Service providers must be vendored by Kern Regional Center (KRC) 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 KRC’s Resource Development team. The application process starts here, and we will be your guide throughout the entire process.



Beginning December 3, 2025, Kern Regional Center may begin using the Provider Directory for new vendorizations.

Starting on March 1, 2026, Kern Regional Center must begin using the Provider Directory for new vendorizations.

Contact vendorization@kernrc.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.

Service providers must be vendored by a regional center before they can provide and be reimbursed for services. The following describes how to become a vendored service provider.

“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.

• 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.

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.

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 Kern Regional Center to learn how to begin your application process and when to create your login profile to apply in the Provider Directory.

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.

• View our current service needs.
• See our open Requests for Proposals (RFPs).
• Check where we currently have provider saturation.

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, 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 4: Receive decision

• When the application is complete, the regional center will review the application
• The regional center 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.

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.

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 vendorization@kernrc.org or (661) 327-8531. We’re here to support you every step of the way.

Pursuant to Title 17 of the CCR section 54322(d)(10), vendorization does not guarantee that individuals will be referred or placed with a vendored provider.