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Reaffirming FNS’ Position on Rebates, Discounts, and Other Applicable Credits in Cost Reimbursable Contracts

EO Guidance Document #
FNS-GD-2004-0020
Resource type
Policy Memos
Resource Materials
PDF Icon Policy Memo (71.09 KB)
DATE: July 9, 2004
SUBJECT: Reaffirming FNS’ Position on Rebates, Discounts, and Other Applicable Credits in Cost Reimbursable Contracts
TO: Regional Directors
Child Nutrition Programs

We have been contacted by a representative of a food service management company (FSMC) who expressed concern that some state agencies (SAs) may not be aware of FNS’ position on rebates, discounts, and other applicable credits in school food authority (SFA)-FSMC cost reimbursable contracts. Our position remains unchanged from our answer to Question 5, in our memorandum, “Applicability of Federal Requirements to School Food Service Procurements”, dated May 20, 2003. Since our position applies to all cost reimbursable contracts, not just SFA-FSMC cost reimbursable contracts, we are requesting that you provide FNS’ position to all of your Child Nutrition Program SAs.

In the May 20, 2003 memorandum Question 5 asked: “Does applying Parts 3016 and 3019 to SFA procurements change FNS’ position on the crediting of discounts and rebates in cost reimbursable contracts?”

Our answer was and remains: “No. FNS’ position on this subject remains unchanged. FNS strongly encourages, but does not require, that all cost reimbursable contracts include provisions to ensure SFAs are only charged net, allowable costs. The Office of Management and Budget and the Department’s Office of the General Counsel have made clear that SAs and SFAs can impose compliance with net cost requirements through contractual terms.”

STANLEY C. GARNETT
Director
Child Nutrition Division

Page updated: December 17, 2021

The contents of this guidance document do not have the force and effect of law and are not meant to bind the public in any way. This document is intended only to provide clarity to the public regarding existing requirements under the law or agency policies.