SOI 1260 NY Kicks

The New York State Office of Children & Family Services (OCFS) announces a Solicitation of Interest (SOI) for qualified entities to participate in the NY Kicks Program. The arrival of the FIFA World Cup 2026 in New York presents an opportunity for the state to translate this historic event into enduring community value, and to support our youngest New Yorkers in growing a lifelong love of sports. As part of the FIFA World Cup festivities across New York, Governor Hochul will launch NY Kicks: A World Cup Legacy Investment Fund. Please see the Eligibility Criteria section for additional information. NY Kicks will focus on disadvantaged communities, and through the Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) the initiative will provide operating funding to empower local governments and community-based organizations to improve mental health and well being in children and young adults up through age 26, enabling them to build social skills, confidence, and connections to the local community. Recipients will be eligible for operating awards to fund programming, equipment, training, and other needs to maximize the impact of new soccer facilities delivered by NY Kicks. Please see the Scope of Work section for additional information. The purpose of this solicitation is to invite any eligible and interested entities that believe they satisfy the requirements of this program to inform OCFS by submitting an application. To be considered responsive, your organization's application should be received no later than the deadline specified on the first page of this announcement. OCFS intends to fund multiple qualified organizations based on the criteria outlined in this announcement. Scope of Work To encourage participation in the NY Kicks Program, individual awards will be limited to a minimum of $2,000 and a maximum award of $10,000 to pay for an applicant's requested and approved eligible operating expenses. NY Kicks is aimed to fund soccer programming, equipment, training, and other eligible operating costs in disadvantaged communities across each region of the state to strengthen neighborhoods and bring people together through a shared love of the game. Please refer to the Scope of Work section of the SOI document for a list of eligible and ineligible expenses. Eligibility Criteria Eligible applicants must satisfy the following criteria: Be authorized to do business in the State of New York. Be one of the following entity types: Municipality: defined as a single administrative division having corporate status and powers of self-government or jurisdiction as granted by national and regional laws to which it is subordinate. Examples include self-governing local town, city or district. Public Authority: defined as a government-created, semi-autonomous organization or official body with the legal power to manage public infrastructure, administer services, or enforce regulations. Examples include Local economic or housing development corporations. Not-for-Profit Organizations, including youth soccer clubs or leagues. Please see the How to Respond section of the SOi document, located on the "documents" tab, for additional information and submission requirements. Business enterprises awarded an identical or substantially similar procurement contract within the past five years: None. Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Business (SDVOB) SDVOB Goal: 0.00% Minority / Women Business Enterprise contracting goals (MWBE) MBE Goal: 0.00% WBE Goal: 0.00% Disadvantaged Business Enterprise contracting goals (DBE) DBE Goal: 0.00%