SOI #018 Mobile Application for Veterans Treatment Court Participants

The New York State Unified Court System, Office of Court Administration (hereinafter “UCS”), on behalf of the Office for Justice Initiatives (“OJI”), is issuing this Solicitation of Interest (“SOI”) as part of market research to identify qualified organizations capable of providing a digital support tool or mobile application designed for justice-involved veterans participating in a Veterans Treatment Court (“VTC”).This SOI is issued for informational and planning purposes only and does not constitute a request for proposals, contract offer, or commitment to procure services. Responses to this SOI will be independent of, and have no bearing on, any future competitive solicitation. Background InformationVTCs are specialized court programs designed to address the unique needs of justice-involved veterans. These courts operate within a problem-solving framework that combines judicial supervision with coordinated treatment and supportive services. VTCs leverage an interdisciplinary team approach, typically including members of the judiciary, court staff, staff from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, prosecutors, defense counsel, probation, law enforcement, treatment and service providers, and trained veteran peer mentors.Across New York State, VTCs partner with federal, state, and local agencies, including the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the New York State Division of Veterans’ Services, as well as community-based organizations to connect participants with appropriate clinical care, benefits, and support systems. Through a structured and collaborative model, VTCs aim to promote recovery, accountability, and long-term stability, while reducing recidivism and supporting successful reintegration into civilian life. UCS is exploring whether a digital support tool could enhance participant engagement and outcomes by providing:• Daily structure and self-monitoring between court appearances • Connection to mentors, treatment providers, and trusted supports • A trauma-informed, veteran-centered user experience • Access without financial barriers to participants Required Platform CapabilitiesUCS seeks responses from vendors capable of providing the following: 1. Veteran-Specific Design• Designed for justice-involved veterans • Demonstrates understanding of: o Military culture o Trauma-informed engagement o Recovery-oriented accountability 2. No Cost to Participants• Core functionality must be available at no cost to VTC participants and UCS• No subscriptions fees or financial barriers to access the application• Optional paid features or in-app purchases may be offered, provided they are:o Clearly identified as optional o Not required for participation in the VTCo Not promoted or endorsed by the court 3. Participant Engagement and Self-Management• Tools that support voluntary participant engagement between court appearances • Features that may assist with routine-building, goal setting, or self-reflection • Optional mechanisms for users to track personal progress 4. Resource Access and Support Connectivity• Ability for users to access information about available services, support, or community resources local to the participants in the VTC• Features that facilitate connection to trusted individuals or support networks, where user-initiated 5. Customization and User Control• User-driven customization of content, reminders, or personal goals • Flexibility to adapt to individual needs and preferences over time 6. Administrative or Program-Level Functionality • Tools that may allow UCS staff to share general information or resources • Features supporting program-level communication, where appropriate • Vendors should describe any training, onboarding, or support available to UCS staff for implementation and use of the platform 7. Privacy and Data ProtectionThe platform must:o Avoid social media-style interaction features o Ensure user control over data sharing o Operate without advertisements o Prohibit sale, leasing, or monetization of user datao Have the ability to deactivate or delete their account at any time o Clearly describe data retention, deletion, and account closure processes o Permanently delete user data within a timeframe defined by UCS 8. Accessibility and Usability• Ease of use for individuals with varying levels of digital literacy • Accessibility across devices and platforms 9. Compatibility with Court Programs• Tools designed to complement, not replace, existing court processes • No interference with judicial decision-making or clinical services • Voluntary use by participants• Allows for continuity beyond completion of the VTC Responding to this SOIInterested organizations must submit a Letter of Interest including:• Legal business name, address, and primary contact information • Organizational background and experience serving veterans • Description of how the solution meets the required capabilities• Description of how individuals can utilize the mobile application post treatment court participation• Confirmation of no-cost access for participants • Experience with justice-involved or court-adjacent populations DisclaimerThis Solicitation of Interest:• Is not a Request for Proposals (RFP) • Does not obligate UCS to award a contract • Is intended solely for market research and planning purposes UCS reserves the right to determine next steps at its sole discretion Due Date: 4/20/2026 at 2pm Location: Statewide