Traumatic Brain Injury Family, Advocacy, Counseling and Training Services (SOI OPD-2026-56)

The New York State Office of People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) is issuing a Solicitation of Interest for nonprofit organizations to provide Traumatic Brain Injury Family, Advocacy, Counseling and Training Services (TBI FACTS) on a statewide basis, with Letters of Interest due September 14, 2026 at 5:00 PM. This SOI does not constitute a formal RFP or commitment to award; OPWDD is using it to identify qualified applicants and determine the optimal procurement method.

Eligibility is restricted to nonprofits. Applicants must be registered to do business in New York State and demonstrate a minimum of five years of experience working with OPWDD serving individuals with traumatic brain injury. The awardee must maintain regional staff throughout New York State and be the sole operator of the program. FACTS coordinators must hold a high school diploma or equivalent (college preferred) and the Certified Brain Injury Specialist (CBIS) credential from the Academy of Certified Brain Injury Specialists (ACBIS). All coordinators must be supervised by a Certified Brain Injury Specialist Trainer (CBIST) for ongoing professional development.

The scope covers supportive counseling and emotional support; assistance locating community services; information and linkage with state and local service systems; education and training regarding brain injury; support group facilitation; prevention of out-of-state placements; outreach to local service providers; educational advocacy in schools; and advocacy assistance with housing, transportation, benefits, and mental health services. Services target individuals who sustained a traumatic brain injury prior to age 22 and their family members.

The current contract expires December 31, 2026. OPWDD intends to award a five-year contract from January 1, 2027 through December 31, 2031, with implementation required by January 1, 2027. The annual operating budget is to be determined; no funding is available for start-up or pre-operational costs. Letters of Interest should be submitted to OPWDDGrants@opwdd.ny.gov with the subject line "SOI TBI FACTS (and Organization name)."