Current through March 20, 2024
004.01 Least Cost
Alternative
Considering all available alternatives, including those
services which can be provided directly by program staff without additional
cost to the program, the program will procure the least expensive, comparable
services, goods and supports which meet the recipient's needs.
004.02 Informed Choice
Consistent with the principle of informed choice, recipients
may choose those services, goods, and supports, service providers, and
procurement methods which, in their judgment, best meet their needs. However,
in determining the amount of program financial assistance, the program will use
the least cost alternative and the recipient must take the responsibility to
pay for the excess costs incurred.
004.03 Cost Estimates
004.03A. For cash advance, one cost estimate
must be obtained for services, goods, and supports that are not subject to an
established fee or specified amount stipulated in Appendix B costing $1, 999.99
or less. The cost estimate must be documented in the case service record. A
cost estimate may be obtained by comparison shopping, use of governmental or
educational price lists, catalogs, advertisements, internet, or by
telephone.
004.03B. Two (2)
documented estimates must be obtained for services, goods, and supports that
are not subject to an established fee or specified amount stipulated in
Appendix B costing between $2,000 and $4, 999.99. Cost estimates must be
obtained by comparison shopping, use of governmental or educational price
lists, catalogs, or advertisements, internet, or by telephone. A cost estimate
from a single provider may be used if a necessary service, good, or support is
available only from a single source or distributor. Cost Estimates must be
documented by the program in the case service record.
004.03C. Written cost estimates must be
obtained from at least three (3) providers for any services, goods, and
supports that are not subject to an established fee or specific amount
stipulated in Appendix B, costing $5,000 or more. A written cost estimate from
a single provider may be used if a needed service, good, or support is
available only from a single source or distributor. Written cost estimates must
be retained in the case service record.
004.04 In-State Providers
Preference will be given to comparable goods and services
that can be procured from Nebraska service providers and businesses, with first
preference given to those comparable services which can be provided directly by
program staff without additional cost to the program. Use of out-of-state
vendors is limited to situations in which an out-of-state vendor is
geographically closer to the recipient, the good or service is not available
in-state, or the total cost to the program for the good or service is
substantially less considering the actual cost of the good or service and the
related costs associated with procuring the goods or participating in the
service.
004.05 Real Estate
Program funds cannot be used, either directly or indirectly,
for the purchase of any land, or for the purchase or erection of any
building.
004.06 Standards
Facilities used and providers of vocational rehabilitation
services must meet the minimum standards in Appendix A.
004.07 Methods of Procurement
The program offers recipients meaningful choices, subject to
Appendix B, from the following three methods to procure vocational
rehabilitation services, goods, and supports, including the ability of
recipients to obtain vocational rehabilitation services, goods, and supports
from their provider of choice.
004.07A. Cash Advance. An amount issued to
the recipient in advance of the purchase of services, goods, and supports.
004.07A1. The recipient may obtain the
services, goods, and supports from the provider of choice.
004.07A2. The recipient is responsible for
any cost in excess of the cash advance.
004.07A3. The recipient is responsible for
providing to program staff itemized receipts or other agreed on evidence to
verify appropriate use of the cash advance.
004.07B. Reimbursements. A payment to a
recipient for pre-authorized services, goods, and supports, not to exceed the
pre-authorized amount upon the rendering of recipient's paid or credited
receipts or printed online confirmation copy.
004.07B1. The recipient may obtain the
services, goods, and supports from the provider of choice.
004.07B2. The recipient is responsible for
any cost in excess of the pre-authorized amounts, unless otherwise agreed to by
Vocational Rehabilitation.
004.07C. Program Purchase. A pre-authorized
amount for the purchase of services, goods, or supports issued to a provider in
advance of the purchase.
004.07C1. The
recipient may obtain the services and supports of those providers that are
willing to conduct business with the program.
