SSN-RC-2021-033 - Proposed Sole Source to RFMH for Psychiatric Research for MERI Project

The County of Rockland is considering the issuance of a Sole Source award to The Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, Inc (RFHM) for the purpose of assisting and enhancing the research and training objectives of the Nathan Kline S. Kline Research Institute (NKI) Memory Education and Research Initiative (MERI) project.

RFMH is the New York State designated organization responsible for administering and directing the conduct of all sponsored research programs carried out by scientists at the NYS Department of Mental Hygiene institutes and facilities of its component agencies, Office of Mental Health, Office for People with Developmental Disabilities and Office of Addiction Services and Supports. Sponsored research activities are carried out at the central offices of the Department as well as at the Departments three research institutes, including the Nathan S. Kline Research Institute (NKI).

TERM: January 1, 2021- December 31, 2021

The Provider shall perform the following Programs/Services:
 

• The NKI MERI project, through the RFMH, will provide memory and cognitive evaluations free of charge to detect early cognitive changes associated with Alzheimer’s Disease, while conducting long term research aimed at identifying factors involved in cognitive decline, provide immediate resources for patients and their families, and provide education to increase understanding awareness about healthy aging and Alzheimer’s disease.

• RFMH provides the Department of Mental Hygiene and their scientists with the independence and administrative flexibility to respond quickly to the special demands of sponsored programs in a manner that facilitates their scientific or technical execution.  The demands of sponsored programs include:
  • very short time frames (usually one year or less to complete the project)
  • need for prefunding expenditures prior to sponsor reimbursement
  • flexibility to hire project staff upon project start date and terminate them upon project completion
  • purchasing supplies, equipment, reimbursement of travel costs, etc. when needed
  • subcontracting to third parties for special services
  • billing sponsors for payment
  • issuing financial reports

• Submit detailed data to the Rockland County Department of Mental Health describing the programs and research their organization can perform
• Be a 501(c) 3
• Be governed by the Board of Directors
• Be up to date with all IRS filings
• Be up to date with all NYS filings
• Have a 2020 budget with Board approval
• Be fiscally sound
• Have a Non-discrimination Policy
• Have a Non-Conflict of Interest Policy
• Provide a copy of the agency’s most recently files 990 IRS Form
• Maintain program records for the purpose of an audit and provide the County all program related information including proprietary materials, upon request.