IDVR - Wheelchair vehicle mod - Request Form to Division of Purchasing (DOP).docx
DOCX document 15 KB Posted
- Solicitation number
- 995
- Issued by
- Idaho
About this file
This is an exemption from competition request form submitted by the Idaho Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (IDVR) to the state's Division of Purchasing (DOP) for the procurement of wheelchair accessible vehicle modification conversion services. The IDVR seeks to purchase directly from United Access, a proposed supplier, without completing a competitive solicitation process. The project involves a one-time purchase of an All-Terrain Conversion (ATC) with Electronic Mobility Controls (EMC) vehicle modification for a participant who sustained a C5 spinal cord injury resulting in quadriplegia and requires a modified vehicle to maintain independence and pursue academic and vocational goals. A Certified Driving Rehabilitation Specialist (CDRS) prescribed the ATC with EMC specifications, which must include crash-tested back and neck supports to meet National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (NMEDA) safety standards. The modification must be completed by an NMEDA certified technician with EMC certification credentials.
The anticipated total cost for this one-time purchase is $199,246.78. The IDVR justifies the exemption from competition by documenting that multiple qualified providers have declined the referral due to insufficient specialized capabilities. Idaho-based Access Vans declined because they are not qualified to perform EMC installations, and MobilityWorks in Salt Lake City declined because they lack an EMC certified installer and do not perform ATC vehicle conversions. The IDVR asserts that the combination of required ATC and EMC capabilities, along with mandatory NMEDA certifications, creates a severely limited vendor pool with little to no competition available. The exemption request has been made available for public review and comment through the state's procurement system (IPRO), and suppliers may submit information supporting or contradicting the agency's competition exemption claim.
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| File | Type | Posted |
|---|---|---|
| IDVR - Wheelchair mod - Request Form to Division of Purchasing (DOP).pdf |
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Text version
Property Being Purchased:
Vehicle Conversion Type of Exemption:
My Agency is seeking to purchase directly from an identified vendor without completing a solicitation OR wishes to perform a level of competition that is less formal than would typically be required.
Additional Questions:
It would be impractical, unreasonable, or disadvantageous to complete the required competitive process under the circumstances. (Exemption from Competition) Proposed Supplier:
United Access Duration:
One-Time Purchase
Anticipated Total Cost:
$199,246.78 Background:
In 2022 the participant sustained a C5 spinal cord injury resulting in quadriplegia. He has an existing driver’s license but requires a modified vehicle to allow him to drive. He will drive from a manual wheelchair. This will allow for ongoing independence, as well as completion of both academic and vocational goals. A comprehensive behind-the-wheel driving evaluation with a Certified Driving Rehabilitation Specialist (CDRS) prescribed an All-Terrain Conversion (ATC) with Electronic Mobility Controls (EMC). An ATC conversion is required to allow the participant to drive safely from his manual wheelchair. Crash tested back and neck supports will need to be built into the vehicle. This equipment is necessary to meet National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (NMEDA) safety standards for vehicle modifications for people with disabilities. The ATC vehicle modifications need to be completed by an NMEDA certified technician that is also an EMC certified installer. The CDRS recommended United Access as the supplier due to their compliance with safety standards and knowledge of the high-tech EMC equipment.
Justification:
Many vehicle modification installers do not offer both EMC and ATC modifications, therefore they would decline to accept the referral. Safety risks are posed if conversions were to be performed by suppliers that are not NMEDA certified dealers.
Description:
Idaho based mobility equipment supplier, Access Vans, declined to accept the referral as they are not qualified to perform EMC installations. MobilityWorks in Salt Lake City also declined, as they do not currently have an EMC certified installer on staff and do not perform ATC vehicle conversions. Due to the need for both ATC and EMC capabilities, as well as NMEDA certifications, there is limited to no provider competition available.
File details come from the government source that posted it. Updated .