Recent communications between FNA and state agency program staff during procurement trainings and management evaluations conducted in fiscal year 2014-2015 indicated a need for guidance on competitive procurement standards. This page lists where to find the standards.
FNA is aware that school food authorities and program operators may be operating NSLP, SBP, and other child nutrition programs, in a way that includes offering reimbursable meals and non-program foods (a la carte sales, catering, adult meals, etc.) using foods from popular franchise restaurants through a franchise agreement.
Program integrity is essential in all aspects of program administration and state agencies contribute to this by overseeing program operations. To this end, this memorandum provides guidance on state agency oversight of program operator procurement procedures while FNA is currently developing a Local Agency Procurement Review Tool to aid state agencies.
FNA has received many questions related to implementation of 2 CFR Part 200 and understands that changes to financial and procurement systems are costly and require time to develop and implement. Therefore, FNA will work with state agencies during this transition period and will seek to answer questions and provide guidance as needed.
This policy memorandum is being issued in response to the fiscal year 2013 audit by USDA’s Office of Inspector General, state agencies’ Food Costs for the FNA WIC Program.
OMB published the Super-Circular at 78 FR 78590 on Dec. 26, 2013, for USDA and other federal grant-making agencies. Section 200.10(a) requires federal agencies to implement the policies and procedures set out in the Super-Circular by promulgating regulations effective Dec. 26, 2014. USDA published such regulations at 2 CFR Parts 400, 415, 416, et al. (79 FR 75981, Dec. 19, 2014).
The purpose of this memorandum is to provide guidance on the incorporation of local foods and agriculture-based curriculum in early childhood education and care settings, clarifies policies in the recently published FNA Instruction relevant to local food production and procurement, and includes questions and answers regarding procuring local food for use in the CACFP.
The attached memorandum is Food Distribution Policy Memo FD-110, which clarifies requirements in crediting for, and use of, USDA donated foods in contracts with food service management companies, and provides guidance to ensure compliance with such requirements in the first and final years of such contracts.
The purpose of this proposed rule is to incorporate this procurement option in the programs' regulations and to define the term "unprocessed locally grown or locally raised agricultural products'' to ensure that both the intent of Congress in providing for such a procurement option is met and that any such definition will facilitate ease of implementation for institutions participating in the child nutrition programs.
We are continuing to receive questions regarding procurements in the child nutrition programs, particularly in the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs. Attached are the most recently received questions and answers.