Zionsville Fire Department Work Performance Evaluation Update & Validation RFP

Location:	Indiana
Posted:	Dec 2, 2025
Due:	Dec 18, 2025
Agency:	Zionsville town
Type of Government:	State & Local
Category:	B - Special Studies and Analyses - Not R&D H - Quality Control, Testing, and Inspection Services
Publication URL:	To access bid details, please log in.

Bid Title:	Zionsville Fire Department Work Performance Evaluation Update & Validation RFP
Category:	Notice of Public Bids
Status:	Open

Description:

The Town of Zionsville is seeking a qualified service provider to evaluate the current work performance evaluation (“WPE”) system utilized by the Zionsville Fire Department. The proposal shall include revisions to the Department’s current WPE, including initial validation and on-going validation timing and processes to meet the Department's unique operational needs and goals. This new evaluation framework should prioritize addressing physical fitness within the Department, and establish a clear and measurable baseline for operational employees.

Publication Date/Time:

12/2/2025 9:00 AM

Closing Date/Time:

12/18/2025 4:00 PM

Contact Person:

James VanGorder
317-873-5358
jvangorder@zionsville-in.gov

Business Hours:

7:30 AM - 4:00 PM Mon-Fri

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Town of Zionsville Request for Proposals

Zionsville Fire Department

Work Performance Evaluation Revision and Validation

Issue Date: December 2, 2025

Proposals Due: December 18, 2025 at 4:00pm

Proposals may be submitted to Zionsville Fire Department Headquarters during normal business hours

at 1100 W. Oak Street, Zionsville, IN 46077 or via email to the contact included below

Project Overview

The Town of Zionsville is seeking a qualified service provider to evaluate the current work performance

evaluation (“WPE”) system utilized by the Zionsville Fire Department. The proposal shall include revisions to

the Department’s current WPE, including initial validation and on-going validation timing and processes to

meet the Department's unique operational needs and goals. This new evaluation framework should prioritize

addressing physical fitness within the Department, and establish a clear and measurable baseline for operational

employees.

The proposed solution must ensure that the performance evaluation aligns with the standards and expectations

critical to fire and EMS services while fostering a culture of accountability and individual improvement. The

aim is to implement an evaluation system that not only enhances Departmental efficiency, but also supports the

well-being and readiness of its personnel, ensuring the safety and effectiveness of emergency response

operations.

Background

Zionsville was established in 1852 and is located a mere 20 minutes north from the major metropolitan amenities of

Indianapolis, Indiana. Zionsville is comprised of approximately 67 square miles with an estimated population of 27,153

(July 2018). The town consolidated the townships of Union and Eagle (2010) and the unincorporated portion of Perry

(2016) into its jurisdiction. In doing this, it has a unique footprint and is bifurcated by an adjoining jurisdiction. The

excellence of Zionsville’s school system, historic Main Street, 500+ acres of parkland, vibrant community events and

unparalleled quality of life attracts families and businesses who seek a small-town atmosphere that’s just minutes away

from the big city amenities.

The Zionsville Fire Department has 91 career members who provide emergency fire and EMS services from four stations

(one by contract coverage). The Zionsville Fire Department was formed as an all-volunteer department in 1930 and

transitioned to a full-time career department in 2007.

Project Description

The Work Performance Evaluation will serve as the foundational assessment tool for operational staff to ensure

their capability to perform physically demanding tasks critical to emergency response scenarios. This revised

evaluation framework aims to incorporate job-specific movements that closely simulate real-life duties

performed during emergency incidents, fostering a realistic and purpose-driven approach to assessing readiness

and operational efficiency.

Project Scope

The WPE is designed to support a range of objectives, ensuring comprehensive oversight of physical fitness and

operational preparedness within the department. Its applications include:

 Annual Testing for Operational Members: Establishing consistent benchmarks for physical fitness and

task performance to promote ongoing readiness and accountability.

 Assessment After Light Duty or Extended Leave: Confirming an operational member's ability to resume

full duties following recovery from light duty assignments, illness, or extended medical leave.

 Integration into Promotion Criteria: Using the WPE as a quantifiable measure to assess physical

suitability for career advancement within the department.

 Supervisory Concerns with Fitness for Duty: Providing a structured framework to address specific

concerns regarding an individual's fitness to perform their role.

 Return to Full Duty After Medical Pension: Offering a pathway for firefighters who wish to reintegrate

into active service after accepting a medical pension, contingent on passing the evaluation.

To achieve its goals, the WPE will focus on crafting activities that replicate the physical demands encountered

in emergency response situations. These tasks will simulate movements such as lifting equipment, climbing

ladders, dragging hoses, or performing rescues, ensuring that operational members are tested in conditions that

mirror their actual work environment.

The ZFD Work Performance Evaluation (WPE) test is designed to evaluate the physical capabilities of

operational members, essential for effective performance during incidents. The assessment comprises events,

each specifically tailored to reflect real-life emergency tasks.

Key Testing Features:

- The WPE is a continuous evaluation in which participants are encouraged to pace themselves while

maintaining safety and efficiency.

- Events are timed to measure performance.

- Participants must adhere to safe and controlled movements throughout the test.

Completion Criteria:

The WPE is successfully completed by meeting or exceeding the minimum required performance standards

within the designated timeframe. This ensures operational members are physically prepared while adhering to

safety benchmarks.

Proposals shall be evaluated for provider experience, alignment with Departmental objectives and goals, and price.

Project Timeline

Timeline for project delivery is 6 months from the date of contract.

Contact Information

Deputy Chief of Operations, Aaron Gibbons

1100 W. Oak Street

Zionsville, IN 46077

317-873-5358

Optional: Supporting Documentation

 WPE Procedure

 WPE Layout

This is the opportunity summary page. It provides an overview of this opportunity and a preview of the attached documentation.

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Zionsville Fire Department Work Performance Evaluation Update & Validation RFP

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