| To see News by Program, select from an option below:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Published: 18 hours ago
" USDA recently published the Direct Final Rule: Simplified Geographic Preference Procurement in Child Nutrition Programs, which provides clarifying guidance related to local procurement. The rule does not change current policy; rather, it clarifies existing regulations to include implementation guidance related to local procurement and geographic preference previously issued via policy memos.
[David D]
"
USDA recently published the Direct Final Rule: Simplified Geographic Preference Procurement in Child Nutrition Programs, which provides clarifying guidance related to local procurement. The rule does not change current policy; rather, it clarifies existing regulations to include implementation guidance related to local procurement and geographic preference previously issued via policy memos.
In summary, the 2024 Final Rule, Child Nutrition Programs: Meal Patterns Consistent With the 2020–2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, expanded the scope of the geographic preference option by allowing Child Nutrition Program (SNP) operators to use the following geographic preference option strategies when developing solicitations:
- Using local as a procurement specification; and/or
- Applying a defined scoring advantage for local vendors.
Based on subsequent implementation guidance issued related to the 2024 rule, regulations have been further modified as follows:
- Replaces ‘‘procurement specification’’ with ‘‘product specification’’ to align with industry terminology.
- Replaces ‘‘selection criteria’’ with ‘‘defined scoring advantage’’ to align with policy guidance.
- Affirms that CNP operators have the flexibility to prescribe the way that a defined scoring advantage is applied and the amount of preference given to a product that meets their definition of local.
- Reformats the regulatory text to clearly describe how geographic preference strategies may be applied during the procurement process as a product specification, a defined scoring advantage during bid evaluation, or a mix of both strategies.
- Clarifies that CNP operators may use, but are not limited to, the phrases ‘‘local, locally grown, locally raised,’’ and ‘‘locally caught’’ in their solicitations.
- Removes the undefined term ‘‘minimally processed’’ since all allowable food handling and preservation techniques are specified in the definition of ‘‘unprocessed agricultural products.’’
The above changes will be applied to the National School Lunch Program regulations, specifically 7 CFR 210.21(g). For all other CNPs, respective regulations that contained geographic preference policy will be simplified with a reference to 7 CFR 210.21(g). This rule will become effective on November 9, 2026. Note that because this is a "direct rule" with no substantive changes to program requirements, there is no mechanism for public comment required.
###
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Assistance available in English and Spanish. Please call 877-TEX-MEAL (877-839-6325) for help. Additional translations services available as well.
|
|
In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.
Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the responsible state or local agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.
To file a program discrimination complaint, a Complainant should complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form which can be obtained online at: https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ad-3027.pdf, from any USDA office, by calling (866) 632-9992, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to USDA by:
|
|
1. Mail:
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; or
2. Fax: (833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or
|
|
| This institution is an equal opportunity provider. |
 |
|
|
|