Single Source Procurement: Mentorship in Medicine - 9th Grade Bridge Program
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.
On May 7, 2014, the Department of Health (NYSDOH), Office of Minority Health and Health Disparities Prevention (OMH-HDP) released an RFA (#1401150209) to promote diversity in the health professions by identifying and engaging racial, ethnic and underrepresented students pursuing or interested in pursuing careers in medicine and other health professions, early in their educational careers; increasing graduation rates in both secondary and postsecondary education among racial, ethnic and other underrepresented populations; providing supports needed to ensure successful completion of program deliverables; and ensuring successful attainment of professional careers in the health workforce. Applications were received and evaluated by a team of three NYSDOH employees from various programs. As a result, the RFA was awarded on September 10, 2014, and NYSDOH entered into a two-year contract (beginning October 1, 2014) with Arthur Ashe Institute for Urban Health (AAIUH) to support their Health Science Academy's 9th Grade Bridge Program.
The 9th Grade Bridge Program was designed to engage 9th graders in junior and middle schools in the high need communities of Brooklyn into an introductory program providing information and encouraging participation into Arthur Ashe's Health Sciences Academy (Academy), a pipeline program. Participants attended eight sessions introducing them to various aspects of human biology, social determinants of health, and familiarized students with various Academy topics in preparation for entrance into the Academy.
As the successful competitive applicant, currently contracting with New York State Department of Health, Arthur Ashe Institute for Urban Health has successfully engaged 55 students through their 9th Grade Bridge Program. Further, Arthur Ashe has over 20 years of experience as a respected leader in developing and replicating programs that promote community health outcomes in multi-ethnic, urban communities. The Department is seeking to continue to support students engaged in the 9th Grade Bridge through its existing contract by extending the term and providing continued funding for the successful transition of students in the 9th Grade Bridge Program into and through the Academy where they will complete six clinical curriculum modules, be exposed to potential future careers in medicine and health, and receive training in the fields of science and technology.
| Procurement / Program Name | Mentorship in Medicine - 9th Grade Bridge Program |
|---|---|
| Contractor Name(s) | Arthur Ashe Institute for Urban Health |
| Contract Period | 7/1/2016 – 6/30/2019 |
| Contract Number(s) | C029961 |
