Single Source Procurement: End of AIDS - Center of Expertise

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.

The AIDS Institute is requesting an amendment to contract C30285GG with Community Research Initiative on AIDS, Inc. (CRIA) selected under a recent procurement. This amendment provides additional funds to this Center of Expertise to conduct a needs assessment/research effort in upstate New York and deliver training statewide related to the medical and psycho-social needs of older adults living with HIV.

CRIA was selected as a Training Center of Expertise via competitive solicitation under the HIV/STD/Viral Hepatitis Training Services RFA in 2015. All training centers funded under this solicitation are responsible for conducting periodic needs assessments/research to ensure that trainings meet the emerging needs of people living with HIV and the health and human services providers who serve them. An important shift in training needs of providers has been underway as a result of the aging of the HIV client population.

Historically, HIV predominantly impacted young people. However, with improvements in HIV care and treatment and increased survival rates, 50 percent of individuals living with HIV in NYS in 2015 are over the age of 50. CRIA conducted the Research on Older Adults with HIV (ROAH) study in 2006. This landmark study was the first to explore the topic of HIV and aging. CRIA is the only funded training center with a history of conducting surveys and needs assessment to understand the challenges associated with HIV and aging and to translate these findings into practical training programs for health and human services providers. Ten years after the first ROAH study, there is a need to conduct a follow-up study to learn about how the needs of individuals have continued to evolve along with increased age, new treatment options, changing social conditions and the evolving health care system.

Procurement / Program Name	End of AIDS - Center of Expertise
Contractor Name(s)	Community Research Initiative on AIDS, Inc.
Contract Period	4/1/2016 – 3/31/2018
Contract Number(s)	C30285GG