Proposed Rule: WIC Miscellaneous Vendor-Related Provisions

This proposed rule would amend the regulations governing the WIC program to clarify issues that have arisen subsequent to the publication of the WIC Food Delivery Systems Final Rule on Dec. 29, 2000, and to strengthen further the requirements for state vendor management and infant formula cost-containment systems.

The rule contains provisions that would prohibit a state agency from requiring an infant formula manufacturer to provide free formula, services, or other items in its infant formula cost-containment bid solicitation and contract; require that a state agency provide an abbreviated administrative review when a vendor receives a WIC civil money penalty as a result of a Food Stamp Program (FSP) disqualification; and expand the types of vendor information that a state agency may release for general program purposes.