- Title
- Outdoor Rx: Expanding Opportunities for Veterans On New York State’s Public Lands (NYS Department of Veterans' Services)
- Detail
- Overview
- On Veterans Day 2020, New York States’ Outdoor Rx Act became law. The new statute called upon the New York State Division of Veterans’ Services (hereinafter DVS) to assemble the Outdoor Rx Committee (“Committee”), comprised of public sector and private sector subject- matter experts and produce a report reviewing issues related to veterans’ abilities to access State parks, lands, and facilities. In 2021, DVS delivered the Committee’s report to the Governor and to the designated members of the New York State Legislature recommending continued engagement and support for community-based organizations working to increase access for veterans to medical treatment and nature-based therapy and programs on New York public lands, with particular focus on inclusion, equity, and accessibility for minority, marginalized, and disabled veteran populations. This year’s allocation in the States’ executive budget will take the next step of providing tangible support for community-based efforts to engage veterans, Gold Star families, and other military- connected individuals with outdoor therapeutic settings and activities and/or wilderness therapy on New York public lands within the framework recommended by the Outdoor Rx Committee’s report. Given that the Committee emphasized the importance of localized and regionalized services and opportunities, DVS recommends that funds be distributed through the competitive granting process to up to six recipients in allocations of $25,000 per award or the proportionate share of the total Grant based on the number of contracts awarded. This structure will allow for meaningful investment in Outdoor Rx initiatives in multiple regions of New York State.
- Pdf Text
- DIVISION OF FINANCIAL ADMINISTRATION
ADDENDUM #1
REQUEST FOR APPLICATION # 3127
NEW YORK STATE OFFICE OF GENERAL SERVICES
ON BEHALF NYS DEPARTMENT OF VETERAN SERVICES
FOR
OUTDOOR RX: EXPANDING OPPORTUNITIES FOR VETERANS ON NEW YORK
STATES’ PUBLIC LANDS
Date: July 16, 2026
Application Due Date: August 19, 2026 @ 2:00 PM
To Prospective Applicants: This addendum is being issued to provide all prospective applicants
with the opportunity to view the pre-submission webinar that took place on July 15, 2026.
The direct link to the webinar can be found below:
2026 DVS Outdoor RX - Presubmission Webinar
All other terms and conditions remain unchanged.
If submitting an application, this Addendum #1 for RFA #3127 must contain an original signature,
be dated, attached to, and made a part of your submission.
Company Name
Address (include City, State, Zip)
Applicant’s Name (please print)
Title
Signature
Date
RFA #3127 – Outdoor Rx: Expanding Opportunities for Veterans Page 1 of 27
Request for Application #3127
Solicited by
New York State Office of General Services
On behalf of
New York State Department of Veteran Services
for
Outdoor Rx: Expanding Opportunities for Veterans On New York
States’ Public Lands
Issue Date: July 8, 2026
Application Due Date: August 19, 2026, at 2:00pm EST
RFA #3127 – Outdoor Rx: Expanding Opportunities for Veterans Page 2 of 27
Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................................................4
1.1 Overview ..................................................................................................................................... 4
1.2 Designated Contact ..................................................................................................................... 4
1.3 Mandatory Applicant Qualification............................................................................................... 5
1.4 Pre-Qualification for Not-for-Profit Organizations ....................................................................... 5
1.5 Optional Pre-Submission Webinar ............................................................................................... 6
1.6 Key Events .................................................................................................................................. 6
1.7 Glossary of Terms ....................................................................................................................... 6
2. SCOPE OF WORK ..................................................................................................................8
2.1 General Scope ............................................................................................................................ 8
2.2 Application Requirements ........................................................................................................... 8
2.3 Reporting Requirements ............................................................................................................. 9
3. APPLICATION SUBMISSION ...................................................................................................10
3.1 RFA Questions and Clarifications ............................................................................................. 10
3.2 Application Submission Format and Content ............................................................................ 10
3.2.1 Applicant’s Response ................................................................................................................ 10
3.2.1.1 Cover Letter ................................................................................................................. 10
3.2.1.2 Mandatory Applicant Qualification ............................................................................... 11
3.2.1.3 Complete Application ................................................................................................... 11
3.2.1.4 Work Plan ..................................................................................................................... 11
3.2.1.5 Project Budget .............................................................................................................. 11
3.2.2 Administrative Response .......................................................................................................... 11
3.3 Application Submission Preparation ......................................................................................... 12
3.4 Packaging of RFA Response .................................................................................................... 12
3.5 Instructions for Application Submission .................................................................................... 12
4. EVALUATION AND SELECTION PROCESS ...............................................................................14
4.1 Application Evaluation ............................................................................................................... 14
4.2 Notification of Award ................................................................................................................. 15
5. ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION ............................................................................................16
5.1 Issuing Office............................................................................................................................. 16
5.2 Method of Award ....................................................................................................................... 16
5.3 Term of Contract ....................................................................................................................... 16
5.4 Distribution of Grant Funds ....................................................................................................... 16
5.5 Funding ..................................................................................................................................... 17
5.6 Electronic Payment ................................................................................................................... 17
5.7 Exceptions and Extraneous Terms ........................................................................................... 17
5.8 Dispute Resolution .................................................................................................................... 17
5.9 Rules of Construction ................................................................................................................ 18
5.10 Examination of Contract Documents ........................................................................................ 18
5.11 Debriefings ................................................................................................................................ 19
RFA #3127 – Outdoor Rx: Expanding Opportunities for Veterans Page 3 of 27
5.12 Procurement Rights .................................................................................................................. 19
6. CONTRACT CLAUSES AND REQUIREMENTS ...........................................................................21
6.1 Appendix A / Order of Precedence ........................................................................................... 21
6.2 Past Practice ............................................................................................................................. 21
6.3 Freedom of Information Law / Trade Secrets ........................................................................... 21
6.4 General Requirements .............................................................................................................. 21
6.5 Extent of Services ..................................................................................................................... 22
6.6 Termination ............................................................................................................................... 23
6.7 NYS Vendor Responsibility ....................................................................................................... 23
6.8 New York State Vendor File Registration ................................................................................. 24
6.9 Ethics Compliance .................................................................................................................... 25
6.10 Indemnification .......................................................................................................................... 25
6.11 Force Majeure ........................................................................................................................... 25
6.12 Encouraging Use of New York State Businesses in Contract Performance ............................. 25
6.13 Sexual Harassment Prevention................................................................................................. 26
6.14 Participation Opportunities For New York State Certified Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned
Businesses ................................................................................................................................ 27
RFA Appendix A…….Standard Clauses for New York State Contracts
RFA Appendix B…….Required Forms
RFA Appendix C.…...Sample Master Grant Contract
RFA Appendix D……Insurance Requirements
RFA Appendix E…....MWBE and EEO Requirements
RFA Attachment 1…. Grant Application/Workplan
RFA Attachment 2…. Project Budget & Budget Narrative
RFA Attachment 2A.. Salary Expense Breakdown
RFA Attachment 3…. Application Submission Checklist
RFA #3127 – Outdoor Rx: Expanding Opportunities for Veterans Page 4 of 27
1. Introduction
1.1 Overview
On Veterans Day 2020, New York States’ Outdoor Rx Act became law. The new statute called
upon the New York State Division of Veterans’ Services (hereinafter DVS) to assemble the
Outdoor Rx Committee (“Committee”), comprised of public sector and private sector subject-
matter experts and produce a report reviewing issues related to veterans’ abilities to access State
parks, lands, and facilities. In 2021, DVS delivered the Committee’s report to the Governor and
to the designated members of the New York State Legislature recommending continued
engagement and support for community-based organizations working to increase access for
veterans to medical treatment and nature-based therapy and programs on New York public lands,
with particular focus on inclusion, equity, and accessibility for minority, marginalized, and disabled
veteran populations.
This year’s allocation in the States’ executive budget will take the next step of providing tangible
support for community-based efforts to engage veterans, Gold Star families, and other military-
connected individuals with outdoor therapeutic settings and activities and/or wilderness therapy
on New York public lands within the framework recommended by the Outdoor Rx Committee’s
report. Given that the Committee emphasized the importance of localized and regionalized
services and opportunities, DVS recommends that funds be distributed through the competitive
granting process to up to six recipients in allocations of $25,000 per award or the proportionate
share of the total Grant based on the number of contracts awarded. This structure will allow for
meaningful investment in Outdoor Rx initiatives in multiple regions of New York State.
1.2 Designated Contact
In reference to the subject Request for Application, Matt Courcelle, Contract Management
Specialist 2, NYS Office of General Services, Division of Financial Administration has been
designated as the Primary Contact for this procurement and may be reached by email or phone
for all inquiries regarding this Solicitation.
Matt Courcelle, Contract Management Specialist 2
NYS Office of General Services
Financial Administration / Agency Procurement Office
32nd Floor, Corning Tower Bldg., Empire State Plaza
Albany, New York 12242
Phone: 518-474-6921
Email: matthew.courcelle@ogs.ny.gov
In the event the designated contact is not available, the alternate designated contact is:
Jessicca McDonald, Contract Management Specialist 3
NYS Office of General Services
Financial Administration / Agency Procurement Office
32nd Floor, Corning Tower Bldg., Empire State Plaza
Albany, New York 12242
Phone: 518-474-6921
Email: Jessicca.McDonald@ogs.ny.gov
RFA #3127 – Outdoor Rx: Expanding Opportunities for Veterans Page 5 of 27
For inquires related specifically to Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBE)
and to Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Businesses (SDVOB) provisions of this procurement
Solicitation, the designated contact is:
Theresa Chiweteoke, Compliance Specialist 2
NYS Office of General Services
Office of Business Diversity / MWBE / SDVOB
29th Floor, Corning Tower Bldg., Empire State Plaza
Albany, New York 12242
Phone: 518-408-0432
Email: OGS.sm.MWBE@ogs.ny.gov
For inquiries related specifically to insurance requirements of this procurement Solicitation,
contact:
NYS Office of General Services
Bureau of Risk and Insurance Management
32nd Floor, Corning Tower Bldg., Empire State Plaza
Albany, New York 12242
Phone: 518-473-0310
Email: ogs.sm.insrev@ogs.ny.gov
1.3 Mandatory Applicant Qualification
Applicants are advised that the State’s intent is to ensure that only responsive, responsible,
qualified and reliable contractors enter into a contract to perform the work as defined in this
document.
The State considers the following qualification to be a pre-requisite in order to be considered as
qualified Applicant for purposes of the solicitation. Applicants not meeting the qualification below
will be disqualified. Applicants may not use a subcontractor’s or any other entity’s qualifications
to meet requirements.
The following minimum requirement must be met by each Applicant:
• Applicant must be an established Not-For-Profit organization that engages Veterans,
Gold Star families, and other military-connected individuals with outdoor therapeutic
settings and activities and/or wilderness therapy.
• Applicant must have their principle place of business located in New York State.
1.4 Pre-Qualification for Not-for-Profit Organizations
Not-for-profit organizations must ensure that their prequalification status is current in the
NYS Statewide Financial System (“SFS”) at the time of the application due date.
Failure to do so will mean that their applications will not be reviewed and will automatically be
disqualified. Not-for-profit organizations must maintain their pre-qualification status on a yearly
basis by providing up- to-date IRS 900, CHAR 500 and audit review documents. Additional
RFA #3127 – Outdoor Rx: Expanding Opportunities for Veterans Page 6 of 27
information and resources on how to get prequalified can be found here: Get Prequalified | Grants
Management
1.5 Optional Pre-Submission Webinar
There will be an optional webinar for all prospective Applicants to be held on July 15, 2026, at
10:00am ET. Applicants are encouraged to submit questions to the OGS designated contact
in advance of the webinar. Applicants are not required to register for the webinar, as it is open
to the public. You may access the webinar at the following link:
https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/215571158651472?p=8icn3HelaxM6doIZJt
1.6 Key Events
The Table below outlines the schedule for important action dates.
OGS Issues Request for Application (RFA) #3127 July 8, 2026
Applicant Pre-Submission Webinar July 15, 2026, at 10:00am ET
Deadline for Submission of Applicant Questions August 5, 2026
OGS Issues Responses to Written Questions (estimated) August 12, 2026
Application Due Date August 19, 2026 at 2:00pm EST
Contract Start Date October 1, 2026
1.7 Glossary of Terms
“Issuing Office” shall mean the Office of General Services Department of Financial
Administration on behalf of the New York State Department of Veterans’ Services.
“Request for Application”, “RFA”, or “Solicitation” shall mean this document.
The “State” shall mean The People of the State of New York, which shall also mean the New York
State Office of General Services.
“Commissioner” shall mean the Commissioner of The Office of General Services or duly
authorized representative.
“Director” shall mean the Director of Administration of the NYS Department of Veteran Services.
“Applicant” or “Offeror” shall mean any person, partnership, firm, corporation or other authorized
entity submitting a response to the State pursuant to this solicitation.
“Application” or “Response” shall mean any submission in response to this solicitation.
“Grant Recipient” shall mean grantee or awarded grantee.
“Grantor” shall mean the New York State Division of Veteran’s Services, the entity issuing the
grant.
“OSC” shall mean the Office of the New York State Comptroller.
RFA #3127 – Outdoor Rx: Expanding Opportunities for Veterans Page 7 of 27
“OGS” shall mean the New York State Office of General Services.
“Prime Contractor” shall mean the entity awarded and entered into a contract with New York
State.
“Sub-Contractor” shall mean a third-party Contractor hired by the Grant Recipient to perform
services pursuant to this solicitation.
“SFS” shall mean the New York State Statewide Financial System.
“Veterans” shall include veterans as well as active-duty service members.
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2. Scope of Work
2.1 General Scope
The New York State Division of Veterans’ Services (DVS) is seeking to award grants to up to
six New York State not-for-profit organizations in the amount of $25,000 each or a
proportionate share of the total Grant amount based on the number of contracts awarded as
part of the Outdoor Rx initiative. Organizations who are eligible to compete for these funds
must be those that provide continued engagement and support for community-based
organizations working to increase access for veterans to medical treatment and nature-based
therapy and programs on New York public lands, with particular focus on inclusion, equity, and
accessibility for minority, marginalized, and disabled veteran populations.
2.2 Application Requirements
The Applicant’s response must include the following:
A. Staff Qualifications – Qualifications of program staff to deliver safe, therapeutic, inclusive,
and culturally-competent outdoor activities and experiences to diverse populations of
military-connected individuals, including individuals with physical, cognitive, and emotional
disabilities.
B. Organizational Qualifications – Descriptions and details of any accreditations, licenses,
and other relevant certifications held by the organization supporting competent delivery of
outdoor therapeutic activities on New York State public lands.
C. Program Description – The program’s proposed objectives, activities, evidence-based
practices, and outputs.
D. Program Budget – The program’s proposed costs, including staffing, transportation,
licenses and usage fees, supplies and equipment, etc.
E. Outreach & Inclusion Strategy – The program’s proposed strategy for outreach to and
engagement with specific populations of military-connected individuals (e.g. – Veterans;
active military members; Guard/Reserve members; veterans with service-connected
disabilities; isolated populations of urban or rural veterans; low-income, formerly homeless,
or formerly incarcerated veterans; women and gender minority veterans; racial, ethnic,
and/or religious minority veterans; LGBTQ+ veterans; Gold Star family members; veteran
and/or military family members; etc.). The strategy must address access for populations of
military-connected individuals who have faced substantial barriers to participation in
outdoor programs as described in the Outdoor Rx Report which can be accessed at:
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&esrc=s&source=appssearch&uact=8&cd=0&cad=rja&
q&sig2=zMKutEGpPdn_7pZaxMsHw&ved=0ahUKEwivleb4_YP9AhXxwscKHd_5CZA4ABAB
KAAwAA&url=https://veterans.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2022/11/dvs_outdoor_rx_report
_final.pdf&usg=AOvVaw24adGkdRWAQDJgQoZvkk75.
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2.3 Reporting Requirements
The following reports must be submitted on a monthly basis:
1) A complete itemized account of every expenditure for which the grant funding
was used for the program and documentation to support every expenditure
(e.g., copies of receipts, certified personnel pay records). The State reserves
the right to refuse to reimburse expenditures as necessary. Refer to Section
5.4.
2) A listing of each client assisted (using case numbers, not names) and the
present status of each case.
The following reports must be submitted at the end the grant period:
1) A description of the program, including the target population(s) served by the
program, the unmet needs that the program seeks to address, and all relevant
metrics demonstrating the progress that the program has made during the
reporting period in serving the needs of its target population.
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3. Application Submission
3.1 RFA Questions and Clarifications
There will be an opportunity for submission of questions and/or requests for clarification.
Questions and/or clarifications must be submitted via email to the Designated Contact:
Matt Courcelle, Contract Management Specialist 2
NYS Office of General Services
Financial Administration / Agency Procurement Office
32nd Floor, Corning Tower Bldg., Empire State Plaza
Albany, New York 12242
Phone: 518-474-6921
Email: Matthew.Courcelle@ogs.ny.gov
All questions must cite the particular page, section, and paragraph number, where applicable.
Please submit questions as early as possible following receipt of the RFA. The final deadline for
submission of any questions/clarifications regarding this RFA is listed in Section 1.6 – Key Events.
Questions received after the deadline may not be answered. OGS will post an addendum at
https://ogs.ny.gov/procurement/bid-opportunities with all questions and responses on or
about the date listed in Section 1.6 – Key Events. Any additional addenda will be posted to the
same location.
3.2 Application Submission Format and Content
In order for the State to evaluate applications fairly and completely, Applicants are strongly
encouraged to follow the format set forth herein and should provide all of the information
requested. All items identified in the following list should be provided and addressed as concisely
as possible in order for an application to be considered complete. Failure to conform to the stated
requirements may necessitate rejection of the application.
Applicants are encouraged to include all information that may be deemed pertinent to their
submission. Applicants may be requested to provide clarification based on the State’s evaluation
procedure. Any clarification will be considered a formal part of the Applicant’s original submission.
If further clarification is needed during the evaluation period, OGS will contact the Applicant.
Note: OGS and DVS reserve the right to request any additional information deemed necessary to
ensure that the Applicant is able to fulfill the requirements of the grant opportunity.
3.2.1 Applicant’s Response
3.2.1.1 Cover Letter
The cover letter should confirm that the Applicant understands all the terms and conditions
contained in this RFA and will comply with all the provisions of this RFA. Further, should the grant
be awarded to your organization, you would be prepared to begin services on the date indicated in
Section 1.6 – Key Events. The cover letter should also include the full contact information of the
Applicants Representative that OGS and/or DVS shall contact regarding the application. An
Applicant representative authorized to make contractual obligations must sign the cover letter.
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3.2.1.2 Mandatory Applicant Qualification
Applicants must submit sufficient information to prove their ability to meet the mandatory
qualification as set forth in Section 1.3.
3.2.1.3 Complete Application
Applicant must complete and submit the following:
1. RFA Attachment 1…..Grant Application
2. RFA Attachment 2…. Project Budget & Budget Narrative
3. RFA Attachment 2A.. Salary Expense Breakdown
4. RFA Attachment 3…. Application Submission Checklist
3.2.1.4 Work Plan
The Work Plan must include the following: RFA Attachment 1 – Grant Application
3.2.1.5 Project Budget
Applicants must submit their budget by completing RFA Attachment 2 – Project Budget &
Budget Narrative, as well as RFA Attachment 2A – Salary Expense Breakdown. These forms
must be completed in detail to fully represent how the grant funds will be spent.
The State of New York will not be held liable for any cost incurred by applicants for work
performed in the preparation and production of an application or for any work performed prior to
the formal execution and approval of a contract.
3.2.2 Administrative Response
i. All required completed forms from RFA Appendix B.
ii. Signed application addenda (if any)
iii. Important Notes:
a. Insurance – Applicants are reminded of the insurance requirements as described
in RFA Appendix D. The selected Applicant will be required to provide all
necessary documentation upon notification of selection.
b. M/WBE & EEO Requirements- Applicants are reminded of the requirements as
described in RFA Appendix E. MWBE goals may be applicable to your award.
If goals are applicable, you will be notified in your notification of award with
the next steps.
c. Vendor Responsibility - Applicants are reminded of the requirement as described
in Section 6.7 and are requested to complete the online questionnaire located on
the OSC VendRep System website prior to application submission. If the vendor
has previously certified responsibility online, it shall ensure that the VRQ was
recertified in the last six months.
d. Document Consistency - An award will only be made to the entity which has
submitted application. All submitted documents must be consistent with official
name of Applicant entity, FEIN and NYS Vendor ID number.
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3.3 Application Submission Preparation
All applications must be completed in ink or machine produced. Application submissions
submitted handwritten in pencil will be disqualified.
3.4 Packaging of RFA Response
Please complete and submit all forms as indicated in Section 3.2 – Application Submission
Response Format and Content:
A. RFA Attachment 1- Grant Application/Workplan – One original copy
B. RFA Attachment 2 – Project Budget, Budget Narrative – One original copy
C. RFA Attachment 2A - Salary Expense Breakdown – One original copy
D. Administrative Forms - One original of all required completed forms and
information as stated in Section 3.2.2 – Administrative Response
A thumb drive containing all items in Section 3.2 must be provided. If there are any differences
between the paper submissions and the electronic submission, the paper submission shall take
precedence.
Originals must contain a unique wet signature for each of the signed and notarized pages. Exact
copies can be photocopied and do not require a unique wet signature.
All documents must be submitted by mail, hand delivery, overnight carrier or certified mail. The
following information must be stated on the outside of the sealed package:
a. Applicant's complete name and address
b. Solicitation Number – 3127
c. Application Due Date and Time: (as indicated in Section 1.6 - Key Events)
d. DVS Outdoor RX Application Assistance Grant Program.
Failure to complete all information on the Application envelope and / or packages may necessitate
the premature opening of the Application and may compromise confidentiality.
3.5 Instructions for Application Submission
Note that these instructions supersede the generic instructions posted on the OGS
website bid calendar and NYS Contract Reporter.
Only those Applicants who furnish all required information and meet the mandatory requirements
will be considered.
Submit all required documents to the NYS Office of General Services - Division of
Financial Administration at the following address:
OGS Financial Administration, Agency Procurement Office
32nd Floor, Corning Tower Bldg., Empire State Plaza
Albany, NY 12242
Attn: Matt Courcelle
RFA # 3127
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E-MAIL APPLICATION SUBMISSIONS ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE AND WILL NOT BE
CONSIDERED.
The State of New York will not be held liable for any cost incurred by the Applicant for work
performed in the preparation and production of a application or for any work performed prior to
the formal execution and approval of a contract.
Applications must be received in the above office on or before 2:00 PM on the date indicated in
Section 1.6 – Key Events. Applicants assume all risks for timely, properly submitted deliveries.
Applicants mailing their application must allow sufficient mail delivery time to ensure receipt of
their application at the specified location no later than the specified date and time.
The received time of applications will be determined by the clock at the above noted location.
Any Application received at the designated location after the established time will be
considered a Late Application. A Late Application may be rejected and disqualified from
award. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Late Application may be accepted in the
Commissioner’s sole discretion where (i) no timely Applications meeting the requirements
of the Solicitation are received, or (ii) the Applicant has demonstrated to the satisfaction
of the Commissioner that the Late Application was caused solely by factors outside the
control of the Applicant. However, in no event will the Commissioner be under any
obligation to accept a Late Application.
The basis for any determination to accept a Late Application shall be documented in the
procurement record.
Applications must remain open and valid for 180 days from the due date, unless the time for
awarding the contract is extended by mutual consent of NYS OGS and the Applicant. An
application shall continue to remain an effective offer, firm and irrevocable, subsequent to such
180-day period until either tentative award of the contract(s) by issuing Office is made or
withdrawal of the application in writing by Applicant. Tentative award of the contract(s) shall consist
of written notice to that effect by the issuing Office to the successful Applicant. This RFA remains
the property of the State at all times, and all responses to this RFA, once delivered, become the
property of the State.
Important Building Access Procedures for Delivered Applications:
Building Access procedures are in effect at the Corning Tower. Photo identification is required.
All visitors must register for building access, for delivering applications. Vendors are encouraged
to pre-register by contacting the designated contact(s) Phone: 518-474-6921- at least 24
hours prior to arrival. Pre-registered visitors are to report to the visitor desk located at the
Concourse level of the Corning Tower. Upon presentation of appropriate photo identification, the
visitor will be allowed access to the building.
Upon arrival at the visitor desk, visitors that have not pre-registered will be directed to a
designated phone to call the OGS Finance Office. The Finance Office will then enter the visitor’s
information into the building access system. Access will not be allowed until the system has been
updated. Visitors are encouraged to pre-register to ensure timely access to the building. Vendors
who intend to deliver applications or conduct business with OGS should allow extra time to comply
with these procedures. These procedures may change or be modified at any time.
Visitor parking information can be viewed at the following OGS web site:
https://empirestateplaza.ny.gov/parking
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4. Evaluation and Selection Process
4.1 Application Evaluation
The Application will be evaluated and scored based upon the criteria set forth in this Section. The
Application will be evaluated for the best value to the State.
All applications that satisfy the minimum qualifications, as set forth in sections 1.3 and 1.4 will
proceed to be reviewed by a panel of evaluators, which will be comprised of a team of The
Department of Veteran Services employees. Each application will be reviewed by 2 individuals, with
an additional evaluator being utilized in the event of a disparate score (defined as greater than a 20-
point difference in the evaluator’s scores of a single application).
A standard rating tool will be used by all evaluators to score each application. The maximum score
will be 100 points. Each category (Workplan and Budget) within an application will be scored and
those category scores will be totaled for a combined overall score. The final evaluation score of
each application will be an average of the 2 evaluators’ scores, unless a third evaluator is utilized
in the event of a disparate score, in which case the final evaluation score will be the average of the
3 scores.
Awards will be made to those applications receiving the highest final overall scores 65 and above.
Funds will be distributed until all available funds are exhausted or up to 6 successful applicants
are funded.
The Department of Veteran Services reserves the right to check references as part of the
evaluation process. It is the responsibility of the Applicant to ensure availability of the provided
references. The inability to contact a given reference may be reflected in the technical scoring
and/or may result in rejection of the Application. Also refer to Section 3.2.1.4 – Work Plan.
Scores from each of the Applicants will be totaled on a scale of 1-100. Applications from qualified
Applicants that receive a score below 65 will not be considered for award. The Applicant
having the highest score will be ranked number one; the Applicant with the second highest total
score will be ranked number two and so on.
A. WORK PLAN (60%)
RFA Attachment 1 – Grant Application will be evaluated as the “Workplan” of your
application. Each application will be evaluated as to the opportunities offered by the
proposing organization to provide access for Veterans, Gold Star families, and
military-connected individuals to medical treatment and nature-based therapy and
programs on New York public lands, with particular focus on inclusion, equity, and
accessibility for minority, marginalized, and disabled veteran populations.
B. PROJECT BUDGET (40%)
RFA Attachment 2 – Project Budget & Budget Narrative will be evaluated. This
evaluation will include an assessment of the reasonableness, justification and cost-
effectiveness of the proposed expenditures.
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4.2 Notification of Award
After the evaluation, all Applicants will be notified of the name(s) of the selected Applicants. The
selected Applicants will be notified that their submitted Response has been selected and that a
contract will be forthcoming for execution. The original Application and any additions or deletions
to the Application become part of the contract.
Public announcements or news releases pertaining to any contract resulting from this Solicitation
shall not be made without prior written approval from the Issuing Office.
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5. Administrative Information
5.1 Issuing Office
This RFA is being released by the New York State Office of General Services, Division of Financial
Administration, on behalf of The Department of Veteran Services.
5.2 Method of Award
This RFA is intended to be a multi-award grant solicitation. DVS intends to award up to six grants
to the highest scoring, responsive and responsible Applicants. These awards shall be based on
the criteria stated in Section 4.1 – Application Evaluation. Grants will not be awarded to any
Applicants receiving a score below 65.
Each awarded Grantee will receive a grant in the amount of $25,000.00 or a proportionate share
of the total Grant based on the number of contracts awarded. There will be a maximum of six
grants awarded under this RFA totaling $150,000.00. If less than six grants are awarded, the
unused funding may be distributed evenly among the successful applicants.
Upon determination of each best value Applicant, a Grant Contract Agreement, a sample of which
is attached to the RFA as “RFA Appendix C – Sample Master Grant Contract”, will be completed
with the successful Applicant’s information and response, and shall be appended to this RFA to
form the contract between the parties. This contract will be forwarded to the successful Applicants
for execution and returned to the Issuing Office to be processed for all necessary signatures and
State approvals. Upon final approval, a fully executed copy will be forwarded to the Grant
Recipients.
5.3 Term of Contract
Each grant contract awarded under this solicitation will commence on October 1, 2026 and
terminate on September 30th, 2027 with the option of a single 2-year renewal period.
5.4 Distribution of Grant Funds
Funds will be paid in arrears. The grant recipients will be required to submit a claim for payment
voucher for reimbursement. Full reimbursement for the entire grant amount for each Grantee is
contingent upon the expenditures indicated in the submitted reports.
This voucher must contain the complete Contract ID number (i.e.: DVA01-C00XXXX-1390000).
DVS will receive and review the vouchers. The Business Services Center (BSC) will process the
payment in the Statewide Financial System (SFS).
All invoices/claims are to be submitted for payment to:
administration@veterans.ny.gov
RFA #3127 – Outdoor Rx: Expanding Opportunities for Veterans Page 17 of 27
5.5 Funding
All Agreements and funding are subject to the availability of funds. Funding is not guaranteed.
Modifications or additional requirements may be imposed during the Agreement period. This
revenue source does not guarantee a consistent funding level year-to-year and cannot be
considered automatically renewable from one year to the next. DVS is, however, committed to
sustaining grant-funding levels contingent upon adequate state budget appropriations.
5.6 Electronic Payment
Contractor shall provide complete and accurate billing invoices in order to receive payment. Billing
invoices submitted must contain all information and supporting documentation required by the
contract, the agency, and the State Comptroller. Payment for invoices submitted by the Contractor
shall only be rendered electronically unless payment by paper check is expressly authorized by
the Commissioner, in the Commissioner’s sole discretion, due to extenuating circumstances.
Such electronic payment shall be made in accordance with ordinary State procedures and
practices. The Contractor shall comply with the State Comptroller’s procedures to authorize
electronic payments. Contractor must arrange for electronic payment through the NYS Statewide
Financial System (SFS) Vendor Portal. Information regarding SFS Vendor Portal is available at
the following website: http://www.sfs.ny.gov/index.php/vendors. If Contractor doesn’t have SFS
Vendor Portal credentials, they may request them via e-mail at Helpdesk@sfs.ny.gov, or phone
at 518-457-7717. The Contractor acknowledges that it will not receive payment on any invoices
submitted under this Contract if it does not comply with the State Comptroller’s electronic payment
procedures, except where the Commissioner has expressly authorized payment by paper check
as set forth above.
5.7 Exceptions and Extraneous Terms
The Issuing Office will consider all requests to waive any Solicitatio
- Contacts
- Name
- Matt Courcelle
- Role
- Designated Contact
- Email
- matthew.courcelle@ogs.ny.gov
- Phone
- 518-474-6921
- Title
- Contract Management Specialist 2
- Name
- Jessicca McDonald
- Role
- Designated Contact
- Email
- jessicca.mcdonald@ogs.ny.gov
- Phone
- 518-474-6921
- Title
- Contract Management Specialist 3
- Bid Number
- 3127
- Categorized By
- llm-nc
- Detail Fetched
- Yes
- Bid Opening Date
- Aug 19, 2026
NYS Office of General ServicesIssuing agency·Albany, NY·via the NYS Office of General Services Procurement Services