This memorandum provides a second opportunity for state agencies to opt for a blanket waiver of the regulations at S 273.9 (d)(6)(iii)(B) which require state agencies to update SUAs annually.
The purpose of this memorandum is to update the definition of what is considered “unprocessed” for the purposes of applying the optional geographic preference for procurement in the child nutrition programs.
Please be aware that the procurement questions from July 22, 2009 have been revised. This new set of procurement questions supersedes the previous set, as a change has been made to the second Q&A under “Local Purchasing."
This memorandum updates and revises memoranda SP30-2008: Applying Geographic Preferences in Procurements for the Child Nutrition Programs, SP08-2009: Procurement Questions, and SP28-2009: Procurement Questions, regarding school food authorities’ and other institutions’ application of a geographic preference in procurements for the child nutrition programs.
It has come to FNS's attention that, due to unusual shifts in utility costs, SNAP benefits to needy families may decrease when states make annual SUA adjustments this year - even if the circumstances of those households remain constant.
For over thirty years, SNAP has deducted the cost of telephones in determining a household's eligibility and benefit amounts, either by deducting actual telephone bills or standard telephone allowances.
Today’s unpredictable economy has made it important to consider accounting for the fluctuating costs of goods and services that are beyond the control of either the school food authority or the vendor.
Recently, we have received numerous concerns regarding the improper application of the new procurement rule, Procurement Requirements for the National School Lunch, School Breakfast and Special Milk Program, which was published in the Federal Register on Oct. 31, 2007 and became effective on Nov. 30, 2007.
In response to several requests and to assist state agencies and school food authorities in their compliance efforts, we are providing the following prototype contract language requiring the return of purchase incentives to SFAs.
This memorandum is intended to provide clarification of what is allowable, for contracts executed both prior to and after publication of the final rule.