The New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the development and implementation of 37 Flexible Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) teams across New York State. The Flexible ACT initiative aims to address the needs of individuals with serious mental illness (SMI) who have not been effectively served by the traditional mental health system. By building on the existing evidence-based ACT model, Flexible ACT enhances service delivery through individualized, adaptive care that provides both high and lower intensity services based on clients' changing needs. These multidisciplinary teams deliver treatment and support directly in community settings, maintaining low caseloads and ensuring 24/7 crisis support.

Funding is being made available for the expansion of current 68-capacity ACT teams to 100-capacity Flexible ACT teams. Eligible applicants are not-for-profit organizations with 501(c)(3) status that currently operate an OMH-licensed 68-capacity Adult ACT team, excluding specialty teams (e.g., Forensic ACT). These applicants must be in good standing with the State and have a demonstrated history of providing mental health services to individuals with SMI. Prequalification through New York State’s Statewide Financial System (SFS) is mandatory prior to submission. Proposals must also include notification to the relevant Local Governmental Unit (LGU).

Each awarded team will receive one-time start-up funding of $75,000. Ongoing funding will be sourced through Medicaid and net deficit funding. Annual expected Medicaid revenue per team is $1,478,873 for upstate and $1,527,791 for downstate regions. Additional annual net deficit funding includes $284,002 for upstate and $357,488 for downstate, which covers $38,687 in service dollars. These amounts are subject to change depending on utilization and model assumptions.

Key submission deadlines include a Bidders Conference on March 22, 2024, a deadline for questions on April 9, 2024, and final proposal submissions due by May 16, 2024, at 2:00 PM EST. Award notifications are expected by July 2, 2024, with contracts beginning October 1, 2024. Applications must be submitted online via the SFS platform and must include an operating budget and budget narrative. Proposals are evaluated on multiple technical and financial criteria, including program implementation, agency performance, diversity and inclusion efforts, and financial stability.

Applications will be reviewed through a two-part evaluation process involving both a technical review and a financial assessment. Proposals that score below 70 points will be excluded from further consideration. The 37 awards will be allocated regionally, with specific team numbers designated for Central NY, Western NY, Hudson River, New York City (including specific boroughs), and Long Island.

The designated point of contact for the RFP is Amanda Szczepkowski, Contract Management Specialist 2 at OMH. All inquiries must be submitted in writing to OMHLocalProcurement@omh.ny.gov by the stated deadline. The OMH reserves extensive rights regarding proposal review, revisions, contract negotiations, and cancellation. All proposals are subject to New York State's Freedom of Information Law and compliance with various equity, diversity, and veteran-owned business enterprise participation guidelines.