THE AGENCY
Pierce Transit is a Washington State municipal corporation organized under RCW36-57A, Public Transportation Benefit Areas with 700 employees and is responsible for providing public transit and specialized (SHUTTLE) transportation service in Tacoma and specified areas throughout Pierce County. The Agency’s administrative offices are located at 3701 96th Street SW, P0 Box 99070, Lakewood, WA 98499-0070.

BACKGROUND
Pierce Transit provides SHUTTLE service for elderly and disabled persons that 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 assess physical ability to utilize fixed route service in accordance with 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 two monthly evaluation sessions of approximately five hour duration per session. These sessions will be conducted at Pierce Transit or a location determined by Pierce Transit. Pierce Transit will schedule the clients that are to be evaluated at these sessions. There will 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 professional medical/rehabilitation team to perform eligibility functional assessments and conduct appeal hearings in accordance with ADA and Agency criteria. The desirable proposer shall possess expertise in the assessment of orthopedic conditions and accompanying functional physical limitations. The primary responsibility of this service is to test individuals with disabilities and make a determination about their eligibility for SHUTTLE service based on ADA criteria.

Of particular importance is the ability to make determinations about eligibility based on functional ability to board, disembark, and access 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 and their impact on functional capabilities is also required. Pierce Transit will provide all the necessary background and consultation on ADA mandates.

• Conduct all matters of business as required to evaluate selected individuals.
• Receive referrals and directly contact the individual for an appointment 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 applicable laws.
• Conduct and administer physical function assessments or diagnostic tests as required at Pierce Transit and in some cases at community locations.
• Interpret results of diagnostic tests and make a determination of eligibility based on ADA standards.
• Provide a brief written summary of evaluation results to Pierce Transit, including an eligibility determination with rationales backed by your findings.
• Give the individual an opportunity to discuss results, at least by phone. Pierce Transit will provide notification of applicant status.
• Conduct appeal hearings and make eligibility decisions based on ADA criteria and Pierce Transit agency policy.
• Testify in court if required.
• Complete all aspects of evaluation and determination within thirty (30) days of receipt of referral.
• Consult with Pierce Transit or other professional providers as needed to fulfill the obligation of this contract.

QUALIFICATIONS
Proposers must possess the following qualifications:

• A minimum of one Physical Therapist and one Physician who specializes in rehabilitation, both 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.
• The ability to assess effort in the testing environment.
• The ability to make determinations about SHUTTLE eligibility based on ADA criteria.
• The ability to work well with individuals who have a wide range of disabilities.
• The ability to test and identify the functional impact of physical impairments in individuals.
• The ability to understand the impact of a wide range of medical conditions on the functional ability of individuals to utilize public transportation.
• Prior 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 years.