Policy Memo (79.60 KB)
| DATE: | June 30, 2016 | |
| POLICY MEMO: | SP 44-2016 | |
| SUBJECT: | Administrative Review – Revised Manual, Forms, and Tools (School Year 2016-17) | |
| TO: | Regional Directors Special Nutrition Programs All Regions |
State Directors Child Nutrition Programs All States |
This memorandum provides information on the updated School Meal Programs Administrative Review Manual, and accompanying forms, tools, and instructions for school year (SY) 2016-2017. While the concepts of the review remain the same, the Manual, along with several forms, tools, and instructions, have been edited to incorporate new requirements and provide better clarity and understanding. The edits are highlighted in yellow in the Manual and in the related forms, tools, and instructions. The attached Table: SY 2016-2017 Updated Administrative Review Manual, Forms and Tools, identifies the areas with key changes, but is not all encompassing. Please refer to the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) PartnerWeb for the most current versions and updates of the SY 2016-2017 Manual, forms, and tools.
Revised FNS-640
FNS plans to issue a revised FNS-640 form by the Fall of 2016. This form includes data collected from Administrative Reviews. Submission of this form will help FNS conduct data analysis and better focus monitoring and program Integrity efforts. More specifically, the national collection of this information will help FNS better understand the underlying causes of program error and improper payments. The data elements on the revised FNS-640 exist throughout the current Administrative Review. Select Administrative Review forms, including the current S-1, SFA-1, and SFA-2A have been revised for SY 2016-2017 to include all data elements needed to complete the FNS-640. The completed FNS-640 spreadsheets will be uploaded into FPRS for submission.
Procurement Review
SAs must address compliance with procurement requirements in 7 CFR Parts 210.21 and 2 CFR Part 200. Minor changes have been made to the Administrative Review to align with the FNS developed draft local agency procurement review tool in order to prevent duplication when conducting administrative reviews and procurement reviews. These changes are found in the module: Food Safety, Storage, and Buy American. The purpose of the tool is to assist state agencies in conducting procurement oversight of school food authority procurement procedures in SY 2016-2017.
Updated Regulations
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) will soon issue final regulations pertaining to the Administrative Review found at 7 CFR 210.18. Once issued all state agencies are expected to implement the updated Administrative Review process. In addition, FNS and state agencies are continuing our work together to improve the Administrative Review forms and tools for subsequent years. This is accomplished through the Administrative Review Forms and Tools Workgroup. The workgroup is continuing to provide feedback on forms and tools that were not u dated in SY 2016-2017, such as the Fiscal Action Workbook and the Dietary Specifications Assessment Tool. These pieces are being analyzed to finalize the needed updates. As such, the forms and tools will undergo another revision for SY 2017-2018 which will reflect these updates. A notice will be published in the Federal Register and there will be an opportunity for public comment.
State agencies should direct any questions concerning this guidance to the appropriate FNS regional office.
Sarah E. Smith-Holmes
Director
Program Monitoring and Operational Support Division
Child Nutrition Programs