The New York State Department of Health AIDS Institute, Bureau of Hepatitis Health Care, has issued a Solicitation of Interest (SOI) for the establishment of a Hepatitis C Testing Supplies Purchasing, Storage, and Distribution program. This initiative aligns with New York State’s plan to eliminate hepatitis C as a public health problem by 2030. The primary objective of this funding opportunity is to ensure the continuous availability of hepatitis C testing supplies for public health programs and community-based organizations serving underinsured populations at high risk for hepatitis C. The program aims to streamline the purchasing, storage, tracking, and distribution of testing supplies statewide.

The selected not-for-profit organization will be responsible for procuring various hepatitis C testing supplies, including antibody and diagnostic test kits, OraQuick HCV Rapid Antibody Test kits, controls, lancets, sharps containers, gloves, bandages, and other related materials. The organization will be required to establish efficient procurement processes, monitor supply storage conditions, and ensure appropriate and timely distribution to approved contractors. Additionally, they must maintain an inventory database, provide administrative controls, and generate monthly status reports detailing supplies received, stored, and delivered.

Eligible applicants must be authorized to do business in New York State and must have at least five years of experience in high-volume purchasing, storage, distribution, and tracking of public health testing or harm reduction supplies. They must also demonstrate at least five years of experience in the fields of HIV, hepatitis C, and drug user health and have at least two years of experience contracting with a government entity. An electronic system for managing purchasing, tracking, storage, and distribution must already be in place.

Interested organizations are required to submit an SOI Application Cover Sheet, a completed checklist, and a four-page document describing the organization's background, capacity, and experience. Applications must be submitted via email to AIGPU@health.ny.gov no later than 4:00 PM ET on February 19, 2025. Submissions should ideally be consolidated into a single PDF file.

Funding for this project is contingent upon state budget appropriations. The Department of Health reserves the right to withdraw this solicitation or initiate a competitive procurement process if the number of interested and eligible applicants exceeds the available funding. The project contract term is from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2030.

For further inquiries, applicants may contact Colleen Flanigan at the Bureau of Hepatitis Health Care and Epidemiology via email at hepatabc@health.ny.gov or phone at 518-486-6806. Submission-related questions should be directed to Michele Kerwin, Assistant Director of the Office of Administration and Contract Management at the AIDS Institute, via email at AIGPU@health.ny.gov or phone at 518-473-7238.