The New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) has announced the availability of funding through Round IV and V of the Statewide Health Care Facility Transformation Program. This Request for Applications (RFA #20258, Grants Gateway #DOH01-SHCFTT-2024) specifically targets projects that enhance Health Information Technology (HIT), Cybersecurity measures, and Telehealth capabilities within healthcare facilities across New York State. This initiative underscores the state’s commitment to modernizing healthcare infrastructure and ensuring robust, accessible, and secure healthcare services for all New Yorkers.
This funding opportunity, released on January 2, 2024, is a crucial component of the broader Nys Statewide Health Care Facility Transformation Program. It aims to empower healthcare providers to adopt cutting-edge technologies and practices. By focusing on Health IT, Cybersecurity, and Telehealth, the program addresses some of the most pressing needs in the contemporary healthcare landscape. These strategic investments are designed to not only improve operational efficiencies and patient care outcomes but also to safeguard sensitive patient data and expand access to care, particularly in underserved communities.
Key Dates and Application Timeline:
Prospective applicants should be aware of the following critical dates:
- Release Date: January 2, 2024
- Questions Due: January 26, 2024
- Questions, Answers, and Updates Posted (on or about): February 9, 2024
- Applications Due: March 28, 2024 by 4:00 PM ET
It is imperative to adhere to these deadlines to ensure your application is considered for funding under the NYS Statewide Health Care Facility Transformation Program.
Applying for the Transformation Program Funding:
The application process is conducted entirely online through the NYS Grants Gateway. For those unfamiliar with the system, the NYSDOH provides comprehensive resources and support to guide applicants through each step.
To access the application and related materials, please follow these steps:
- Navigate to the NYS Grants Gateway: https://grantsgateway.ny.gov/IntelliGrants_NYSGG/module/nysgg/goportal.aspx
- Log in as a “Grantee” or “Grantee Contract Signatory.”
- Click on the “View Opportunities” button on the homepage.
- Utilize the search function by entering “DOH” for the State agency or inputting the Grant Opportunity name.
- Click “Search” to display the results.
- Select the Grant Opportunity name from the search grid and click “APPLY FOR GRANT OPPORTUNITY” at the bottom left of the page.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their applications well in advance of the March 28th deadline, ideally at least 48 hours prior. This proactive approach allows ample time to address any technical issues that may arise during the submission process and to seek assistance from DOH or Grants Management staff if needed. Contact information for the Grants Management Team is available within the full Request for Applications document on the Grants Gateway.
Important Considerations for Applicants:
- Prequalification for Not-for-Profits: Not-for-profit organizations must be prequalified in the Grants Gateway by the application due date. Maintaining prequalification is crucial, and applicants should ensure their essential financial documents (IRS990, Financial Statement, Charities Bureau filing) are up-to-date to prevent any lapse in status.
- Authorized Roles for Submission: Only individuals designated with “Grantee Contract Signatory” or “Grantee System Administrator” roles are authorized to submit applications through the Grants Gateway.
- Error Checking and File Uploads: The Grants Gateway system includes an automatic error check to identify incomplete applications before submission. Applicants should utilize this feature to ensure all sections are properly completed. When uploading files, use only numbers, letters, and underscores in the file names, avoiding special characters. Be mindful of the 10 MB file size limit for uploads.
Understanding the roles permitted to interact with the grant application within the Grants Gateway is essential for a smooth application process. The following table summarizes role permissions:
This table clarifies the different levels of access and responsibility within the Grants Gateway system, ensuring that the appropriate personnel are assigned the necessary roles for successful application submission under the NYS Statewide Health Care Facility Transformation Program.
Conclusion:
The NYS Statewide Health Care Facility Transformation Program represents a significant opportunity for healthcare facilities in New York State to secure funding for vital upgrades in Health IT, Cybersecurity, and Telehealth. By taking advantage of this program, organizations can enhance their infrastructure, improve patient care delivery, and contribute to a more resilient and technologically advanced healthcare system across the state. Prospective grantees are encouraged to thoroughly review the full RFA on the Grants Gateway and begin the application process promptly to meet the March 28, 2024 deadline.
