Project TEACH

The Project TEACH Psychiatry Access Program is a statewide initiative administered by the New York State Office of Mental Health to improve access to mental health care by strengthening the capacity of frontline healthcare providers. Originally launched in 2010, the program has expanded to support clinicians serving children, adolescents, and perinatal populations, and now seeks to further broaden its reach across the lifespan. The current Request for Proposals invites qualified organizations to operate and expand the program over a five-year period, continuing its role in delivering psychiatric consultation, training, and referral support throughout New York State. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to address gaps in mental health care by equipping non-psychiatric providers with the tools, knowledge, and support necessary to assess and treat mental health conditions. The program focuses on real-time consultation services, evidence-based training, and provider resource connections. These services are designed to enhance early identification, appropriate intervention, and continuity of care, particularly in underserved and high-need populations including children, youth, and birthing individuals. The selected awardee will be responsible for maintaining and expanding these services statewide. Funding for this opportunity is structured as a single award of five million dollars annually over a five-year period, contingent on continued state appropriations. The funding supports operational costs, staffing, training development, consultation services, outreach, and program evaluation activities. The contract term is expected to run from January 1, 2027 through 2031. Payments will be distributed quarterly, and the awardee must adhere to strict reporting, staffing, and service delivery requirements outlined in the scope of work. Eligible applicants include public, private, for-profit, and not-for-profit organizations that meet specific criteria. Applicants must be medical groups, hospitals, human services agencies, or academic institutions (or affiliates) that employ or contract with New York State licensed psychiatrists. Not-for-profit applicants must complete a state prequalification process prior to submission. Subcontracting is permitted, provided all subcontractors meet eligibility and prequalification requirements. The application process requires submission through the New York State Statewide Financial System. Applicants must complete a proposal narrative, submit required certifications, provide a budget template, and ensure all documentation is uploaded in the specified format. Questions must be submitted by the designated deadline, and responses will be publicly posted. Applications are evaluated based on technical criteria, including population focus, implementation plan, agency performance, and financial assessment, with a minimum score threshold required for consideration. The timeline for this opportunity includes a release date in mid-June, a question submission deadline in early July, and a proposal due date in mid-August. Award notifications are anticipated in September, with contracts beginning the following January. The evaluation process involves both technical and financial review, and proposals are ranked based on total score. Only one award will be made, and the selected applicant will assume full responsibility for statewide program operations. Program performance is closely monitored through required reporting and evaluation measures. The awardee must provide monthly, quarterly, and annual reports detailing service utilization, training activities, consultation outcomes, and outreach efforts. Additionally, the program must maintain a statewide warmline, develop training curricula, manage a resource directory, and conduct ongoing quality improvement activities. The initiative is recurring in nature as a long-standing state program, though future funding remains subject to legislative appropriations.

Begin application early to allow time for SFS processing; ensure all required documents are properly formatted and uploaded; meet prequalification requirements before deadline; follow strict submission guidelines to avoid disqualification