Section 192-1-005 - Procurement Of Goods and Services005.01.SELECTION CRITERIA. Facilities, programs, and providers, whether public or private, are selected on the basis of: 005.01A. The ability to render the specific service or product required for the lowest cost;005.01B. The qualifications of a professional and technical provider;005.01C. The availability of adequate facilities, equipment, and services to meet the recipient's needs;005.01D. Their past performance in achieving results or employment outcomes and the quality of results or employment outcomes achieved; and,005.01E. The informed choice of the recipient.005.02.LEAST EXPENSIVE ALTERNATIVE. Considering all available alternatives, including those services that can be provided directly by NCBVI staff without additional cost to NCBVI, NCBVI will procure the least expensive, comparable goods and services that meet the recipient's needs. Consistent with the principle of informed choice, recipients may choose those goods and services, service providers, or procurement methods which, in their judgment, best meet their needs. However, , if their choice exceeds the least expensive alternative or applicable cost containment provisions, the recipient must take the responsibility to pay for the excess costs incurred.005.03.PRICE QUOTATIONS FOR GOODS. Price quotations are required for the purchase of goods costing over $2,000. Price quotations may be obtained from websites, catalogs, advertisements, by telephone, or in writing from qualified vendors. Price quotes shall be obtained from a minimum of two (2) providers, unless there is only one qualified provider available or it is unreasonable to obtain quotations from more than one (1) provider. If there is only one (1) qualified provider available, a single quote may be used. NCBVI staff will involve clients in identifying price quotations for all goods purchased, regardless of price, to the extent feasible. NCBVI staff has responsibility for assuring accuracy of such quotes. 005.04.PRICE QUOTES. The following will be considered in choosing which providers present the least expensive price quote: 005.04A. Provider qualifications;005.04C. Quality of goods or services;005.04D. Specific individual needs, including access to repairs or services;005.04E. Individual preferences and informed choices regarding the provider; and,005.04F. The past performance of the provider in achieving results or employment outcomes and the quality of results or employment outcomes achieved.005.05.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 that can be provided directly by NCBV1 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 NCBVI 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.005.06.STANDARDS. Facilities used and providers of vocational rehabilitation services must meet the minimum standards in Appendix B.005.07. REAL ESTATE. NCBVI funds cannot be used, either directly or indirectly, for the purchase of any land, or for the purchase or erection of any building.005.08.EQUIPMENT OWNERSHIP. A recipient of services will have ownership of equipment purchased pursuant to a client's individualized plan for employment or independent living.192 Neb. Admin. Code, ch. 1, § 005
Amended effective 7/2/2019