Impaired Optometrists Program

The Kentucky Board of Optometric Examiners is requesting proposals for a personal service contract to operate an Impaired Practitioners Program, with proposals due September 28, 2026 and written questions due September 10, 2026. The contract is open to qualified corporations, professional organizations, or similar legal entities with experience in impaired practitioners programs.

The scope encompasses intervention, prevention, and monitoring services for credential holders and applicants impaired by illness, alcohol or drug abuse, or physical or mental conditions. Core deliverables include screening and interviewing candidates, arranging drug screenings, communicating with therapists, maintaining case files, attending complaint committee and board meetings, and submitting written reports on participant progress and program compliance.

The initial contract term runs from October 1, 2026, through June 30, 2028, with the Commonwealth reserving the right to renew for up to two additional two-year periods subject to approval by the Secretary of the Finance and Administration Cabinet and the Legislative Research Commission Government Contract Review Committee. Compensation is based on the contractor's proposed hourly rate for a maximum 120-hour two-year period; no fixed funding amount is stated.

Evaluation is scored on 1,000 points: technical evaluation (600 points for past performance and qualifications), cost evaluation (300 points based on hourly rates, with the lowest-cost proposal receiving maximum points and others scored proportionally), and optional oral demonstrations (100 points). Contractors must maintain Commercial General Liability Insurance with minimum limits of $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate, and Professional Liability Insurance of $1 million per claim. The Commonwealth anticipates responding to written questions by September 18, 2026. The contract is subject to all applicable Kentucky statutes and regulations regarding nondiscrimination, equal employment opportunity, conflict of interest, and compliance with tax and employment laws.