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 up to four (4) monthly evaluation sessions of approximately seven (7) hours duration per session. These sessions will be conducted at Pierce Transit or occasionally at a location determined by 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. Pierce Transit requires the services of a rehabilitation professional from the field of Physical Therapy to perform physical functional assessments in accordance with ADA and Agency criteria. The desirable applicant shall possess expertise in the assessment of orthopedic and medical disabilities and accompanying functional physical limitations. The primary responsibility of this evaluator is to test individuals with disabilities and complete an assessment form regarding their functional ability to access and use public transportation service based on ADA criteria. Of particular importance is the ability to make assessments about applicants’ functional ability to board, disembark, and access bus stops or transit centers in accordance with ADA criteria. Experience providing evaluations within regulatory parameters for state or federal entities is preferred. Familiarity with a wide range of medical conditions/disabilities and their impact on functional capabilities is also required. Pierce Transit will provide all the necessary background and consultation on ADA mandates.

• Conduct physical capacity testing and other research as required to make assessments about functional abilities to access and utilize public transportation.
• Conduct and administer physical functional assessments or diagnostic tests as required at the Pierce Transit training facility up to four (4) times per month.
• Conduct individual or group functional assessment sessions in the community as needed.
• Request and procure any necessary background information from other sources.
• Review and interpret relevance of application and supplemental information provided.
• Maintain documentation in accordance with agency requirements and applicable laws.
• Interpret results of diagnostic tests and complete an assessment form regarding the individual’s functional ability based on ADA and agency standards.
• Give the individual an opportunity to discuss results, at least by phone. Pierce Transit will provide notification of applicant status.
• Testify in court, at ADA appeal hearings, 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.
• Complete all aspects of evaluation and determination within thirty (30) days of receipt of referral.
• 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.
• Consult with Pierce Transit or other professional providers as needed to fulfill the obligation of this contract.

QUALIFICATIONS
Candidates must possess the following qualifications:

• Licensed to practice in Washington State.
• Knowledge and experience working with aspects of ADA and public accommodations.
• Experience in the field of rehabilitation and/or pain management desired.
• Ability to assess effort in the testing environment.
• Ability to make assessments about functional ability based on testing results as well as ADA and agency criteria.
• Ability to work well with individuals who have a wide range of disabilities.
• Ability to test and identify the functional impact of physical impairments in individuals.
• Ability to understand the impact of a wide range of disabilities and medical conditions on the functional ability of individuals to utilize public transportation.
• Experience in completing assessments for public entities.

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.