THE AGENCY
Pierce Transit is a Washington State municipal corporation organized under RCW36-57A, Public Transportation Benefit Areas with 1,000 employees and is responsible for providing public transit and specialized (SHUTTLE) paratransit transportation service in Tacoma and specified areas throughout Pierce County. The Agency’s administrative offices are located at 3701 96th Street SW, Lakewood, WA 98499-4431. Mailing address is PO Box 99070, Lakewood, WA 98496-0070.

BACKGROUND
Pierce Transit provides SHUTTLE service for individuals with disabilities who are unable to utilize the Agency's fixed route service. We continuously review SHUTTLE eligibility of our current riders and new applicants to ensure only qualified passengers use the service, since the service is very costly to provide. Pierce Transit therefore requires the services of a medical professional to help assess physical ability to utilize fixed route service in accordance with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines.

SCOPE OF WORK
Pierce Transit requests proposals to provide evaluation services in accordance with the following scope of work. The project requires completion of as-needed cognitive functional assessments in accordance with ADA and Agency criteria. The Contractor shall perform cognitive assessment and assess mental functional limitations as required.

Pierce Transit required the services of a professional from the field of Psychology or Psychiatry skilled and experiences in assessing the functional abilities of individuals with a wide variety of developmental disabilities, mental and emotional conditions, and other cognitive conditions. Candidates with professional experience in assessing cognitive functional abilities in benefit eligibility situations such as Labor and Industries or Supplementary Security Income (SSI) are preferred.

This evaluation includes, but is not limited to, clinical interviews, assessments, review of documentation, and conducting standardized tests. These assessments will be conducted at the Contractor's office or occasionally at Pierce Transit. Pierce Transit will schedule the clients who are to be evaluated at these sessions. There may be other individualized assessment requirements to be completed on an hourly basis at a Pierce Transit specified location. The primary responsibility of this service is to test individuals with disabilities to make an assessment about their ability to use Pierce Transit services based on agency and ADA criteria.

Of particular importance is the ability to provide reports to Pierce Transit about an applicant’s cognitive functional ability to navigate the fixed route system, access bus stops or transit centers, understand directions, and satisfactorily act on directions in accordance with ADA criteria. Experience and knowledge of providing evaluations within regulatory parameters for state or federal entities is preferred. Familiarity with a wide range of mental disorders, developmental disabilities, and other conditions and their impact on cognitive capabilities is also required. Pierce Transit will provide the necessary background and consultation on ADA mandates.

• Conduct all matters of business as required to evaluate selected individuals.
• Request and procure any necessary background information from other sources in advance of assessment.
• Review and interpret relevance of application and supplemental information provided in advance of assessment.
• Maintain documentation in accordance with applicable laws.
• Conduct standardized testing or use clinical diagnostic interviewing skills, sometimes at community locations designated by Pierce Transit, as required to fulfill the obligations of this contact.
• Interpret results of diagnostic procedures and make an assessment of cognitive functional ability based on ADA and agency standards within thirty (30) days of the evaluation.
• Provide a clear and concise written summary of evaluation results to Pierce Transit, with rationales backed by Contractor’s findings. The Contractor does not provide the actual determination of eligibility, but rather provides information and data that permits Pierce Transit to make that determination.
• Give the individual an opportunity to discuss results and provide relevant information, at least by phone. Pierce Transit will determine and provide notification of applicant status.
• Testify in court or in other legal proceedings as required, providing own legal counsel. Pierce Transit will provide a copy of all pertinent applicant records to the Contractor in the event of a legal proceeding.
• Consult with Pierce Transit or other professional providers in advance of assessment, as needed, to fulfill the obligation of this contract. Ex parte communications are strictly prohibited. Receiving information in advance of an assessment or hearing allows discussion by all parties during the process.
• Appointments cancelled three (3) working days prior to the scheduled time shall be considered adequate notice for cancellation of appointment and will not incur cancellation fees.
• Provide interpretation of cognitive assessments provided by other medical providers, as needed.

TERM OF CONTRACT
The contract resulting from this request for proposals shall be for a three (3) year period with options to renew for two (2) additional one-year terms.