FNS Documents & Resources

Recent communications between FNS and state agency program staff during procurement trainings and management evaluations conducted in fiscal year 2014-2015 indicated a need for guidance on competitive procurement standards. This page lists where to find the standards.

FNS is aware that school food authorities and program operators may be operating NSLP, SBP, and other child nutrition programs, in a way that includes offering reimbursable meals and non-program foods (a la carte sales, catering, adult meals, etc.) using foods from popular franchise restaurants through a franchise agreement.

Program integrity is essential in all aspects of program administration and state agencies contribute to this by overseeing program operations. To this end, this memorandum provides guidance on state agency oversight of program operator procurement procedures while FNS is currently developing a Local Agency Procurement Review Tool to aid state agencies.

FNS has received many questions related to implementation of 2 CFR Part 200 and understands that changes to financial and procurement systems are costly and require time to develop and implement. Therefore, FNS will work with state agencies during this transition period and will seek to answer questions and provide guidance as needed. 

OMB published the Super-Circular at 78 FR 78590 on Dec. 26, 2013, for USDA and other federal grant-making agencies. Section 200.10(a) requires federal agencies to implement the policies and procedures set out in the Super-Circular by promulgating regulations effective Dec. 26, 2014. USDA published such regulations at 2 CFR Parts 400, 415, 416, et al. (79 FR 75981, Dec. 19, 2014).

In response to a recommendation of the CACFP Paperwork Reduction Work Group, we are issuing this memorandum to re-state previous guidance on facility applications and agreements.

National Interim Head Start Grantee Participation in CACFP: Community Development Institute

In response to the Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004 directive to examine the feasibility of reducing program paperwork and recordkeeping requirements, FNS convened a paperwork reduction work group of CACFP stakeholders. While the work group sought to identify opportunities to reduce paperwork for all CACFP institutions and facilities, providing relief to “non-traditional” facilities, especially emergency shelters, was a priority recommendation.

The purpose of this memorandum is to provide guidance regarding the criteria and process for state agencies that wish to establish additional program requirements under the authority provided at 7 CFR 226.25(b) of the CACFP regulations.

In an effort to provide administrative relief to state agencies and Summer Food Service Program sponsoring organizations, we are extending to the SFSP a provision of the CACFP that allows state agencies and institutions to rely upon a determination of area eligibility for up to five years when based on National School Lunch Program data.