Counselors have purchasing authority with no dollar limits or supervisor sign off, resulting in streamlined process. Medically-related activities are exempt from bidding. Has Centralized Purchasing Authority Under its Rules. Dollar thresholds determine level of bidding, e.g. phone or written quotes, public notice and competitive bids, etc Certain state contracts exist with vendors for specific items. Vendors are paid a contractual amount and vendor supplies the item to consumer.
Competition is cornerstone.
If an item is on state contract, must buy off the contract. Some state purchasing rules are defined in law, others in agency protocols. With the exception of 'maintenance' or 'transportation' as defined in Federal regulations, it is rare for states to give dollars directly to consumers. In instances where this occurs, it usually results from situations of an emergency nature. Furthermore, as a proxy for actual currency, those states that give money directly to consumers do so by check or by using a credit card that can be used as a cash payment.