Frequently Asked Questions
Who should apply for a contract? (updated 12/5/2023)
Agencies interested in providing early intervention services (developmental therapy services, therapy vendor services, assistive technology services, interpreter services) to children enrolled in Tennessee Early Intervention System after July 1, 2024 must apply for a new contract for each discipline. This includes provider agencies currently providing services through an active contract.
How long is the contract cycle? (updated 12/5/2023)
The contract cycle is for 5 years.
How will agencies be scored? (updated 12/5/2023)
The rubric that will be used to score applications is posted as Attachment B for each discipline.
What are the service rates for the new contract cycle? (updated 12/5/2023)
The rate sheet for the new contract cycle can be found as Attachment C for each discipline.
If I’m interested in providing services, how do I apply? (updated 12/5/2023)
Agencies can apply by completing the appropriate application(s) using the Formstack links provided.
When does the application close? (updated 12/5/2023)
The application for Early Intervention Resource Agencies (EIRAs; developmental therapy providers), will close on March 31, 2024.
The State will continue to accept applications for vendor therapy services, assistive technology services, and interpreter services through May 31, 2024. However, the effective date of the contract may be later than July 1, 2024 if a contract is awarded to late applicants.
Will applicants receive information about the status of the application? (updated 12/5/2023)
Yes. After the application has been reviewed, your agency will receive an email notifying you of the status of your application.
When will applicants be notified of contract awards? (updated 12/5/2023)
DIDD will notify applicants by email if they have been awarded a contract between April and June, 2024.
Do I need an Edison Supplier Identification Number? (updated 12/14/2023)
Agencies conducting business with the State of Tennessee must have an Edison Supplier Identification Number. This number is not required to complete an application to provide services to children and families receiving TEIS services. The Edison Supplier Number is required if a contract is extended to your agency.
To register for an Edison Supplier Number: https://hub.edison.tn.gov/psp/paprd/SUPPLIER/SUPP/h/?tab=PAPP_GUEST
What is a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI)? (updated 12/14/2023)
Agencies contracted with DIDD are required to have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number for federal reporting. UEIs are required in accordance with 2 CFR Part 25. If you have a UEI number, please enter it on the application in the appropriate field. If you do not have a UEI number, please leave the field blank.
If you do not have a UEI, you may register for a UEI at SAM.gov. You can create a new registration by clicking on the “Get Started” link under “Register you Entity” heading in SAM.gov.
A UEI is not required to complete the application but will be required if a contract is extended to your agency.
What date should I use for the Fiscal Year End Date? (updated 1/9/2024)
The Fiscal Year End Date is the date your business year ends.
When choosing specific counties to serve, can specific settings (clinic, home, community, telehealth) be chosen for each county? (updated 1/30/2024)
Yes. When a specific county is chosen, the option to select the setting of the service (clinic, home, community, telehealth) is available to choose.
Can I start the application and then return to finish it later? (updated 12/5/2023)
Yes. You can begin the application, save, and return to complete it later. To save your progress, choose the option to Save and Resume Later at the bottom of the page. When choosing this option, you will be sent a link to return to your saved application.
**Pay special attention to the following: upon visiting this Save and Resume Later link, signatures and file uploads will need to be resubmitted. **
Can I print out a blank copy of the application before filling it out? (updated 1/8/2024)
Yes. You can right click on the 2024 Application tab. Then use the “save link as” option to save the application to your computer. When it is saved, you can then view or print the blank copy of the application. All applications must be submitted in Formstack. Paper copies will not be accepted.
How do I sign the application? (updated 12/14/2023)
Applicants should use their mouse to sign the application. If using a touch screen computer or pad, applicants may be able to sign with their finger. If you have difficulty signing the form, please email Beth.Hailey@tn.gov
Will I receive a copy of the FormStack application? (updated 12/5/2023)
Yes. The applicant will receive a copy of the application by email once it has been submitted.
Who do I reach out to if I’m having trouble completing the application or have questions? (updated 12/5/2023)
Please email Beth.Hailey@tn.gov.
What formula will be used to determine the amount of funding for Early Intervention Resource Agencies (EIRAs)? (updated 12/5/2023)
Funding formulas for the upcoming contract cycle are under review. The Governor’s budget will be presented in early 2024, and the TN General Assembly will vote to approve a final version of the budget in the spring. We will finalize the funding formula after that time.
What counties should I select for home and community-based coverage? (updated 12/21/2023)
EIRA agencies should select all counties in which they are willing to provide home and community-based early intervention services.
How do I determine the number of children my agency can serve? (updated 2/9/2024)
EIRA agencies should indicate the number of children their agency is willing to serve each week.
How will home and community-based and center-based EIRA providers invoice for interpreters in the new contract cycle? (updated 12/5/2023)
Contracted EIRA agencies will continue to invoice for interpreting services as they do now.
What counties need home and community-based developmental therapy services? (updated 12/5/2023)
DIDD provides home and community-based developmental therapy services to families in all 95 counties.
When submitting required documents, can a single document include all requested information? (updated 12/5/2023)
No. Each document must be uploaded separately and named according to the instructions in the application.
How do I need to name the files within the Formstack application? (updated 12/5/2023)
Instructions for naming file attachments are listed within the application.
Why is it taking so long for the application to submit? (updated 12/5/2023)
It may take a moment for the application to submit.
What needs to be submitted in support of the operating budget? Do I submit the full agency budget or just the EIRA program budget? (updated 1/12/2024)
Please refer to the outlined items noted in the application for specific information to include. Submit documentation that supports your agency’s operating budget. The budget may be from previous years or a proposed new year budget.
What information do you need to be included in the list of staff? (Updated 1/12/2024)
Please refer to the outlined items noted in the application for specific information to include. This list may include information as the agency deems necessary to complete the list of program staff.
What if there is not a choice that accurately reflects my type of agency? (updated 1/30/24)
Choose the answer that best fits your agency, or you may leave this field blank.
What information do I need to include in the vision statement? (updated 1/30/24)
Please refer to the outlined items noted in the application for the specific information to include. Submit documentation that supports your agency’s vision statement.
What information do I need to include in the ESL policy? (updated 1/30/24)
Please refer to the outlined items noted in the application for the specific information to include. Submit documentation that supports your agency’s ESL policy.
Is there a specific format (fonts, spacing, margins, etc.) for documents that should be used when submitting the required documents? (updated 1/30/24)
An agency may use a format that they would typically use to detail the required documentation. Information can be in paragraph form, bulleted form, table form, etc. Submit documentation that supports the required information.
Is there a way to submit additional information for the application? (updated 1/30/24)
Submit documentation that supports the information that is requested. The requested information in the application is the only information that will be reviewed.
Will there be any changes to the way EIRAs invoice for services? (updated 1/30/24)
We do not anticipate any change in the invoicing process for EIRA programs.
How much detail should be included in the DEC Recommended Practice section of the Training Plan document? (updated 1/30/24)
Please refer to the outlined items noted in the application for specific information to include. This information may include a summary of how the agency will implement each DEC category (instruction, environment, interaction, etc).
Can interpreters provide services through telehealth for an EI visit? What are the qualifications interpreters must have for EIRAs to use? (updated 2/9/24)
Interpreters should be able to provide services in a variety of settings to meet the needs of the Early Intervention visit. Interpreters should be able to translate clearly and accurately the information being shared between all individuals.
What information do I need to include in the acquisition and retention plan for staff? (updated 2/27/2024)
Please refer to the outlined items noted in the application for specific information to include. Submit documentation that supports your agency’s plan for acquiring and retaining staff to support contractual service hours.
Vendor Therapy Services
What counties need therapy services? (updated 12/5/2023)
DIDD is looking to expand therapy services in all 95 counties.
How often are background checks required? (updated 2/9/2024)
Background checks should be completed to ensure compliance with the contract requirements.
What individuals must complete a background check? What does “direct” contact mean? (updated 2/9/24)
Please refer to the information noted in the Scope of Service for which individuals should complete background checks.
Can a note in the service log count as notifying TEIS within 15 days of discharging a child? (updated 2/9/24)
No. A service log note does not count as notification of discharge of a child. The vendor should email the service coordinator to provide notification of discharging a child from their service.
What are the expectations of therapist attending an IFSP meeting? (updated 2/9/24)
Therapists should participate in IFSP meetings as noted in the Scope of Service. Vendors should share assessments and provide information on child progress.
Where can the training modules for vendors be found? (updated 2/9/24)
Training modules can be found in the TEIS Community Resources page under Trainings on the TEIS website.
Who obtains the parent signature for approval for co-treatment? (updated 2/9/24)
The Service Coordinator will obtain the required signatures for co-treatment services.
The new contract states that service log entries should be entered within five (5) working days from the date of the service. The General Requirements for Vendors notes that service log notes should be entered within three (3) working days. What is the requirement? (updated 2/9/24)
The General Requirements for Vendors will be updated to reflect this new change.
What counties should I select for vendor therapy services? (updated 2/9/2024)
Vendor agencies should select all counties in which they are willing to provide clinic, home, community or telehealth services.
Assistive Technology Services
What counties need assistive technology services? (updated 12/5/2023)
DIDD is looking to expand assistive technology services in all 95 counties.
Will assistive technology vendors need to complete a separate application for this new contract cycle? (updated 12/5/2023)
Yes. Assistive technology vendors will complete a separate application for assistive technology services for the contract cycle 2024-2029.
Interpreter Services
What counties need interpreter services? (updated 12/5/2023)
DIDD provides interpreter services in all 95 counties.
Will interpreters need to complete a separate application for this new contract cycle? (updated 12/5/2023)
Yes. Interpreters will complete a separate application for the 2024-2029 contract cycle.