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Resource | Guidance Documents FNA Handbook 901 - Advance Planning Documents

The primary objective of this Handbook is to help state agencies navigate FNA requirements to secure approval, and get the requested funding, for modern eligibility systems and EBT benefit delivery services.

01/22/2026
Resource | FAQs/Q&As APD - Process FAQs
06/27/2018
Resource | Guidance Documents Functional Requirements Documents (FReD) for a Model WIC System

Information systems in WIC support a number of program operations and management functions, such as certifying applicants, monitoring food vendors, tracking participation and expenditures and managing appointments.  The Functional Requirements Document for a Model WIC System (FRED) provides a comprehensive description of functions that can be automated to support the WIC program.

01/16/2018
Resource | Policy Final Rule: Automated Data Processing and Information Retrieval System Requirements: System Testing

The primary purpose of the rule was to strengthen the requirements for adequate testing and pilot before rolling out a new management information system or major system changes. The rule also made changes to the SNAP regulations to provide clarifications and revisions since the last update which occurred in 1996.

01/02/2014
Resource | Policy Letter to State Exchange Grantees, Medicaid and CHIP Directors, and Health and Human Services Directors

On Aug. 10, 2011, we announced a time-limited, specific exception to the cost allocation requirements set forth in OMB Circular A-87 that requires benefiting programs to pay their share of the costs associated with building state-based information technology systems. This letter provides additional guidance on how states may take advantage of this exception to leverage these investments to serve multiple programs and needs.

01/23/2012
Resource | Proposed Rule Proposed Rule: Automated Data Processing and Information Retrieval System Requirements

This rule proposes to amend Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)--formerly the Food Stamp Program) regulations to implement the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (the Farm Bill), which requires adequate system testing before and after implementation of a new state automatic data processing (ADP) and information retrieval system, including the evaluation of data from pilot projects in limited areas for major systems changes, before the Secretary approves the system to be implemented more broadly.

08/23/2011
Resource | Policy Clarification on State IT Projects Utilizing Enterprise Architectures

This memo provides guidance on how to apply existing federal policy to an enterprise architecture (EA) project. Significant consideration was given to how to simplify the budgeting requirements for EA projects while maintaining accountability and oversight.

01/28/2009
Resource | Guidance Documents State Agency Model Systems Transfers

This policy memorandum outlines the requirements for the revised WIC Advance Planning Document process and provides additional guidance to state agencies that are interested in the transfer of a SAM system.

02/07/2007
Resource | Guidance Documents Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) System Transition Guide

The Food and Nutrition Administration (FNA) has developed the Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) System Transition Guide to provide guidance, recommendations, best practices, and lessons learned to States involved in an EBT system transition.  

06/06/2005
Resource | Policy WIC EBT Approaches Funding

This memorandum presents FNA' position on Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) system development approaches and funding support.

09/12/2002
Page updated: June 02, 2026