Policy Memo (497.87 KB)
| DATE: | October 2, 2019 | |
| POLICY MEMO: | SP01 CACFP01 SFSP01-2020 | |
| SUBJECT: | Child Nutrition Information Technology Solutions: Best Practices for Defining the Child Nutrition Programs System Replacement or Upgrade | |
| TO: | Regional Directors Special Nutrition Programs All Regions |
State Directors Child Nutrition Programs All States |
This memorandum is the second in a series of memoranda to support state agencies administering the child nutrition programs as they enhance or build information technology (IT) solutions for their state agency operations. The best practices series will provide state agencies with practical direction on child nutrition IT system planning, procurement, project management, data ownership and intellectual property, and testing.
In FNS memorandum SP 18 CACFP 06 SFSP 05-2019, Child Nutrition Information Technology Solutions: Guidance for the Initial Phase of Child Nutrition Programs System Replacement and Upgrade Projects, FNS provided best practices on evaluation factors of a state’s current child nutrition (CN) IT solution, factors to consider when selecting an IT solution, and available IT solution options for the state’s CN IT system. This memorandum will provide best practices on conducting a feasibility study and features to consider when developing a proposed IT system project plan.
The attached document relies heavily on information incorporated in FNS Handbook 901: The Advance Planning Document Process: A State Systems Guide to America’s Food Programs which was developed to assist SAs administering the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) navigate through a formal, mandatory planning process for IT projects. Although the information contained in this document is not mandatory for child nutrition programs, the Handbook 901 contains a multitude of best practices and procurement information that is also applicable to child nutrition agencies.
For more in-depth information, you are encouraged to reference the Handbook 901 at: Link to FNS Handbook 901.
State agencies with questions may contact the appropriate FNS regional office.
Sarah E. Smith-Holmes
Director
Program Monitoring and Operational Support Division