Becoming a Service Provider
Becoming a Service Provider with Inland Regional Center (IRC) will grant your organization the opportunity to offer your unique services to our incredible, growing community throughout Riverside and San Bernardino counties. The process used to get you approved is called Vendorization. On this page you will find information that will help you start your Vendorization journey, as well as provide additional information you may find helpful. We look forward to hearing from you!
Jump to Section: Residential Facility Providers | Current Service Needs | CPP/CRDP Priorities
Already an IRC Service Provider? Find important vendor information and updates on our:
Vendorization
Becoming a Service Provider with Inland Regional Center (IRC) involves undergoing a detailed application and screening process called Vendorization. This process ensures that Service Providers meet all licensing and Title 17 regulations and IRC's specific standards and requirements. IRC can only approve Service Providers within its service area, which includes Riverside and San Bernardino counties. During the Vendorization process, you must provide a valid business license with an address in one of these counties.
Effective March 1, 2026 in accordance with the DDS Directive (D-2025-Regional Center Operations-004 Provider Directory – Standardized Vendorization) the vendorization process will be initiated and completed through the DDS Service Provider Directory. The steps and timeline for each part of the process are as follows:
Step One: Choose Your Service and Review Qualifications
Each vendored service is developed using a DDS defined service code and has a set of qualifications that are required. To assist in determining the service you wish to develop, visit:
- dds.ca.gov/rc/rc-services/
- inlandrc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Attachment-2-ServiceCodeDescriptions_January2026.pdf
*Note for Residential Vendors, please review specific requirements here: Vendorization - Inland Regional Center (the same link you did to jump to that section of the page.)
Step Two: Request Vendorization
To initiate the process, gather all qualifying documents and your business license (or CCL license) and complete a request in the DDS Service Provider Directory:
If your business is new and not yet vendored with any Regional Center, you will be required to create a login profile. Existing vendors can log in with existing credentials.
For a guide on how to navigate the Directory:
IRC staff will review the request and respond within 15 days with next steps in the process, or additional information needed to move forward with.
Step Three: Program Designs
Most services require a program design which is considered both a handbook to run services, and a contract with IRC. When the initial request is approved, a checklist will be provided to complete this process. This checklist includes all requirements based on Title 17 regulations and IRC Best Practices.
During this step, the request in Service Provider Directory will be paused in “closed status” and reopened once the program design is approved.
The first submission will be reviewed by IRC staff within 45 days, each submission after will be reviewed within 30 days. Vendors must resubmit revised program designs within 30 days of it being returned, for each requested set of revisions. Technical support will be provided upon request or as recommended by IRC.
*Services that do not require a program design will skip to step four.
Step Four: Vendor Application
All vendors must complete a vendor application through the Service Provider Directory. This process includes a checklist of items that are tailored to the service being developed. This also includes proof of insurance, for information on these requirements, and to prepare for this phase:
When all requested information is received, the regional center 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 the regional center during this time and does not reset.
Step Five: Approval and Rates
When the application is complete, the regional center will make a vendorization decision within 45 calendar days. During this time, staff will assist in setting the rate(s) for the service being developed with either a rate agreement or contract. This will set an effective date of the service as well.
For information on current rates for each service:
Once this is complete the application will be approved with your vendor number and formal approval letter will be issued. This will also enroll you as a new vendor in the DDS system, for future QIP eligibility.
Parent/Family Vendorizations
Effective 3/1/26, Parent/Family Vendorizations for Diaper Reimbursement under service code 410, will be required to be processed through the Service Provider Directory:
This will require the Parent/Family to create a login profile.
For a guide on how to navigate the Directory:
IRC staff will review the request and respond within 15 days with next steps in the process, or additional information needed to move forward with.
When all requested information is received, the regional center 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 the regional center during this time and does not reset.
When the application is complete, the regional center will make a vendorization decision within 45 calendar days.
Residential Facility Providers
Those interested in opening a residential facility for IRC Clients must attend a New Residential Services Provider Orientation (NRSPO). These Orientations are held twice a year and are an integral part of the Vendorization process for Residential Service Providers. Read more in about these Orientations in the NRSPO Frequently Asked Questions.
Note: New Residential Services Provider Orientation must be completed before submitting a letter of intent.
NRSPO - Qualifications | Orientation Update
New/Additional Service Information
Rate Reform Information
Current Service Needs
As needs arise in our communities, IRC will work alongside qualified individuals and organizations to develop innovative programs, services, and residential facilities for our Clients. When IRC identifies a service need, a Notice of Need or Request for Proposal will be posted on this page. These announcements include service descriptions, qualification requirements, submission information, and other pertinent details.
Community Placement Plan (CPP)/Community Resource Plan (CRDP)
Each fiscal year, regional centers propose projects to the Department of Developmental Services (DDS), through a process called Community Placement Plan (CPP)/Community Resource Development Plan (CRDP). The CPP/CRDP plan consists of projects to develop housing for individuals residing in developmental centers; or which fill the unmet and disparity needs of the individuals’ regional centers serve. A few examples include, Enhanced Behavioral Support Homes (EBSH), Multi-Family Housing, Crisis Services, Day Programs, etc. Each year’s proposed projects are chosen based on the current CPP/CRDP priorities. DDS then approves the projects with startup funding depending on budget availability. After the projects are approved, IRC completes a Request for Proposal process. Proposals are then reviewed by a selection committee, which includes representatives from various regional center departments, and community volunteers. Projects are then awarded and IRC’s CPP and Affordable Housing Specialist works closely with the awardees to develop each project.
If you are interested in being informed of future projects/proposal requests, please email [email protected], and request to be added to the CPP/CRDP email list or check our website regularly for updates.
For additional information, contact IRC's Resource Development and Transportation Unit:
- Call (909) 890-3000, press 0, and ask for the RDTU Duty Officer
- Or Email [email protected].