matching requirement. Contracts are expected to commence on December 1, 2026, following the anticipated award notification date of August 1, 2026. Applications must be submitted via the Statewide Financial System (SFS) as a single PDF no later than May 12, 2026, at 4:00 PM ET. A Letter of Interest is not required. All questions must be submitted to [email protected] by April 7, 2026. Answers will be publicly posted by April 22, 2026. Eligible applicants include not-for-profit organizations, governmental entities, and tribal organizations located and operating in New York State. Entities must demonstrate at least three years of experience working with peers and must be prequalified in SFS prior to the deadline.