Services to Older Refugees Program RFP, 2025

The Services to Older Refugees Program (SORP) is a federally funded initiative administered by the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) through its Bureau of Refugee Services (BRS). The program is designed to support the integration and well-being of older refugees residing in New York State by connecting them with culturally and linguistically appropriate services that enhance their independence and quality of life. OTDA is distributing approximately $3,125,000 in SORP funds through this Request for Proposals (RFP), offering 60-month contracts to eligible organizations that demonstrate capacity to implement the program’s goals. SORP aims to address the unique challenges faced by refugees aged 60 and above, including social isolation, language barriers, limited access to public benefits, and the complex path to U.S. citizenship. The program prioritizes comprehensive case management, community engagement, education, and naturalization assistance to ensure that older refugees can live independently and gain access to essential services. Specific deliverables include cross-trainings with local providers, community education workshops, social and cultural events, assessments, interpretation/translation services, and referrals for those who have been in the U.S. longer than 60 months. OTDA emphasizes services that are sensitive to refugee experiences and aligned with Executive Order 190 and the World Health Organization’s “Eight Domains of Livability.” Funding for this RFP is provided through the federal Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR), with awards expected to be around $285,000 per recipient in the first budget year. Payments are performance-based, tied to unit rates for deliverables such as $700 for case management services, $350 for assessments, and $1,800 for community education workshops. Contracts are expected to begin on July 1, 2026, and extend through June 30, 2031, with five 12-month budget periods. Applications must be submitted electronically via the Statewide Financial System (SFS) by 2:00 PM ET on January 16, 2026. Prequalification and registration in SFS are mandatory for nonprofit applicants. Eligible applicants include nonprofit corporations, educational institutions, and faith-based organizations located and operating in New York State. Applicants must be prequalified in SFS, and all participants must meet immigration, age (60+), and residency requirements. Refugees who qualify include asylees, Cuban/Haitian entrants, certain Afghan and Ukrainian parolees, trafficking victims, and lawful permanent residents with prior eligible status. SORP participants must reside in New York State, and service priority is given to those within their first year of eligibility in the U.S. The evaluation process will score proposals based on responsiveness, understanding of the target population, project feasibility, clarity of outcomes, fiscal soundness, and collaboration with local Offices for the Aging and other stakeholders. OTDA plans to award funding across five of six target areas in New York State: Erie, Monroe, Onondaga, Oneida, Albany, and New York City. A letter of support from the local Office for the Aging is strongly encouraged. Following award announcements expected by March 15, 2026, contracts will be developed with successful applicants. OTDA may advance up to 25% of the first budget period upon contract execution. All deliverables must be documented in the SUNDIAL system, which serves as the primary portal for data collection and reimbursement. Contractors are expected to retain financial records for at least six years and comply with audit requirements if federal expenditures exceed $750,000 in a fiscal year. OTDA also reserves rights to reallocate funds, modify awards, or issue new solicitations during the contract term based on state needs, contractor performance, and available funding.

Coordinate with local Offices for the Aging; Emphasize measurable outcomes and cultural competency; Ensure staff have immigration and aging services expertise