Service providers must be vendored by Tri-Counties Regional Center (TCRC) before they can provide and be reimbursed for services. “Vendorization” is the term used to describe the entire approval process involved in preparing to provide services to individuals served by the regional center. While this process often involves obtaining licenses and/or approval from other State and local agencies prior to becoming a vendor, the main point of contact is TCRC’s Resource Development team. The application process starts here, and we will be your guide throughout the entire process.
TCRC keeps an electronic address book of individuals who would like to be notified of resource development needs. If you would like to be included in future email notices, please click the button below to add your name to the “RFP Notification” mailing list
Vendorization Rollout in Provider Directory
Beginning December 3, 2025, TCRC will phase in implementation of new vendorizations in the Provider Directory for American Sign Language Training and Support (service code 644), Licensed Vocational Nurse (service code 742), Registered Nurse (service code 744), and Specialized Therapeutic Services (service code 117). This implementation will be completed by March 1, 2026 for all new vendorizations.
Contact vendorization@tri-counties.org for guidance on how to begin your application between December 3, 2025 and March 1, 2026. Effective on and after July 1, 2026, Purchase Reimbursement (Service Code 024) vendorization applications must be completed in the Provider Directory.
What is Vendorization?
“Vendorization” is the term used to describe the approval process to provide services through regional centers to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. You apply for vendorization online through the Provider Directory. This is where you will submit required information and documents, communicate with regional centers, and track your progress.
Your application will be reviewed by the vendoring regional center – the center responsible for the geographic area (also known as catchment area) where your site-based service or operating office is located. The regional center will review your documents and determine if you meet the requirements. If approved, you’ll be assigned a vendor number and a service code in the Provider Directory.
Who Can Apply?
• Potential New Providers: People or agencies who want to start offering services and supports to Californians with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• Existing Providers: Providers who want to add new services or expand to new areas.
• Family Members or Guardians: People supporting individuals through the provision of specific services agreed upon by the individual program plan team.
Who Cannot Apply in the Directory?
Entities seeking to provide service to individuals in the Self-Determination Program cannot apply in the Provider Directory, except for Financial Management Services (FMS) service codes 315-317.
When should you apply for vendorization in the Directory?
Applicants can start a vendorization application at any time.
However, if applying for an emergency vendorization or applying for vendorization of certain specialized facilities through the Community Placement Plan (CPP) or Community Resource Development Plan (CRDP) project, contact [regional center] to learn how to begin your application process and when to create your login profile to apply in the Provider Directory.
How can I prepare?
You must determine what service type you are planning to provide and understand applicable statutes, regulations and directives issued by the Department of Developmental Services based on your experience and expertise. The Department of Developmental Services is governed by Title 17 Division 2 of the California Code of Regulations (CCR). Vendorization is governed by Title 17, Division 2, Chapter 3, Subchapter 2. These rules explain:
• What services regional centers can fund
• What providers must do to qualify
• How the vendorization process works
• What is required to maintain your vendorization
• The commonly used terms you need to know
To learn more about services offered through regional centers, visit the Regional Center Services and Descriptions webpage on the Department of Developmental Services’ website.
What services are needed?
• View our current service needs: Letter of Interest.
• See open Requests for Proposals (RFPs): Check for Current Request for Proposals (RFPs).
What are the Steps to Apply?
Vendorization application steps and processing time requirements
The vendorization process is done online through the Provider Directory.
Here’s what to expect:
Step 1: Create or login to existing Provider Directory Profile
• Open browser and type https://caddsprod.servicenowservices.com/spd
• If your business is new to the Provider Directory, create login profile.
• If your business is in the Provider Directory, login with existing credentials.
Step 2: Submit requirements
• Submit information to show you meet the minimum requirements.
• The regional center will review your request within 15 calendar days.
Step 3: Submit application
If you meet the basic requirements, you’ll be asked to submit additional information and documents to support your application.
• When all requested information is received, TCRC will review your application for completeness within 30 calendar days.
• If anything is missing or incorrect, you’ll have 30 calendar days to submit it. The submission review timeline/clock pauses for TCRC during this time and does not reset.
Step 4: Receive decision
• When the application is complete, TCRC will review the application
• TCRC will make a vendorization decision within 45 calendar days.
• If approved, you’ll receive a vendor number.
• If not approved, you’ll receive a denial notice with rights to appeal the decision.
Who Can Use Vendored Providers?
Once vendored, a service provider may be utilized by other regional centers, known as “user” or “utilizing” regional centers, as well as the originally vendoring regional center.
NOTE: The vendor identification number assigned by the vendoring regional center must be used by all regional centers purchasing the vendored service.
Do you need help?
For on-demand resources, such as step-by-step guides, FAQs, and an overview of the vendorization process, go to the DDS How to Become a Vendor web page.
If you have questions or need help with the process, contact us at [regional center email] or [regional center phone]. We’re here to support you every step of the way.
Important Note About Vendorization
Pursuant to Title 17 of the CCR section 54322(d)(10), while becoming a vendor makes a provider eligible to provide services, it in no way obligates Tri-Counties Regional Center to purchase services from that vendor.
