R&D is the transportation broker for the Regional Center. R&D facilitates the process of establishing the contract, scheduling routes, performing Quality Assurance audits, handling customer service issues, and reviewing billing. The payments for services provided are paid by the Regional Center, not R&D.
Each Regional Center is responsible for a defined geographic area. Regional Centers may approve only those service provider applicants whose business addresses are within that Regional Center’s assigned service area. Please see the Regional Center Map / Lookup to determine which Regional Center supports your area(s) of business at: https://www.dds.ca.gov/rc/lookup-rcs-by-county/
Drivers cannot be sub-contractors of the agency. Drivers must have a valid California driver license of the appropriate class for the vehicle(s) used (which could mean they need a commercial driver license). Drivers may be required to have a medical clearance, VDDP certificate (Vehicle for Developmentally Disabled Persons issued through the CHP) and/or a Passenger Endorsement. Drivers and Attendants should be receiving training necessary for the safe and efficient provision of services, including competence training for the use of wheelchair lifts, ramps, or other equipment used for transporting, boarding, and exiting consumers from vehicles.
A prospective service provider will be sent forms, questionnaires, and/or worksheets to complete. Depending on the service type, there may be additional licensing or certification requirements which must be met before an application is accepted.
Minimum service provider standards are set by the State Department of Developmental Services (DDS) and described in California Code of Regulations Title 17, however there may be additional requirements through each specific vendoring Regional Center. Please connect with an R&D representative in the Vendorization and Contracts department to consider your specific circumstances and provide accurate information.
The timelines depend largely on the vendor. Once a potential service provider has submitted all necessary insurance policies, licenses, a complete application, and any other necessary documentation to R&D, the regional center is responsible to approve or deny vendorization within 45 days of receipt of all information.
Once a contract is signed, vendors complete the orientation and implementation processes, whereby each department at R&D meets with a vendor to gather or share information needed for the provision of services.
Transportation is provided but not limited to Monday – Friday, to/from services and supports i.e. day program, school, work training, volunteering, with hours varying from 6:00am-6:30pm.
No, vendors must meet all vendorization requirements before being granted a contract. This includes inadequate insurance limits, vehicles outside of regional center contract requirements, and missing or pending driver credentials.
To learn more please submit a contact request HERE to speak with an R&D representative in the Vendorization and Contracts department to consider your specific circumstances and provide accurate information.