This proposed rule would strengthen the requirements for operation of vendor management systems by establishing mandatory selection criteria; limitation of vendors; training requirements; criteria to be used to identify high- risk vendors; and monitoring requirements, including compliance buys. In addition, the rule would strengthen food instrument accountability and sanctions for participants who violate program regulations. It would also streamline the vendor appeals process.
This proposed rule would amend regulations governing the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children to implement a mandate of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996, which requires the disqualification of WIC vendors who are disqualified from the Food Stamp Program.
The purpose of this policy memorandum is to provide clarification regarding the effective date of Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children vendor disqualification's that result from the permanent disqualification of a vendor from the Food Stamp Program.
The fiscal year 1997 Supplemental Appropriations Act gave states the option of purchasing federal food stamps for use in state-funded food assistance programs that provide nutrition assistance to legal immigrants and childless, able-bodied adults ineligible for the Food Stamp Program because of the three-month food stamp time limit.
The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 made a number of changes to the National School Lunch Act which governs the waiver process in the child nutrition programs. This memorandum identifies the changes and provides guidance to be used in developing and submitting waiver requests to the child nutrition division.
We have concluded that neither the authorization of vendors to accept WIC food instruments, nor the exchange of a WIC food instrument between a certified WIC participant and an approved WIC vendor represents a "covered transaction." Therefore, WIC vendors are not subject to the certification requirement.
The purpose of this memorandum is to clarify that the WIC vendor agreement/contract does not constitute a license or property interest .
WIC Program—Food Delivery System: Military Commissaries as WIC program vendors