The Oneida County Health Department is seeking proposals to design, implement, and operate a sensory room for children and youth with special healthcare needs and their families at the 2026 Oneida County Fair. A maximum of $77,559.00 will be awarded.
The sensory room will provide children and youth with special health care needs a supportive space to regulate and successfully participate in the fair experience. Large community events can be overwhelming for some children and families, and this initiative helps reduce those barriers while supporting inclusion and participation.
“The Oneida County Fair is an annual event full of activities and fun for kids and adults, music, food and family time,” said Daniel W. Gilmore, Ph.D., MPH. “We want to create a safe, calming, inclusive, supportive space where children can relax and then re-engage in fair activities.”
Community based agencies and organizations with experience in sensory support, disability inclusion, family-centered services, or supporting children and youth with special health care needs are invited to apply. Funding will support the design, set up and operation of a temporary sensory room. Plans should include sensory and adaptive materials, staffing and on-site support, and reporting.
Oneida County intends to award one contract; however, the County reserves the right to award in a manner deemed in its best interest. All proposals received will be examined and evaluated by the Oneida County Health Department and will be evaluated based on detailed criteria found in the RFP documents.
RFP documents are available Oneida County’s website found at https://oneidacountyny.gov/departments/purchasing/. Questions can be directed to Oneida County Health Department at 315-798-6400 or by emailing dgilmore@oneidacountyny.gov.
Proposals must be submitted by 4 p.m. on May 29, 2026. Applicants must submit an electronic copy to dgilmore@oneidacountyny.gov and a sealed hard copy mailed to the Oneida County Health Department, 800 Park Avenue, 6th Floor, Utica, NY 13501, attention: Daniel W. Gilmore.
