FNS Documents & Resources

The purpose of this memorandum is to highlight the key provisions of the final rule and emphasize the responsibilities state agencies have in ensuring compliance with these provisions and with contract enforcement and oversight.

We have received numerous inquiries in the past several weeks concerning a document produced by the Harrison Institute for Public Law at Georgetown University addressing the purchase of products from local farmers. The document expresses the view that Congress, as part of the 2002 Farm Bill, expressed clear support for geographic preferences in purchases made for school food service programs.

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.

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.

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.

Recently, we have been asked 1) whether an equipment manufacturer would violate Department regulation 7 CFR Part 3016.60(b) if the equipment manufacturer writes the bid specifications for a school food authority (SFA) when that manufacturer does not directly sell its products to the SFA, but uses dealers or distributors instead and 2), would a food service management company (FSMC) violate §3016.60(b), if the FSMC drafted a provision to amend an existing SFA-FSMC contract

As you know, in August 2000, the procurement requirements for the child nutrition programs were moved from Department regulation 7 CFR Part 3015 to 7 CFR Parts 3016 and 3019. Attached are a number of questions and answers we have received concerning how these requirements changed the procedures for procurements paid with State Administrative Expense Funds.