U099--Rehabilitative Driving Services | Request for Information | Indefinite Delivery Requirement

This is a request for information and will be used for market research purposes only. The sources sought notice is used to identify potential vendors that have the resources and capabilities to provide the Rehabilitation Driving Services requested in the following preliminary Statement of Work: Statement of Work (SOW): The Louis A. Johnson VA Medical Center in Clarksburg, West Virginia, is seeking to procure an Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract for driver rehabilitation services. Definition Driver rehabilitation for the disabled, within the Department of Veterans Affairs is designed to provide professional evaluation and instruction for eligible veterans in the safe, competent utilization of special add on equipment, and mastery of specific skills and techniques to effectively drive a motor vehicle, independently, and in accordance with State Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) regulations. The following objectives shall be accomplished: The patient will acquire specific knowledge in all areas of the driver training course including didactic theory and practical experience. Psychomotor improvements in handling segments of the driver training task will be noted by comparison of function before and after completion of the training course The patient will maximize independence in all aspects of driving Supporting adaptive equipment will enable patients to mainstream themselves into society. Staff Qualifications It is required that at least one contract driver rehabilitation specialist in the organization be licensed, registered or certified by their professional organization. All specialists must have a minimum of a Baccalaureate Degree in adapted physical education, kinesiotherapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy or a specifically related rehabilitation therapy area. Completion of the National Driver Rehabilitation Specialist Examination is preferred. Components of Driver Training Services Pre-driving Testing Evaluation will be completed on all patients and will be comprised of the following components: Vision evaluation-evaluate visual acuity, field of vision, depth perception, glare recovery and reaction time. Basic perceptual testing Functional muscle testing Range of motion of all extremities Coordination testing Hearing (subjective) Sitting tolerance Activity tolerance and susceptibility to fatigue Spasticity Precautions to be taken for patients without bowel and/or bladder control Upon completion of the Driving Evaluation, the contractor shall report the recommended driver training services to the Contracting Officer s Representation (COR) at the appropriate facility site for review and/or approval of the recommended driver training services for the referred veteran. Adapted Driver Training Shall include the following activities: Transfer to and from conveyance Stowage and retrieval of wheelchair or ambulatory aid Orientation to vehicles controls Proper body positioning and alignment Mirror references, including blind spot checks and tests Passenger responsibility (for example, seat belts, door locks) Pre-driving checks, including external considerations (for example, lights, tire pressure), and internal (for example, gas supply) Starting and stopping the vehicle Right and left turns, U-turns and 3 point turnabouts Centrifugal forces Backing up Parking, parallel parking Lane changes Emotional stability behind the wheel Hill driving, uphill and downhill parking Passing other vehicles Hazardous driving situation (i.e. inclement weather, brake failure, flat tire, stuck accelerator) Changing traffic flows Pedestrian hazards Freeway entry and exit Night driving Vehicle Needs Assessment: Adapted Equipment Evaluation -evaluate the need for assistive devices, equipment adaptations and vehicle modification. A copy of all evaluations will be provided to the COR for inclusion in their files. Vehicle Inspection -inspect vehicle after modification to ensure that equipment was properly installed and the patient can operate the adaptations. A copy of all evaluations will be provided to the Contracting Officer s Technical Representative for inclusion in their files. Vehicle Consultation and Selection- assist the patient in the selection of an appropriate vehicle that best suits the needs of the particular patient. Equipment Qualifications Adaptive Equipment for driver rehabilitation training shall include the following: Hand controls (reversible with optional dimmer switch & horn button) Ignition key adapter Dimmer switch on steering column Transfer bar inside (portable) Steering devices (spinner knob, V-grip, tri-pin, and amputee ring) Assorted seat belts Panavision rear view mirrors Parking brake extension Left-foot gas pedal Right-Turn signal adapter Shift lever extension Spinner mount receivers for various assistive devices Driver training sign Slide boards-varied designs Instructor rear view mirror Instructor eye-check mirror Van Modification and Adaptive Equipment. Van modification and adaptive equipment shall include: Power doors and switches in the steering area and right rear fender. A side-mount lift and/or side-ramp system. A dropped floor with leveling and appropriate wheelchair flooring. A raised roof with structural support and insulation (a full-size van must have, in addition, a headliner); A removable 6-way power transfer seat base. An occupant-restraint system with wheelchair tie-down system in the driver s station. An occupant-restraint system with wheelchair tied down in the passenger area. A variable steering and braking system with backup. An extended-steering column, as applicable. A key extension. An electric emergency brake. A dual back-up battery system. Hand control (reversible) with dimmer switch and horn button. Spinner mount receivers for various assistive devices. Steering devices such as spinner knob, v-grip, tri-pin, and amputee ring. An instructor and/or dual steering system for high-tech driving systems. An instructor and/or dual braking system. A turn signal extension. A gear shift extension. A secondary control system for high-tech driving systems, e.g., touchpad, voice-activated system, etc. An instructor rear-view mirror; and An instructor eye-check mirror Maintenance and Safety. Routine maintenance and weekly safety checks of all adaptive equipment shall be scheduled and documented. Clinical Evaluation for Adaptive Equipment: The following areas of clinical evaluation are defined: Vision. Portable vision devices provide an evaluation of certain vision factors necessary to perform a safe driving task. Equipment must be available to measure the following: visual acuity, color perception, field of vision, depth perception, glare recovery, and night vision. Reaction Time. A device is used to measure reaction time from acceleration to breaking. Cognitive and Perceptional Screening. In screening of basic cognitive and perceptional motor materials, identification and/or verification of a potential problem must be referred to the appropriate professional for a more in-depth evaluation. Neuromotor Assessment. This is a physical assessment of range of motion, strength, sensation, coordination, and endurance. Evaluations Types of Disabilities that are treated in the VA Driver Rehabilitation Program: Paraplegia. Tetraplegia. Brain dysfunction. Hemiplegia. Neurological disorders. Amputation, i.e., upper and lower extremities. Orthopedic problems. Psychiatric disorders. Disabilities associated with aging. Pre-driving Assessment and Evaluation: The Driver Rehabilitation Specialist shall address the following areas as part of the initial assessment and evaluation: Initial Contact - Have initial contact with patient (driver rehabilitation candidate) in an interview atmosphere. VA Form 10-9028, Driver Training Functional Evaluation Record - Prepare patient s VA Form 10-9028, for each patient s continual use throughout training period. History - Obtain from patient the history of the patient s driving record, including any citations, accidents, or suspensions. Medical Clearance - Inform patients of steps to be taken to obtain medical clearance, if such is required by the State medical authority. Pre-driving Testing: Visual acuity, depth-perception, color-vision, peripheral-vision, night acuity, and glare recovery (tests may be administered by use of visual screening tools) Functional muscle testing. Basic perceptual test (e.g., dynamic figure-ground). Range of motion of all extremities, plus neck, if feasible. If lower extremities are non-functional, emphasis on exactness of upper extremity range of motion becomes greater. Coordination testing. Hearing (subjective). Balance (static and dynamic). Activity tolerance and susceptibility to fatigue. Spasticity. Bowel or bladder control. Reaction time, i.e., response time from accelerator to brake. Sensation and proprioception. Functional activities of daily living (ADL). Educational training Verification of Driver s license On Road Testing…