The City of Palm Bay has released a second round of Request for Applications (RFA) for the Opioid Settlement Proceeds Grant (OSPG) for Fiscal Years 2023 and 2024. This initiative follows a historic settlement between the State of Florida and major opioid manufacturers, distributors, and dispensers, which will bring over $3 billion to Florida over the next eighteen years.
At the July 1, 2021, Regular Council Meeting, Palm Bay City Council adopted Resolution 2021-33 which recognized the harmful effects of the opioid epidemic suffered by the City. The City of Palm Bay joined the State of Florida, counties, and other cities in addressing the opioid crisis through the National Prescription Opiate Litigation. Resolution 2021-33 proposed a unified plan for the allocation and use of prospective settlement dollars from opioid related litigation, and the City entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the State of Florida setting the framework of the unified plan for the proposed allocation and use of opioid settlement proceeds.
In December 2023, the City received its first round of funds from the National Opioid Settlement, totaling $275,619.36. This amount includes $86,397.57 for Fiscal Year 2023 and $189,221.79 for Fiscal Year 2024. Under the terms of the agreement, a maximum of 5% ($13,780.97) may be allocated for administrative costs, leaving a balance of $261,838.39 available for grant awards.
At the Regular Council Meeting on October 17, 2024, Palm Bay City Council approved Opioid Funding to three (3) programs in the total amount of $224,608. The remaining balance for Opioid Settlement Proceeds Grant (OSPG) is $37,230.39. Per Council direction, this RFA seeks to solicit applications and proposals from agencies providing eligible programs and services to homeless, or those at risk of homelessness. To be deemed eligible, programs and services must align with the Core Strategies as outlined in Exhibit A and fall within one of the three categories as established in Exhibit B of this RFA.
The second round of applications for the Opioid Settlement Proceeds Grant is now open. Interested parties are encouraged to review the full Request for Applications and submit their proposals in accordance with the guidelines provided. A Mandatory Technical Assistance Workshop (VIRTUAL) is required and is scheduled for Friday, January 31, 2025, at 1:00PM. Registration closes at midnight on Wednesday, January 29, 2025.
Agencies interested in applying must complete the registration form by Wednesday, January 29, 2025. Form located here www.pbfl.org/opioid
The workshop will be recorded and posted here www.pbfl.org/opioid for agencies not able to attend. A self-certification form, certifying the agency watched the workshop will need to be completed and submitted with the application.
Applications must be submitted by February 18, 2025 by 5:30PM.
