Single Source Procurement: Opioid Overdose Prevention & Harm Reduction

Pursuant to New York State Finance Law § 163.10(b), The New York State Department of Health is presenting the following summary of relevant circumstances, and material and substantial reasons why a competitive procurement was not feasible.

Since April 2006, New York State has had a program regulated by the Department of Health through which eligible, registered entities provide training to individuals in the community on how to recognize an overdose and how to respond to it appropriately. The applicable law is Public Health Law Section 3309 and the regulations are in 10 NYCRR 80.138. The appropriate responses to an opioid overdose include calling 911 and administering naloxone (Narcan), an opioid antagonist which reverses the potentially life-threatening consequences of an overdose. Eligible entities include individual prescribers (physicians, physician assistants and nurse practitioners), drug treatment programs, health care facilities, local health departments and community-based organizations that have the services of clinical director. Over 130 programs have registered with the Department of Health, and approximately 10,000 overdose responders have been trained. These individuals have successfully administered naloxone more than 850 times according to reports that have been submitted to the State. The actual number of reversals these responders have been responsible for is likely to be substantially higher. The number of new programs has increased by about 30% in the last year, and continues to expand on a daily basis.

The Foundation for AIDS Research (FAR) was authorized by the NYS Commissioner of Health in July 1992 as a co-applicant in the implementation of programs to conduct HIV prevention and outreach activities including syringe exchange to substance users. For the past twenty years, FAR has done an exemplary job in the management of supplies for Harm Reduction/Syringe Exchange Program (HR/SEP), and more recently for the Expanded Syringe Access Program (ESAP), Opioid Overdose Prevention Program (OOPP) and the New York State Condom Program. At this time, the only agency authorized to conduct these specific activities is the Foundation for AIDS Research. FAR's commitment to this supplies contract is exemplary and enables the AIDS Institute to allocate minimal funding for personnel and maximize grant dollars for supplies.

Procurement / Program Name Opioid Overdose Prevention & Harm Reduction
Contractor Name(s) The Foundation for AIDS Research
Contract Period 7/1/2013 – 6/30/2018
Contract Number(s) C029088