2026 TBI SOI draft kt edit 8_19_26 final a.pdf

Solicitation of Interest

OPD-2026-56

Traumatic Brain Injury Family, Advocacy, Counseling and Training Services

(TBI FACTS)

Purpose of SOI

The New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) is issuing this Solicitation of Interest (SOI) to nonprofit organizations for the purpose of finding a field of potential applicants who would be interested and are qualified to provide services on a statewide basis to individuals who have sustained a traumatic brain injury (TBI) prior to the age of 22.

The services are currently being provided under a contract that expires 12/31/2026. Funding for these services will be awarded to a nonprofit organization. OPWDD intends to award a contract for the upcoming 5-year period, 1/1/27-12/31/31. The nonprofit awarded contract must implement services by 1/1/2027.

Description

In 1994 New York State amended the Public Health Law adding Article 27-CC (http://public.leginfo.state.ny.us/lawssrch.cgi?NVLWO:) stating the need to create the New York State Brain Injury Program. Article 27-CC describes the goals of the program as well as the responsibilities of departments involved with carrying out the program. Since the establishment of Article 27-CC, the New York State for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) has been charged with the administration of the program.

OPWDD has been contracting with a nonprofit organization since 2004 that has the expertise and capacity to provide services on a statewide basis mandated by the above-mentioned legislation.

Required Services to Be Provided (Scope of Work)

The nonprofit organization that receives this funding is required to provide traumatic brain injury services on a statewide basis to individuals with a traumatic brain injury and their family members.

Required Family, Advocacy, Counseling and Training Services (FACTS) include:

1. Supportive counseling and ongoing emotional support for the individual with a traumatic brain injury.

2. Assistance in locating appropriate services in the community.

3. Information and linkage with state and local service systems.

4. Education, advocacy, and training of persons with brain injury and their families regarding brain injury.

5. Assistance with the development and facilitation of brain injury support groups.

6. Assistance with the repatriation and prevention of out-of-state placements.

7. Outreach and prevention training to local service providers (hospitals and schools) regarding brain injury and assistance with the development of services for persons with who have sustained a brain injury.

8. Provide educational advocacy in schools to ensure the student is understood, the student receives proper accommodations, and the school staff understand the special needs of the student with brain injury.

http://public.leginfo.state.ny.us/lawssrch.cgi?NVLWO

SOI OPD-2026-21 Page 2 of 3

9. Provide advocacy to individuals that include assistance with mediation for housing issues, access to transportation, application for benefits, substance abuse services, mental health services and more.

The nonprofit organization that receives this funding must provide the services outlined above on a statewide basis.

Available Funding

The annual operating budget for Statewide Traumatic Brain Injury services is to be determined. There is no funding available for start-up or pre-operational costs. All funding received must go towards the operation of the program.

Minimum Qualifications of Applicants

• Nonprofit must be eligible to do business in New York State

• Nonprofit must have a minimum of five (5) five years of experience working with OPWDD serving individuals with traumatic brain injury

• Nonprofit must provide traumatic brain injury services on a statewide basis as outlined in this

SOI

• The nonprofits’ FACTS coordinators must possess a high school diploma or equivalent, college preferred.

• The nonprofits’ FACTS coordinators must have the Certified Brain Injury Specialist (CBIS) credential through the Academy of Certified Brian Injury Specialist) ACBIS, a nationally recognized certification.

• The nonprofits’ FACTS coordinators must be supervised by a Certified Brain Injury Specialist Trainer (CBIST)to provide ongoing professional development on brain injury topics to ensure staff are knowledgeable and current with latest trends.

• Nonprofit must have staff based regionally throughout New York State that will be available to provide services as needed in each region.

• Nonprofit must be the sole nonprofit organization that operates the program.

This SOI does not constitute a Request for Qualifications (RFQ), a Request for Proposal (RFP), an Invitation for Bid (IFB), nor does it represent a commitment to issue any such solicitation document in the future.

How to Apply

If your organization meets the above criteria, please send a letter of interest demonstrating your qualifications to OPWDDGrants@opwdd.ny.gov. Please include “SOI TBI FACTS (and Organization name)” in the subject line in your e-mail when submitting your response. Applicants must respond to all criteria, including administration and staff resumes, and supporting documentation related to the required criteria. Your letter of interest must demonstrate your organization meets the minimum qualifications, including a description of your experience and how you could provide the services described above on a statewide basis.

mailto:OPWDDGrants@opwdd.ny.gov

SOI OPD-2026-21 Page 3 of 3

IMPORTANT

Responses must be received by OPWDD no later than the deadline contained in this advertisement.

Due Date and Time: 9/14/26, 5:00PM

Contract Term: 5 Years

County(ies): Statewide, nonprofit must provide services on a statewide basis.

Location: Nonprofits must have staff based regionally throughout New York State available to provide services.