Finding Text
PROCUREMENT Criteria: Per 7 CFR section 210.21(d), School Food Authorities (SFAs) must, to the maximum extent practicable, purchase commodities produced in the United States and food products processed in the United States substantially using commodities produced in the United States. For SFAs to comply with Section 12(n) of the NSLA, 42 USC 1760(n) and Program regulations at 7 CFR section 210.21(d), all food solicitations should include terms that require contractors to respond with prices and award contracts to responsive bidders and offerors to supply domestic foods and food products that comply with 7 CFR 210.21(d). Food suppliers include distributors, meal vendors, food service management company contracts, and processors of USDA Foods. Condition: The district does not have formal procurement procedures in place to ensure compliance with the made in the United States food production/processing requirements. As a result, food contracts and solicitations with suppliers did not include terms that require the vendors and suppliers to supply domestic foods and food products that comply with 7 CFR 210.21(d). Cause: District personnel were unaware of the requirement. Effect: Noncompliance with federal procurement standards. Recommendation: The district should develop and implement written procurement procedures that will ensure compliance with 7 CFR 210.21(d). Views of responsible officials and planned corrective actions: The government agrees with this finding and will adhere to the attached corrective action plan.