The DDS must request and receive approval from the regional office (RO) before purchasing equipment with a unit cost of $5,000 or more. The $5,000 includes applicable taxes, delivery and installation charges. In those instances where the acquisition cost of equipment in State law, regulation, or practice is lower than the foregoing, the State definition is applicable.

This policy does not apply to IT equipment. IT equipment is different from general DDS equipment.

The SSA Regional Commissioner has the authority to impose a lower limit than $5,000 in isolated situations where circumstances clearly dictate such a need.

If equipment is billed or contracted separately, it should be reported under contracting out.