Section 92-72-004 - Services, Goods, and Supports Procurement004.01 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.92 Neb. Admin. Code, ch. 72, § 004