Request for Proposals: Hook Up and Bridge (HUB): Integrating HIV Prevention and Care and Increasing Access to Mental Health and Harm Reduction Services

Background
The NYC Health Department, through the Bureau of Hepatitis, HIV, and Sexually Transmitted Infections, aims to address health inequities related to HIV by funding the HUB Program. This program integrates HIV prevention and care services with mental health and harm reduction services in New York City. The initiative is part of a broader effort to end the HIV epidemic by focusing on marginalized communities disproportionately affected by HIV, including racial and ethnic minorities, transgender individuals, and those involved in sex work.

The program aligns with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Ending the HIV Epidemic initiative, which seeks to reduce new infections significantly by 2030.

Work Details
The HUB Program will provide a range of services across four categories:
1. **Service Category 1**: Integrating HIV prevention and care services in health care settings, including HIV testing, PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis), emergency PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis), immediate antiretroviral treatment (iART), navigation to primary care, STI testing and treatment, and hepatitis B and C testing with linkage to treatment.
2. **Service Category 2**: Providing similar services in non-health care settings with a focus on increasing access to testing and navigation for priority populations.
3. **Service Category 3**: Targeting transgender, gender nonconforming, nonbinary individuals with tailored services.
4. **Service Category 4**: Focusing on individuals who exchange sex for money or goods.

All service categories include client navigation, evidence-based mental health services, harm reduction services, outreach activities, and linkage to supportive services such as housing and legal aid.

Period of Performance
The anticipated subcontract start date is July 1, 2026. The contract will last for up to 36 months ending on June 30, 2029.

Place of Performance
Services will be provided across all five boroughs of New York City: Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island.

Bidder Requirements
Eligible applicants must be legally incorporated as a not-for-profit corporation in New York State with proof of federal tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3). They must operate a physical site in one of NYC's boroughs. For Service Category 1 applicants must be health care facilities with an active NYS Article 28 operating certificate or equivalent designations. All applicants must demonstrate at least 24 months of relevant experience providing HIV-related services.