Arkansas Administrative Code › Agency 172 - Department of Career Education › Rule 172.00.15-003 - Policy Governing the Rates of Payment for Purchased VR Services

Current through Register Vol. 49, No. 6, June, 2024
APPENDIX I
POLICY GOVERNING THE RATES OF PAYMENT
FOR PURCHASED VR SERVICES
1.
VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION
  SERVICES
Vocational rehabilitation services are any services described in CFR
	 361.48, and necessary to assist an individual with a disability in preparing
	 for, securing, retaining, or regaining an employment outcome consistent with
	 the strengths, resources, priorities, concerns, abilities, capabilities,
	 interests, and informed choice of the individual.
2.
REQUIREMENTS FOR REHABILITATION
  SERVICE PROVISION
See ARS Policy Manual Section 6 for Service Provision Guidelines and
	 Excluded Services for Purchased VR Services.
3.
RATES OF PAYMENT
When determining model rates for provider reimbursement, ARS utilizes
	 approved standards of compensation that are recognized authorities or
	 accrediting bodies in the applicable field and establishes that rate for its
	 certified vendors providing goods or services. For example, licensure by the
	 state is recognized by ARS as a criterion for approval of all health care
	 providers. Rates of payment for licensed physician or other authorized health
	 care professional are set at the Medicaid rate as outlined below. Similarly,
	 ARS recognizes national accreditation for the approval of colleges and
	 universities as providers.
4.
ARS PURCHASING REQUIREMENTS
PROCEDURES - PURCHASING
The Arkansas Office of State Procurement requires competitive bids for
	 commodities or services that cost over $10,000 (ACA &
	 19-11-234 ).
	 In order to ensure that the cost is reasonable ARS further requires competitive
	 bids for purchases over $5,000. Rates of payment for goods or services under
	 $5,000 are based on fee schedules or compared in the local market in order to
	 ensure a reasonable price.
If the cost of one item or the total cost of like items amount
	 to:
4.01
Tier 1
$5,000.01 or more but less than $10,000 (tax excluded) will require the
	 approval of the District Manager. Within 30 calendar days, the counselor will
	 obtain at least three written quotes, complete the Request for Purchase form
	 (RS-357) with a Memo explaining the need for purchase, and submit this
	 information to the District Manager. The District Manager will approve the
	 lowest bid in accordance with the State of Arkansas procurement laws, rules,
	 and regulations. If less than three quotes are obtained, a statement of
	 explanation will accompany the purchase request. Quote specification details
	 will be consistent to all vendors. If the District Manager approves the lowest
	 vendor, a copy of the RS-357 will be returned to the counselor. Upon receipt,
	 the counselor may issue an authorization.
4.02
Tier 2
$10,000.01 or more but less than $25,000 (tax excluded) will require
	 the approval of the Chief of Field Services and the District Manager. Within 30
	 calendar days, the counselor will obtain at least three written quotes,
	 complete the Request for Purchase form (RS-357) with a Memo explaining the need
	 for purchase, and submit this information to the District Manager. The District
	 Manager will approve the lowest bid in accordance with the State of Arkansas
	 procurement laws, rules, and regulations. If less than three quotes are
	 obtained, a statement of explanation will accompany the purchase request. Quote
	 specification details will be consistent to all vendors. The RS-357 will be
	 submitted to the Chief of Field Services for final approval. If approved by the
	 Chief of Field Services and the District Manager, a copy of the RS-357 will be
	 returned to the counselor. Upon receipt, the counselor may issue an
	 authorization.
4.03
Tier 3
$25,000.01 or more requires the approval of the Chief of Field Services
	 and the Commissioner. Within 30 calendar days, the counselor will obtain at
	 least three or more verbal or written quotes, and submit this information to
	 the District Manager. If the counselor is unable to obtain three quotes, a
	 statement of explanation must accompany the purchase request. Quote
	 specification details will be consistent to all vendors. The counselor/District
	 Manager must be satisfied the price is fair and reasonable based on the
	 following:
* Evaluation of the work to be performed
* Bids including consolidated price summary of material (list items)
	 quantities
* Labor hours/rate of pay
* Reflect fair market value - price a buyer would ordinarily
	 pay.
The counselor completes the Request for Purchase form (RS-357) with a
	 Memo explaining the need for purchase, and submits to the District Manager. If
	 the District Manager approves the need for purchase, he or she will forward the
	 Request for Purchase to Central Office to arrange for the purchase in
	 accordance with the State of Arkansas procurement laws, rules, and regulations.
	 The bid process ensures costs are reasonable, and the segregation of duties
	 ensures internal control. The Central Office will complete the purchase and
	 notify the counselor, who will note the justification in the IPE.