The steps below outline the application process for new organizations. Review times for applications depend on how frequently and accurately the organization provides requested  information to TDA. 

New organizations must demonstrate that they meet the following performance standards for viability, capability, and accountability, also known as VCA.

• Financial Viability (V) The organization has the financial resources to meet all Program requirements. 

• Administrative Capability (C) The organization has the staffing and expertise to meet all Program requirements. 

• Program Accountability (A) The organization has internal controls in place to ensure the proper expenditure of Program funds for operations and administration. 

Below, Step 2 assesses the Financial Viability of the organization. Step 3 assesses the Capability and Accountability of the organization. 

Step 1: Eligibility
1. Complete the Intake Form located on www.Squaremeals.org.
2. The Intake Form is received by TDA. 
3. TDA conducts the eligibility check on the organization and the contact individual within five (5) business days (excluding TDA and federal holidays.) 

The organization eligibility check comprises:
• Verification of standing with the Secretary of State (SOS) *if an organization is required to be registered with the SOS.

• Verification of standing with the State Comptroller’s Office

• Verification of standing with IRS *if an organization is a nonprofit organization with a 501c3 tax-exempt status.

• Confirmation that the organization does not appear on the National Disqualification List (NDL).

• Confirmation that the organization does not appear on the Texas Excluded List (TEXSL).

• Confirmation that the organization has no ongoing adverse actions with TDA.

• Ensure the individual has no ongoing adverse actions with TDA.  

Step 2: Viability 
Upon a successful Eligibility check, if applicable, the organization is reviewed to ensure that it is financially viable to operate the program. The organization is sent a link to upload the proof of CACFP training and the organization’s financial documentation. 

When the organization initially submits its financial documentation for review, it must be approved or denied within 90 days. Therefore, it is in the organization’s best interest to respond quickly to all requests from TDA. Information submitted to TDA will be reviewed immediately upon submission. If the organization provides an acceptable financial viability review within 90 days, it will advance to Step 3. If the organization does not submit an acceptable financial viability review, the application will be denied. The organization may choose to appeal the denial or restart the review process by submitting a new Intake Form.

Only funds from sources outside the food program will be considered for the Financial Viability Review.
Organizations MUST provide at least ONE YEAR of bank statements showing business transactions.
 

• Financial documentation submitted to TDA from organizations that have received Program funds must ensure it reflects only non-Program income and expenses.

• To demonstrate financial viability and financial management, the CE must document it has adequate financial resources to operate the Program daily, has adequate sources of funds to continue to pay employees and suppliers during possible periods of temporary interruptions in Program payments, and/or can pay debts when fiscal claims have been assessed against it. 

• The financial viability review is conducted to ensure that an organization has an adequate financial position by assessing the organization’s financial documentation. 

Once the organization has been determined to be financially viable, the organization will be provided with a form to request access to the online application system. Upon receipt of the completed form, TDA will process it, and the applicant will receive login credentials to access the online application system. 

Step 3: Capability and Accountability
Upon initial submittal of the online application, the application must be approved or denied within 90 days. If the organization has not yet provided an acceptable application, TDA will notify the organization on day 85 to advise of the impending deadline. Therefore, it is in the organization’s best interest to respond quickly to all requests from TDA. Information submitted to TDA will be reviewed immediately upon submission. Each time the application is submitted, TDA will complete its review within seven TDA business days of submission. If the organization provides an acceptable financial viability review within 90 days, it will advance to Step 3. If the organization does not submit an acceptable financial viability review, the application will be denied. The organization may choose to appeal the denial or restart the review process by submitting a new Intake Form.

This phase of the review comprises the online application review in TX-UNPS. With access to the online system, the organization must complete the application and submit all required supporting documentation. The organization is encouraged to seek the support of their local Education Service Center for assistance in completing the application. The application review is conducted in three phases and must be successfully completed within 90 days of initial application submittal:
 

• First, the application will be reviewed for completeness. Once the application is submitted to TDA, it will be assessed to determine that all information is complete and all required supporting documentation has been submitted. Any missing items noted will require the application to be returned to request the missing items. 

• Once the application is confirmed complete, the next step will be the review for accuracy. When the application is verified as both complete and accurate, documentation for Step 4 will be requested, if applicable. If the review is still ongoing after 90 calendar days, the application will be denied. The organization can choose to appeal the denial or restart the review process by submitting a new Intake Form.