DFTA Launches Free, Online Training Series to Assist With RFP Application Process

NEW YORK (January 7, 2020) – The New York City Department for the Aging (DFTA) announces the launch of a six-part online training series to assist community-based organizations in responding to request for proposals (RFPs). To support parity among proposals, the free, online training videos help build capacity for programs that may have less familiarity with City’s procurement process better understand and prepare to submit competitive proposals.

DFTA contracts with hundreds of community partners to serve the growing number of 1.7 million older New Yorkers. To assist smaller programs throughout the five boroughs or programs that are new to submitting proposals, the video series provides guidance on the RFP submission and evaluation process. The video series includes The RFP Process: Overview, What to Expect in an RFP, Tips for Responding to an RFP, How DFTA Evaluates Proposals, Creating a Realistic Budget, and Using HHS Accelerator to Apply for RFPs and Submit Proposals.

RFP Process Overview Video

How DFTA Evaluates Proposals Video

"The Department for the Aging is committed to establishing parity within the foundation of our agency, starting with our procurement process. To help us serve the growing number of older New Yorkers, it is imperative that we partner with the best community-based providers, and that doesn’t always mean the largest," said DFTA Commissioner Lorraine Cortés-Vázquez. "We encourage smaller providers that may be new to the RFP process to utilize these videos and reach out to us with questions."

The launch of the video series precedes the release of three upcoming RFPs in 2020, including a home-delivered meals, senior center, and NORC (Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities) RFP. The home-delivered meals RFP will focus on maximizing meal quality, choice, and diversity; the senior center RFP will aim to increase creative programming for diverse older adults; and the NORC RFP will seek proposals to strengthen connections to services for older adults living in individual apartment buildings, building complexes, or lower-density neighborhoods.

The training series can be found on DFTA’s website under Community Partners. If providers have additional questions about the procurement process, they can submit them to DFTA through a web-based form. For more information about DFTA’s procurement process, visit DFTA’s website or call 311.

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The New York City Department for the Aging works to eliminate ageism and ensure the dignity and quality of life of New York City's diverse 1.7 million older adults. DFTA also works to support caregivers through service, advocacy, and education. DFTA is the largest area agency on aging in the U.S.

Media contact:

DFTA
Suzanne Myklebust
212-602-4153