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MRS for Vendors

MRS for Vendors

MRS Vendor Manual

MRS is committed to providing high-quality services to individuals with disabilities to obtain and maintain employment. MRS partners with qualified vendors to provide vocational rehabilitation services to MRS participants. The MRS Vendor Manual provides a central location for information regarding the process to become a vendor, communications, expectations, reporting requirements, payment processes, and service definitions and requirements. It is the responsibility of MRS vendors to review and understand the provisions of the MRS Vendor Manual.

Open the MRS Vendor Manual

Building Vendor Partnerships: Billing, Vetting, and Fiscal Year-End Insights

When: Tuesday, August 11, 2026, 2:30 - 4 p.m.

Where: Virtual (Zoom)

Join MRS for an overview of the vendor vetting pilot and the upcoming vendor vetting process. We’ll also highlight key reminders about timely invoicing and report submission, along with important fiscal year-end billing guidance. Additionally, we’ll share tips for building and strengthening your partnership with MRS.

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Customized Employment

Requirements

MRS has new reporting requirements for Customized Employment providers. Customized Employment is an in-depth, strengths-based model that supports competitive integrated employment for individuals with significant or most significant disabilities that are:

  • Based on an individualized determination of the unique strengths, needs, and interests of the individual with a significant or most significant disability,
  • Designed to meet the specific abilities of the individual with a significant or most significant disability and the business needs of the employer, and
  • Carried out through flexible strategies.

To facilitate continued support for vendors in delivering CE services, MRS will be hosting monthly Communities of Practice sessions. The purpose of these one-hour optional sessions is to allow vendors the time for open discussion and questions related to CE. To learn more about these sessions and register to attend, visit the MRS Events page. 

Provider forms

Vendors who have been approved to deliver Customized Employment (CE) services are required to use the designated CE reporting forms for each phase of service delivery. The required reporting forms for all phases are listed below in the order they are delivered.
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MRS Rates of Payment for Vendor-Provided Services

In 2017, the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) conducted a review and on-site monitoring of the MRS program as authorized under Title I of the Rehabilitation Act. One major finding was identified related to the reasonableness of rates of payment for vocational rehabilitation services. MRS partnered with Public Consulting Group, Inc (PCG) to assist in meeting federal cost principles of allowability, reasonableness, and allocability to the program. 

Discover more information regarding MRS's rate restructuring on the following page, including the rate recommendation reports, fee schedule, and recordings of information session meetings. 
Information Regarding MRS Rates of Payment for Vendor-Provided Services
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Reliable Rides: Connecting Workers to Jobs

If you’ve ever lost a good worker because they couldn’t keep a reliable ride, you’re not alone. Employers of every size are facing the same challenge.

The difference? Some are taking small, smart steps to make transportation part of their retention strategy — and they’re saving money while widening their hiring pool, saving on hiring and training costs, and realizing higher uptime as a result.

The Reliable Rides Playbook was developed to help you quickly identify the right transportation solution for your workforce and implement your own Reliable Rides program.

Many Michiganders want to work and advance their career but lack the reliable or customized transportation required to do so. Transportation challenges impact many workers but can be especially significant for individuals with disabilities who may require specialized transportation to get to work.

Learn more about Reliable Rides and resources for individuals with disabilities in this resource guide. 

For full information including the Reliable Rides Playbook, visit the Reliable Rides webpage.
2/18/2026 MRS Vendor Information Session on Responsibilities When Handling Personally Identifiable Information (PII) Video

2/18/2026 MRS Vendor Information Session on Responsibilities When Handling Personally Identifiable Information (PII)

MRS hosted a virtual public meeting on February 18, 2:30 - 3:30 p.m. to discuss vendor responsibilities when handling PII. Topics of discussion included:

  • The definition and types of PII.
  • The importance of not disclosing PII without written permission.
  • Consequences of disclosing PII without written permission.
  • Process for reporting disclosure of PII without written permission.
  • Requirements when using AI tools such as ChatGPT and Copilot, including an addition to the MRS Vendor Manual regarding PII and the use of AI tools.
10/22/2025 MRS Vendor Information Session for Vendors that Provide Audiology-Related Services Video

10/22/2025 MRS Vendor Information Session for Vendors that Provide Audiology-Related Services

Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS) hosted an information session on October 22, 2025 for vendors that provide audiology-related services. 

Key elements reviewed for hearing aid service delivery:

  • Vocational Needs Assessment (VNA): Audiologist play an essential role in identifying employment-related hearing barriers and recommending devices that directly support employment.
  • Least Cost: Services provided by MRS must be provided at the lowest cost that meets the individual’s employment-related needs. Extended warranties or battery supplies should not be included in hearing aid quotes.
  • Financial Contribution: Individuals receiving services with MRS are encouraged to contribute toward the cost of services. However, if a more expensive option is selected over the least cost option that meets their employment-related needs, the individual must pay the difference. 
  • Comparable Services/Benefits: MRS is required to explore other sources such as federal, state, health insurance, and other appropriate entities before authorizing services. These benefits must be applied when available. The source of comparable services/ benefits for hearing aid devices are typically employee benefits and health insurance coverage.
  • Competitive bidding: MRS staff are required to obtain written, competitive bids for the purchase of all goods and services quoted at $5,000 and beyond. Competitive bidding is not intended to serve as a pricing guide for vendors. It’s not designed to prompt vendors to adjust their prices to just below the bidding threshold.

Please submit policy related questions to LEO-MRS-PolicyUnitSupportCenter@michigan.gov. Additional resources include the MRS Rehabilitation Services Manual contains policies, procedures, and other supporting documents for the provision of vocational rehabilitation services. The MRS Vendor Manual outlines vendor expectations, legal, and regulatory requirements.

We look forward to continuing our partnership as we work together to provide meaningful services to individuals with disabilities.

7/24/2025 MRS Vendor Training Session Video

7/24/2025 MRS Vendor Training Session

Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS) hosted a virtual training session for existing and prospective vendors on July 24, 2025, during which MRS discussed vendor needs, requirements to provide services, vendor payment process, and many other vendor items.
MRS Information Session for Vendors on Publication of the MRS Vendor Manual Video

MRS Information Session for Vendors on Publication of the MRS Vendor Manual

MRS conducted an information session on March 27, 2025 to provide vendors information on the publication of the MRS Vendor Manual. The recording of that information session and a follow-up Q&A document can be accessed on this page.

Vendor Manual Information Session Q&A Document

If you are not a State of Michigan vendor and would like to become one, visit the Department of Technology, Management and Budget's How to Register as a Vendor page. 

It will be helpful to sign up here and select MRS communications to be on a future listserv group.

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Email: LEO-MRS-Vendor@michigan.gov

Customer assistance telephone number:
517-241-5324 or Toll free: 1-800-605-6722

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