OCA-DGCP-070 Guardianship - ISSUED 06/26/2026

OCA-DGCP-070 Guardianship: Direct Services NYC, 7th, 8th, 9th and 10th Judicial Districts
Issued Friday, June 26, 2026 Due Friday, August 14, 2026, at 2:00 PM Eastern
NEW YORK STATE UNIFIED COURT SYSTEM
Office of Court Administration
Division of Grants, Contracts & Procurement
Request for Proposals
OCA-DGCP-070
Guardianship Services, New York City, 7th, 8th, 9th,
and 10th Judicial Districts

OCA-DGCP-070 Guardianship Direct Services NYC, 7th, 8th, 9th and 10th Judicial Districts
Issued Friday, June 26, 2026 Due Friday, August 14, 2026, at 2:00 PM Eastern
Contents
RFP Articles
I. Background Information
II. Project Information
III. Award
IV. Minimum Qualifications
V. Project Services
VI. Insurance Requirements
VII. Award Selection Criteria and Method of Award
VIII. Required Documents
IX. Submission of Proposal
X. Questions
XI. Pre-Bid Conference
XII. General Specifications
Attachments*
Attachment I - Standard Request for Bid Clauses & Forms
Attachment III - Vendor Responsibility: Acknowledgment Form and VR Questionnaire
Attachment IV - Procurement Lobbying forms
* Attachments are available for download from the Unified Court System's Current Solicitation webpage:
http://ww2.nycourts.gov/admin/bids/currentsolicitations.shtml
Exhibits
Exhibit 1: Document Enclosure Checklist
Exhibit 2: Proposal Cover Sheet
Exhibit 3: Vendor Assurance and Conflict-of-Interest Disclosure
Exhibit 4: Insurance Requirements
Exhibit 5: Maximum Available Funding by Target Service Area
Exhibit 6: Board Composition Summary

OCA-DGCP-070 Guardianship Direct Services NYC, 7th, 8th, 9th and 10th Judicial Districts
Issued Friday, June 26, 2026 Due Friday, August 14, 2026, at 2:00 PM Eastern
I. BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The mission of the New York State Unified Court System ("UCS") 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.
The New York State Unified Court System (UCS) is soliciting proposals for the purpose of establishing
contracts to provide nonprofit agency guardianship services to indigent individuals deemed "incapacitated
persons" (IPs) pursuant to Article 81 of the Mental Hygiene Law (MHL Article 81) when no other suitable
guardian is available to serve. These IPs who lack needed financial resources and family supports include
both indigent older adults and indigent individuals with disabilities and/or mental illness.
UCS requests proposals from nonprofit agencies capable of helping an indigent IP manage their personal
needs or property or both by utilizing social work, benefits, and case management services, real property
and financial services, legal services, and others to ensure that the needs of indigent IPs are met.
II. PROJECT INFORMATION
The UCS Office of Court Administration ("OCA") Division of Grants, Contracts and Procurement
("DGCP"), is soliciting sealed proposals via this Request for Proposals ("RFP") to award contracts for
guardianship services for indigent IPs. Via this RFP, UCS will establish one or more contracts per "Target
Service Area" to assist in closing the gap in the availability of guardians to provide for the personal needs
and/or property management needs of indigent IPs who have no other suitable person to serve as guardian.
Consistent with the requirements of MHL Article 81, as well as other applicable statutes, court rules, and
administrative orders, the Awarded Contractor(s) must provide these direct services in the following
geographic locations:
1. the five (5) counties that comprise New York City (Bronx, Kings, New York, Queens, and
Richmond);
2. the eight (8) counties that comprise the 7th Judicial District (Cayuga, Livingston, Monroe,
Ontario, Seneca, Steuben, Wayne, and Yates);
3. the eight (8) counties that comprise the 8th Judicial District (Allegany, Erie, Chautauqua,
Niagara, Orleans, Wyoming, Genesee, and Cattaraugus);

OCA-DGCP-070 Guardianship Direct Services NYC, 7th, 8th, 9th and 10th Judicial Districts
Issued Friday, June 26, 2026 Due Friday, August 14, 2026, at 2:00 PM Eastern
4. the two (2) counties that comprise the 10th Judicial District (Nassau and Suffolk); and
5. the five (5) counties that comprise the 9th Judicial District (Westchester, Rockland, Dutchess,
Putnam and Orange).
Each of these areas shall be referred to in this Request for Proposals as the "Target Service Areas".
Consistent with the guardian powers granted by the court which are necessary and sufficient to manage the
property and financial affairs of the IPs and/or to provide for the personal needs of the IP, awardees are
expected to fulfil the standards for appointment under MHL Article 81, including the general duties of the
guardian delineated in MHL 81.20, which are as follows:
1. a guardian shall exercise only those powers that the guardian is authorized to exercise by court
order;
2. a guardian shall exercise the utmost care and diligence when acting on behalf of the
incapacitated person;
3. a guardian shall exhibit the utmost degree of trust, loyalty and fidelity in relation to the IPs;
4. a guardian shall file an initial and annual reports in accordance with sections 81.30 and 81.31 of
MHL Article 81;
5. a guardian shall visit the IPs not less than four times a year or more frequently as specified in the
court order;
6. a guardian who is given authority with respect to property management for the IPs shall: (i)
afford the IPs the greatest amount of independence and self-determination with respect to
property management in light of that person's functional level, understanding and appreciation of
his or her functional limitations, and personal wishes, preferences and desires with regard to
managing the activities of daily living; (ii) preserve, protect, and account for such property and
financial resources faithfully; (iii) determine whether the IPs has executed a will, determine the
location of any will, and the appropriate persons to be notified in the event of the death of the
IPs and, in the event of the death of the IPs, notify those persons; (iv) use the property and
financial resources and income available therefrom to maintain and support the IPs, and to
maintain and support those persons dependent upon the IPs; (v) at the termination of the
appointment, deliver such property to the person legally entitled to it; (vi) file with the recording
officer of the county wherein the IP is in possession of real property, an acknowledged statement
to be recorded and indexed under the name of the IPs identifying the real property possessed by
the IPs, and the tax map numbers of the property, and stating the date of adjudication of
incapacity of the person regarding property management, and the name, address, and telephone

OCA-DGCP-070 Guardianship Direct Services NYC, 7th, 8th, 9th and 10th Judicial Districts
Issued Friday, June 26, 2026 Due Friday, August 14, 2026, at 2:00 PM Eastern
number of the guardian and the guardian's surety; and (vii) perform all other duties required by
law; and
7. a guardian who is given authority relating to the personal needs of the IPs shall afford the IPs the
greatest amount of independence and self-determination with respect to personal needs in light
of that person's functional level, understanding and appreciation of that person's functional
limitations, and personal wishes, preferences and desires with regard to managing the activities
of daily living.
Awarded Contractors shall also ensure that an indigent IP's other needs are met, including safety, adequate
food, clothing, shelter, and health care, as well as managing the IP's property and financial affairs.
Programmatic oversight of the contracts awarded pursuant to this RFP will be provided by UCS Office for
Justice Initiatives' Office of Guardianship Matters and Elder Justice. The Awarded Contractor(s) will work
closely with OJI staff in the initial implementation year of the program.
UCS anticipates making one or more contract awards per Target Service Area to applicants deemed best
qualified to deliver high-quality guardianship services throughout the Target Service Areas to indigent IPs
upon appointment by a court pursuant to MHL Article 81. In addition, applicants should not only
demonstrate the use of creative methods to leverage community resources to the maximum extent feasible
to enhance services provided to indigent IPs, but also demonstrate how the applicant will work with
community partners that reflect the diversity of the clients to be served.
UCS is allocating $7,000,000 in the aggregate annually to provide guardianship services to indigent
individuals deemed incapacitated pursuant to MHL Article 81 when no other suitable guardian is available
to serve. Allocations in each subsequent year of the contract are subject to available state appropriations,
and may be adjusted based on caseload and needs in UCS's discretion. Funding is intended to support
guardianship services throughout New York City, and the 7th, 8th, 9th and 10th Judicial Districts.
UCS anticipates that each Awarded Contractor (as defined in Article III below) will begin to perform the
Project Services (as set forth in Article V below) on or about October 1, 2026.

OCA-DGCP-070 Guardianship Direct Services NYC, 7th, 8th, 9th and 10th Judicial Districts
Issued Friday, June 26, 2026 Due Friday, August 14, 2026, at 2:00 PM Eastern
Key Bid Dates (Note: UCS reserves the right to modify any Key Bid Date as it may deem appropriate.)
EVENT DATE
Bid Issue Date Friday, June 26, 2026
Question Due Date Friday, July 17, 2026, at 2:00pm Eastern
Bid Submission Deadline Date Friday, August 14, 2026, at 2:00pm Eastern
Estimated Contract Start Date October 1, 2026
Note: Throughout this RFP, the terms bidder, proposer, vendor and applicant are used interchangeably, as
are RFP, bid and solicitation.
III. AWARD
UCS intends to award one or more contracts per Target Service Area ("Contract") to successful applicants
(each an "Awarded Contractor") for a term of five (5) years. Each Contract is expected to commence on or
about October 1, 2026, and terminate on or about September 30, 2031 ("Contract Term").
Awards will be made as follows::
Estimated Available Funds
Target Service Area
Not-to-Exceed, 12-month period
NYC: Kings, NY, Bronx, Richmond and Queens
Counties $3,500,000
7th Judicial District: Cayuga, Livingston, Monroe,
Ontario, Seneca, Steuben, Wayne, and Yates
Counties $500,000
8th Judicial District: Allegany, Erie, Chautauqua,
Niagara, Orleans, Wyoming, Genesee, and
Cattaraugus Counties $1,000,000
9th Judicial District: Westchester, Rockland,
Dutchess, Putnam and Orange Counties $1,000,000

OCA-DGCP-070 Guardianship Direct Services NYC, 7th, 8th, 9th and 10th Judicial Districts
Issued Friday, June 26, 2026 Due Friday, August 14, 2026, at 2:00 PM Eastern
10th Judicial District: Nassau and Suffolk Counties $1,000,000
Awarded Contractors must demonstrate the capacity to serve the entire designated Target Service Area for
which they are awarded. Applicants awarded multiple Target Service Areas will enter into a single Contract
with UCS covering all applicable Target Service Areas. Please see Exhibit 5 for a list of counties by Target
Service Area.
If no awards are made for a particular Target Service Area, or the awards made within a particular Target
Service Area do not fully exhaust the available funds, UCS reserves the right to reallocate those funds to
other Target Service Areas.
If Awarded Contractor is an organization that currently holds a contract for these or similar services, such
award of new funds may be prorated for any overlapping term of the existing contract(s) with this award, as
determined by UCS in its sole discretion. In addition, any Awarded Contractor currently holding an
agreement with UCS for these or similar services may be required to consolidate to one contract if required
by UCS in its sole discretion.
Applicants may only apply to deliver services individually and UCS will not consider joint applications
from co-applicants. Applicants may, however, subcontract with other entities in the standard delivery of
guardianship services, such as legal services.
Any Contract resulting from this solicitation is subject to the approval of the NYS Attorney General and
Office of the State Comptroller.
IV. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum Qualifications:
* Applicants must be not-for-profit entities, typically organized under the Not-for-Profit
Corporation Law, and must submit proof of charities registration or an exemption from the
Attorney General's Charities Bureau portal with the application. Eligible entities must also
submit proof of tax-exempt status under the Internal Revenue Code.
* Within three months of contract award, applicants must have a physical office in at least one
county within the Target Service Area for which they are applying.
* Must currently provide community services, for example, ongoing human service programs,
supports or direct services, within the Target Service Area being applied for. The proposer
must submit three (3) references from local entities or stakeholders showing ties to the Target
Service Area being applied for.

OCA-DGCP-070 Guardianship Direct Services NYC, 7th, 8th, 9th and 10th Judicial Districts
Issued Friday, June 26, 2026 Due Friday, August 14, 2026, at 2:00 PM Eastern
The following organizations and individuals are categorically ineligible for contract awards:
* Individuals or organizations listed as ineligible on the federal System for Award
Management due to suspension or debarment
* Individuals or organizations listed as ineligible on the NYS Office of General Services
database of debarred entities.
V. PROJECT SERVICES
Awarded applicants shall be required to provide comprehensive guardianship services pursuant to New
York State Mental Hygiene Law Article 81 for indigent incapacitated persons as appointed by the Supreme
Court, County Court or Surrogate Court of the State of New York. Unless otherwise approved by UCS,
applicants must be able to serve and maintain a caseload of at least seventy-five (75) clients annually, in
addition to existing clients (unless good cause is shown), per $1,000,000 in annual funding that is requested,
which will be reflected in any resulting contract. In the event that the annual funding awarded is less than
$1,000,000, the required caseload shall be prorated proportionately to the level of funding received. For
example, an annual award of $500,000 would require the applicant to maintain a caseload of at least
thirty-eight (38) clients annually, in addition to existing clients, unless otherwise approved by UCS.
Services shall be person-centered, trauma-informed, least restrictive, and designed to promote autonomy,
safety, and well-being while ensuring full compliance with court orders and statutory mandates.
In accordance with MHL Article 81, awarded applicants must:
* Conduct regular in-person visits with IPs.
* Perform Personal Needs management as defined in Article 81 of the Mental Hygiene Law.
* Perform Property Needs management as defined in Article 81 of the Mental Hygiene Law.
* Accept court appointments in a timely manner, meet with the IPs within required statutory
timeframes, and review all relevant court documents, including Orders and Judgments, reports, and
Findings of Fact.
* Conduct a comprehensive initial assessment of the IP's financial, medical, residential, and social
service needs in accordance with New York State Mental Hygiene Law Article 81.
* Develop and implement a person-centered care plan that reflects the IPs needs, preferences, and
court-authorized powers.
* Services shall include arranging appropriate medical, psychiatric, and therapeutic care; securing safe
and suitable housing; coordinating home care, rehabilitation, and community-based supports; and
ensuring access to all eligible public benefits, including SSI, SSDI, and Medicaid.

OCA-DGCP-070 Guardianship Direct Services NYC, 7th, 8th, 9th and 10th Judicial Districts
Issued Friday, June 26, 2026 Due Friday, August 14, 2026, at 2:00 PM Eastern
* Advocate for the IP's expressed wishes, promote the least restrictive interventions consistent with
New York State Mental Hygiene Law Article 81, and maintain regular in-person contact in
accordance with statutory requirements and court directives.
* Marshal and inventory all assets of the IP, establish appropriate guardianship bank accounts, and
implement sound financial management systems.
* Develop and administer a budget based on the IP's income and assets, pay all necessary and
reasonable expenses-including housing, utilities, and medical costs-and apply for and maintain
eligible public benefits.
* Safeguard the IP's property against financial exploitation and fraud and seek court approval for
major transactions as required under New York State Mental Hygiene Law Article 81.
* File Initial and Annual Reports in accordance with the requirements of New York State Mental
Hygiene Law Article 81 and court directives, maintain detailed and accurate case records, and
comply with all applicable training and certification mandates.
* Appear in court as required and respond promptly to all court inquiries and directives.
* Respond promptly to emergencies affecting the IPs health, safety, or financial stability and
coordinate with hospitals, Adult Protective Services, and other appropriate agencies to address
urgent needs.
* Petition the court for emergency relief when necessary pursuant to New York State Mental Hygiene
Law Article 81.
* Comply with all other requirements as set forth in applicable statutes, laws, regulations, rules, and
court orders.
VI. INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS
Awarded Contractor(s) shall be required to maintain the insurance specified in Exhibit 4 hereto (Insurance
Requirements) at its own cost and expense during the Contract Term and any renewal or extension thereof.
VII. AWARD SELECTION CRITERIA AND METHOD OF AWARD
Tier I: Minimum Qualifications (Threshold Pass/Fail)
The Awarded Contractor(s) must meet the minimum qualifications outlined in Article IV.
Tier II: Evaluation and Scoring
Proposals that pass the Tier I Threshold review will advance to Tier II. Proposals that receive a score of at
least 70 points (average technical + reasonableness of cost score among Tier II reviewers) will advance to
Tier III.

OCA-DGCP-070 Guardianship Direct Services NYC, 7th, 8th, 9th and 10th Judicial Districts
Issued Friday, June 26, 2026 Due Friday, August 14, 2026, at 2:00 PM Eastern
The technical criteria and the reasonableness of cost of each proposal will be reviewed and rated by a team
of qualified UCS staff. Applicants must submit a Proposed Service Delivery narrative that includes a
description of proposed service delivery for each Target Service Area for which they are applying.
Scores for Organizational Capacity, Proposed Service Delivery, and Reasonableness of Cost will be
averaged across all scorers to determine an average score for each Target Service Area. Points will be
awarded as follows:
Technical Criteria Maximum Points
Organizational Capacity 30
Proposed Service Delivery 50
Reasonableness of Cost 20
Maximum Points 100
Note: A minimum score of 70 (average of all evaluators) is required for an award to be made.
Tier III: Final Evaluation
In Tier III, the amounts awarded to applicants that meet the minimum technical score will be determined
based on consideration of some or all the following: Tier II scoring and comments, strategic priorities,
available funding and best overall value to New York State.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing herein obligates UCS to approve awards or funding for any
applicant.
VIII. REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
General Requirements
All documentation must be submitted on prescribed forms, without alteration. Where no form is included or
specified, submissions must be single-spaced with one-inch page margins (not including attachments or
financial forms) using a 12-point font. Pages should be numbered. To facilitate photocopying, do not
permanently bind documents.