SOI # 019 - Certified Recovery Peer Advocates and Transportation Services Wayne County

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 certified recovery peer advocate(s) and transportation services to courts within Wayne County. 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 Information The UCS is the recipient of a grant (the “Grant Award”) from the Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance (“BJA”) to implement interventions that identify court‑involved individuals at risk of opioid overdose and rapidly connect them with lifesaving treatment and support services (the “Project”). In Wayne County, the Project has two objectives: 1. Strengthen access to recovery systems of care by integrating ASAP‑NYCB Certified Recovery Peer Advocates (“CRPAs”) into the courts and 2. Improve transportation options for individuals with substance use disorders. Peer professionals provide credible, non‑clinical support that fosters trust, reduces stigma, and helps individuals stay engaged in recovery. Expanded transportation resources are also essential in a rural county where distance, terrain, and limited service hours often impede access to treatment and recovery supports. The UCS is requesting letters of interest from OASAS‑certified treatment providers capable of delivering person‑centered, trauma‑informed CRPA services and/or non‑emergency transportation for court‑involved individuals. Reliable transportation, combined with integrated peer support, will help create a more accessible and effective pathway to treatment, recovery services, and sustained engagement for individuals at risk of overdose. On an annual basis, it’s estimated that approximately 379 individuals in Wayne County are eligible to receive services through this initiative. UCS seeks letters of interest from providers capable of delivering one or both of the following services: 1. CRPA(s) will be embedded at multiple points in the Wayne County Courts to provide early screening, identify service needs and engagement barriers, and offer ongoing one‑on‑one support. Their work includes helping individuals navigate the court process, encouraging recovery‑oriented behaviors, coordinating warm handoffs to treatment and community resources, and addressing practical barriers such as transportation, stigma, or system mistrust. 2. Non-emergency transportation will be provided to and from treatment services, community‑based and social service providers, court appearances, and other essential locations tied to the social determinants of health. UCS seeks responses from vendors capable of providing the following: A. Recruit and hire a CRPA(s), with the following qualifications: 1. HS Diploma or equivalency. 2. Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Providers of New York State (“ASAP”) -New York Certification Board certification. 3. Two (2) years of professional experience as a Peer Specialist, Peer Advocate, or Peer Counselor in a Behavioral Health or Criminal Justice setting. 4. Familiarity with Pretrial/Supervised Release, Alternative to Incarceration (“ATI”), town/village/city courts, or problem-solving courts. 5. Working knowledge of community-based treatment programs (substance use, mental health, etc.) and other support services and resources (housing, education, transportation employment, vocational, etc.) local to the County. B. As part of the Project, expected services will include: CRPA Services 1. Conduct screenings to identify individuals at-risk for substance use disorders or co-occurring mental health concerns at multiple intercept points (e.g., arraignment, diversion, probation, release, rearrest) to assess for immediate risks and individuals’ support needs. 2. Engage individuals at key transition points and provide linkages to community-based services, including but not limited to: · Substance use treatment programs · Medication for opioid use disorder (“MOUD”) providers · Mental health services · Recovery support services · Lifesaving overdose prevention · Housing, transportation, employment, and benefits resources · Healthcare and social service providers 3. Provide recovery coaching, peer support, education, and encouragement to individuals navigating substance use, recovery, and justice system involvement. 4. Coordinate with court personnel, probation, treatment providers, community organizations, and multidisciplinary partners to promote continuity of care and reduce barriers to service access. 5. Conduct follow-up outreach and ongoing engagement to support appointment attendance, service retention, recovery progression, and continuity of care. 6. Maintain accurate and timely participation in all required data collection and reporting processes as directed by the UCS. 7. Collaborate with the court team to ensure all required program information, service linkages, and participant engagement data are accurately documented, while monitoring program fidelity and service delivery. Identify areas needing improvement and implement corrective actions to maintain adherence to project expectations. 8. Onboarding and training: Provide comprehensive onboarding, orientation, and role specific training for the CRPA(s), including but not limited to: · Court operations and expectations · Confidentiality and information sharing protocols · Cultural responsiveness and trauma-informed practices · Safety procedures and professional boundaries 9. Provide supervision and support: · Deliver ongoing supervision and support to the CRPA, including regularly scheduled supervisory meetings, performance feedback, and opportunities for professional development. · Ensure clinical, administrative, and peer specific supervision as required by certification and funding guidelines. Non-Emergency Transportation Services: 1. Design a coordinated response to field transportation requests for court-involved individuals and address urgent needs and schedule transports accordingly. 2. Provide door to door transportation for eligible court involved individuals to the following types of appointments and services: substance use and mental health treatment, MOUD services, lifesaving overdose prevention programs, peer and recovery support services, community-based support services (e.g., housing, benefits, vocational support), court mandated or court related obligations as approved by the project. 3. Ensure safety, reliability, and accessibility. Maintain safe, insured, and properly licensed vehicles, ensure drivers hold valid licenses and required credentials, ensure transportation is timely, predictable, and available during agreed upon service hours, provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities or mobility needs. 4. Provide supervision and oversight of transportation staff. Hire and oversee qualified drivers or transportation personnel. Provide training on confidentiality, professional conduct, safety protocols, cultural responsiveness, and working with individuals with behavioral health and justice involvement. 5. Conduct participant orientation and communication. Inform participants of ride schedules, pick up/drop off procedures, and program expectations. Communicate promptly with court staff regarding changes, missed appointments, or barriers to service access. Responding to this SOI Interested organizations must submit a Letter of Interest including: Legal business name, address, and primary contact information Organizational background Number of years’ experience providing services described herein Provider’s ability to recruit, hire, supervise and support CRPA(s) Certification of CRPA(s) (if already currently employed with the organization) Types and number of vehicles currently in operation Service area capacity Identification of whether the organization is submitting interest for: CRPA services only Transportation services only, or Both CRPA and transportation services Letters of interest must be submitted by Tuesday, June 23, 2026 at 2:00PM Eastern to Kyle Cunningham at [email protected]. Disclaimer This 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: June 23, 2026 County: Wayne