OCA-DGCP-043R Erie County IDV Court Victim Advocate Services

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

The mission of the New York State Unified Court System (UCS) Office of Court Administration (OCA) is to deliver equal justice under the law and to achieve the just, fair and timely resolution of all matters that come before our courts. In the service of our mission, the UCS is committed to operating with integrity and transparency, and to ensuring that all who enter or serve in our courts are treated with respect, dignity, and professionalism. We affirm our responsibility to promote a court system free from any and all forms of bias and discrimination and to promote a judiciary and workforce that reflect the rich diversity of New York State. More information about the UCS is available at https://www.nycourts.gov.

UCS operates Domestic Violence (DV) courts and Integrated Domestic Violence (IDV) courts throughout the State. The DV/IDV courts oversee criminal cases, both felony and misdemeanor, involving intimate partner violence. These courts focus on accountability and compliance with all orders and sentences issued by the judge. IDV courts oversee intimate partner violence cases involving families with matters pending in multiple courts including the family, criminal and matrimonial systems. In an IDV court, one judge is assigned to review all these matters working with the parties to gain a clearer and more holistic picture of the issues facing these litigants.

PROJECT INFORMATION

UCS is the recipient of an award (the “Grant Award”) by the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Violence Against Women (OVW) (the “Grantor”) for the purpose of funding the Erie County Integrated Domestic Violence (ECIDV) Court. Pursuant to the terms of the Grant Award, $216,818 is the maximum available funding for Project Services (as set forth in Article V below) performed during May 1, 2025 – September 30, 2027, provided, however, that such period may be extended upon mutual agreement of Grantor and UCS (the “Project Term”). UCS reserves the right to request a no-cost extension of the Project Term from the Grantor.

UCS anticipates that the selected applicant will be designated a “subrecipient” rather than a “contractor” for purposes of federal requirements of the Grant Award.

AWARD

UCS intends to award one contract for a term commencing on or about May 1, 2025 and terminating on or about September 30, 2027 (“Contract Term”).

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Contract Term of any contract resulting from this Request for Proposals (“RFP”) may extend to a term not to exceed five (5) years in total, which contract shall terminate upon the earlier of: (i) five (5) years from the contract commencement date; or (ii) the complete expenditure of funding available for Project Services, whichever is earlier, unless otherwise terminated pursuant to the terms of said contract. Awarded contractor shall be contractually obligated to provide the Project Services for the Project Term, as it may be amended or extended. UCS and awarded contractor shall communicate regularly concerning the remaining amount of grant funds and the approximate timing of complete expenditure.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Proposals will be considered only from applicants who meet the following minimum qualifications:

Qualified applicants must be certified by New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) to provide domestic violence (DV) services.

Qualified applicants must possess at least five (5) years of experience in performing direct services to victims of domestic violence as one of their primary purposes and have a demonstrated history of effective work in this field.

Qualified applicants must have the capacity to provide Project Services (as set forth in Article V, below), including the required staffing to support the proposed Project Services.

PROJECT SERVICES

UCS seeks proposals describing how the applicant will provide the services listed below (“Project Services”). The selected applicant shall be required to:

1. Assist petitioners filing for civil orders of protection.

2. Provide representation and counseling to victims of domestic violence applying for ex parte temporary orders of protection in the Erie County Family Court and whose cases are referred to the Erie County Integrated Domestic Violence (ECIDV) Court.

3. Work collaboratively with the Erie County Firearms Project Stakeholder team to assist in the development of protocols and procedures to identify the presence of firearms during the domestic violence incident or possession of firearms by a respondent.

4. Work with the survivor throughout the court proceeding.

5. Coordinate with law enforcement to follow up on any firearms seizure orders or surrender directives from the court.

6. Keep the survivor and their attorney advised of compliance or lack of compliance with court directives and what additional safety planning measures will be implemented.

7. Participate in all project stakeholder meetings.

8. Assist in collecting and maintaining all data as required by the Grantor.

9. Provide appropriate supervision and oversight for any staff included in this project.

Required Staffing:

Domestic Violence Victim Advocate (Full Time). The Victim Advocate will initiate contact with DV victims, provide assistance, information and support to victims through the judicial process. Serve as a liaison between law enforcement and the ECIDV court.

Preferred qualifications:

Master’s or bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, victim advocacy, or a related field.

Experience in victim assistance or victim services.

Ability to work cooperatively with a multidisciplinary team and community partners.

Good interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Familiarity with trauma-informed practices and cultural competency in working with diverse population.

Strong organizational and time management skills.

RFP Issue Date March 26, 2025

Deadline to Submit Written Questions April 9, 2025 at 2:00 PM EDT - Update - No Questions asked as of April 9, 2025, 2:00 PM EDT..

Deadline to Submit Proposal April 23, 2025 at 2:00 PM EDT

Estimated Contract Start Date May 1, 2025

The UCS looks forward to you responses.