Notice Details

The Department for the Aging (DFTA) has an overarching goal to assist seniors in remaining independent and involved in the life of their communities as they age. The challenge is, then, to create senior friendly programs and communities that can facilitate aging in place. Neighborhood Senior Centers conduct classes and activities including but not limited to: art; music; dance; chronic disease self-management classes; nutrition workshops; benefits screenings (i.e. Medicare/Medicaid and Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program); technology classes; recreational trips, transportation services; and congregate meals. Studies have shown that attendance and engagement in community activities reduces social isolation and improves the health of people aged 60 and older. To ensure these services are equally distributed around New York City, DFTA is seeking a qualified vendor to establish a Senior Center in Lefrak City, Queens, an area currently lacking in services.

DFTA has identified five (5) existing vendors who are currently providing senior center services in Queens Council District 21. DFTA selected these five (5) vendors as potential recipients for this limited pool negotiated acquisition based on the following criteria: a successful history of providing senior services in Queens and demonstrated familiarity and sensitivity to the culturally diverse population within this borough. DFTA intends to negotiate a possible contract with one of the following:

1. Corona Congregational Church
2. Elmcor Youth and Adult Activities, Inc.
3. Institute for the Puerto Rican Hispanic Elderly, Inc.
4. Korean Community Services of Metropolitan New York, Inc.
5. The Spanish Speaking Elderly Council- Raices, Inc.

Anyone wishing to express interest in this solicitation must include a narrative addressing each of the numbered qualification requirements listed below. Expression of interest will be evaluated; however, submission of an expression of interest does not guarantee consideration and DFTA may determine to continue negotiations with only the five listed above.

All interested organizations that meet the requirements will be required to submit an electronic application addressing the following:

1. A successful history in providing senior services in Queens Council District 21.
2. A demonstrated familiarity and sensitivity to the ethnically, racially and/or socio-economically demographics within Queens.
3. A demonstrated successful experience designing and implementing senior programming.
4. A demonstrated experience within the community regarding encouraging/attracting seniors to participate in senior programming.
5. A demonstrated organizational, managerial, and programmatic ability to perform senior center services.

Applications of expressions of interest are due no later than 3:00 PM on Friday, September 20, 2019, and must be submitted electronically to Michelle Biondi – mbiondi@aging.nyc.gov. DFTA will send the solicitation document to the five identified vendors and any additional vendors who express interest and are deemed qualified.

DFTA anticipates the initial term of this contract will be for one and a half years effective January 1, 2020 through June 30, 2021. At its sole discretion, DFTA reserves the right to renew the contract for an additional four and a half year effective July 1, 2021 through December 31, 2025. The contract value for the initial term will be $1,110,000: $260,000 allocated for kitchen renovations which will take place during the first 6 months of the contract and $850,000 for Personnel, Rent, and Other than Personnel Services which is allocated for the remaining term of the initial contract.

Organizations interested in receiving information for future solicitations may register online with the NYC HHS Accelerator.