This guidance serves as a general reminder to state agencies about the importance of complying with the Buy American provisions that are found in the regulations of the National School Lunch Program and the School Breakfast Program.
We continue to receive questions regarding procurements in the child nutrition programs, particularly in the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs. Attached are the most recently received questions and answers.
It has come to our attention that a number of state agencies and school food authorities are failing to maintain appropriate records for procurement transactions occurring in connection with the child nutrition programs.
This guidance was issued upon our learning that a number of school food authorities were not drafting their own specifications and procurement documents for certain software acquisitions but instead directly incorporating a list of features written by a prospective bidder.
This memo is in response to requests for us to clarify what takes place when a confirmation review finds an error in the eligibility determination after a household has been initially notified of its status.
We are continuing to receive questions regarding procurements in the child nutrition programs, particularly in the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs. Attached are the most recently received questions and answers.
We have recently received a series of questions regarding the procurement of automated meal accountability systems in conjunction with the procurement of a food service management company.
Periodically, we receive questions concerning the procurement requirements of 7 CFR Parts 3016 and 3019 and certain procurement procedures used by public and nonprofit school food authorities. Attached are a number of these recent questions and their corresponding answers.
This memorandum provides information about implementing requirements concerning confirmation activities, individual review of selected applications and follow-up in relation to verification of households’ eligibility for free or reduced price meals.
Regarding awarding contracts, state agencies are advised to carefully review school district to ensure they are in compliance with federal regulations and take appropriate actions.