PFC Dwyer Veterans' Support Program

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The NYC Department of Veterans’ Services (DVS) is proud to announce the opening of the application period for the PFC Joseph P. Dwyer Peer Support Program. Our agency is seeking a Request for Proposal (RFP) from for-profit and not-for-profit organizations which support the mission of increasing social engagement and connectivity for U.S. Military Veterans and their families. The aim is Veteran peer-to-peer support through the delivery of a host of socialization programs. DVS encourages proposals that align with the priority areas of focus identified for support, to include animal-assisted modalities, somatic modalities, expressive modalities, educational programs, culinary arts instruction, volunteer opportunities and community construction programs. 

The Request for Proposal (RFP) for the NYC Private First-Class (PFC) Joseph P. Dwyer Peer Support Fund is now available in PASSPort and can also be viewed HERE.

To view/access the RFP search the following EPIN: 06325P0001 in PASSPort's Procurement Navigator.

Interested organizations can view the RFP and submit their proposals by logging on to the City of New York's end-to-end digital procurement platform—PASSPort. If you need assistance creating a PASSPort account, please check out the sections titled "PASSPort Login" and/or "Account Creation & Management" on the PASSPort FAQ page. Additionally, organizations seeking Dwyer funding are required to complete the Health and Human Service (HHS) Prequalification (PQL) Application to compete for HHS funding. Organizations must have an Approved HHS PQL Application to respond to human services solicitations in PASSPort. 

Alternatively, organizations can submit a ticket to the MOCS Service Desk by visiting nyc.gov/mocshelp. Once there, click the link that says "MOCS Service Desk" at the bottom of the page. Clicking "Request Assistance" on the newly opened page will open a form where you can ask for help on a specific task in PASSPort.

Another option is to register for assistance with Nelson Ortiz at the LaGuardia Community College Business Services Apex Accelerator. All services are free of charge. Please click on the separate links below for nonprofit and for-profit organizations.

Non-Profit PASSPort Assistance

For-Profit PASSPort Assistance


Director Nelson Ortiz can also be contacted by email at  lagcc@cuny.edu or 718-757-7408.


Information Sessions

Optional information sessions covering the Dwyer Peer Support Fund Request for Proposal (RFP) and enrolling in PASSPort will be held virtually (with telephone access) at the following dates and times via Microsoft Teams. 

  • Upcoming Dwyer Information Sessions
    • August 1, 2024 at 11:00 A.M. (Virtual)
    • August 5, 2023 at 2:00 P.M. (Virtual)

Those who wish to attend these virtual sessions should RSVP by email to DVSDwyer@veterans.nyc.gov. A meeting link will be emailed to those who RSVP to each session.


Submission

This RFP calls for Respondents to submit a response no later than August 30th at 2:00 P.M.

PLEASE NOTE: The term of the contract resulting from this RFP shall commence as of the date of registration by the Comptroller and shall remain in effect for a period of 5 (five) years. We anticipate the contract period to be  October 15, 2024 to October 14, 2029.


Background

Despite the array of programs and services available for Veterans, a 2021 community survey conducted by DVS revealed that one out of four NYC-based Active-Duty Service Members, Reservists, National Guardsmen, and Veterans say that they are lonely three or more days per week. Only one-third of lonely respondents feel as though they have someone they can approach when they are in need; having someone to approach is defined as having a person with whom one can share joys and sorrows on at least three days per week. Moreover, when asked how likely they are to seek help for emotional distress, 40% of all lonely respondents would be somewhat or very unlikely to do so.

The Private First-Class Joseph P. Dwyer Peer Support Program was launched to combat Veteran isolation and promote emotional wellness. Since its establishment during the 2012-2013 New York State legislative session ,the program has expanded to 62 counties throughout New York State. New York localities receiving funding through the program offer a diverse range of intervention modalities aimed at empowering the Veteran community. Individual peer support is typically provided in the form of peer mentorship, and group services are offered via support group modalities or activity-based groups. 


Program Qualifications

For funding consideration, the program must empower the Veteran community, be in-person, and free to Veterans, their caregivers, families, and survivors.

DVS has identified the following priority areas of focus for its support. A Respondent’s proposed services need not meet all areas listed but should align with at least one of these areas. Services should be administered in an in-person group setting rather than one-on-one.

Note: the examples given below are not all-inclusive. If your organization provides a service not listed and you believe it might be appealing to the Veteran community, we encourage you to answer the question that requests this information.


Examples of Services to be Offered to the Veteran Community:

Animal Assisted Modalities
• A visitation program in which animals accompany their owners to a facility and visit with program participants. Animals should be temperament tested, given a complete veterinary screening, and receive obedience training before beginning to work with participants. Animals for consideration include dogs, cats, horses, birds, rabbits, guinea pigs, etc.
• Different types of equine-assisted therapy including therapeutic horseback riding, hippotherapy, equine-assisted learning, and equine-assisted psychotherapy. Instructors are required to hold current Equine Assisted Growth & Learning Association (EAGLA) certification and operate a EAGLA model program.

Somatic Modalities
• Various body-centered therapies that uses mind-body exercises and other physical techniques to help release the pent-up tension that negatively affects a participant’s physical and emotional wellbeing. A few examples of these therapies include, but are not limited to: yoga, meditation, pilates, and martial arts.

Expressive Modalities
• Various uses of the creative arts as a form of therapy including: art therapy, dance/movement therapy, drama therapy, music therapy, writing therapy, poetry therapy, film, and psychodrama. The expressive therapies assume that people can heal through many forms of creative expression.

Educational Programs
• Build social connections and provide stimulating conversations through exposure to a host of art, culture, history, civics, science, and other learning programs that spike the interest of Veteran groups.

Culinary Arts Instruction
• Culinary arts instruction uses cooking as a means of communication and expression while learning life skills and tools. It has the benefit of reducing stress, improving time management, and increasing self-esteem.

Community Construction Programs
• Leads teams of Veteran volunteers in building, repairing and renovating community-based facilities and homes in under-resourced neighborhoods, or for under-resourced New Yorkers.