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Contract Award For Paratransit Eligibility Assessment Services
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DESCRIPTION: Eligibility Assessments for the RTA’s ADA Paratransit Eligibility Certification Program |
AGENDA NO: Click or tap here to enter text. |
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ACTION REQUEST: ☒ Approval ☐ Review Comment ☐ Information Only ☐ Other |
RECOMMENDATION:
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To authorize the Chief Executive Officer to award a one-year contract with two one-year renewal options to ADA Ride Inc. for Paratransit Eligibility Assessment services at a cost not to exceed $157,373.00 for the first year with a total contract value not to exceed $443,826.00.
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ISSUE/BACKGROUND:
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The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and the implementation of federal regulations by the U.S Department of Transportation published in 1991, specifies that public transit systems providing fixed route service must provide paratransit service to individuals with disabilities that is " comparable to the level of service provided to individuals without disabilities who use the fixed route system." This comparable service is known as complementary paratransit. This service went out to bid on August 4, 2025, and there were three responsive proposals. The bids were evaluated and it was determined that the vendor was the most responsible and reasonable.
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DISCUSSION:
A specialized contractor for paratransit eligibility assessments brings trained professionals such as occupational therapists and other functional assessment experts who are experienced in cognitive, sensory, and functional evaluations and in applying standardized, ADA-compliant assessment tools. These clinicians assess whether individuals can safely and independently use fixed-route transit by examining real-world skills like trip planning, navigation, wayfinding, and problem-solving, rather than relying solely on medical review. Their expertise supports accurate eligibility determinations, ensuring paratransit is reserved for those whose disabilities truly prevent fixed-route use, while avoiding the high cost and complexity of developing this specialized service in-house.
RTA’s current eligibility certification model for RTA Paratransit applicants involves a two-step process; first the applicant will submit a completed application. Upon receipt of the completed application, the vendors will verify the functional abilities, disabilities, and/or medical information described and provided by the applicant by evaluating applicants’ physical, cognitive, and visual limitations. This in-person interview may include a functional assessment, including an evaluation of the applicant’s function and cognitive abilities to perform various skills necessary to take a trip on public transit independently.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
Funds for this contract are available within RTA's Operating Budget under account number 01-4800-02-7070-162-05-00-00000-00000. The recommended award is for a one-year contract with two one-year renewal options, for a total contract value of $443,826.00. The breakdown of cost is listed below:
Year One Annual = $157,373.00
Year Two Annual = $141,110
Year Three Annual = $145,343
NEXT STEPS:
With Board approval, staff will execute the contract and proceed with securing services.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Resolution
2. Cost Proposal
3. ADA Ride’s Proposal
4. RFP 2025-025
Prepared By: Natasha Riley
Title: Senior Customer experience Manager
Reviewed By: Kelder Summers
Title: Chief of External Affairs
Reviewed By: Gizell Banks
Title: Chief Financial Officer
2/11/2026
Lona Edwards Hankins Date
Chief Executive Officer