Organizations that participate in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) must follow federal procurement regulations as well as any applicable state and local rules when purchasing food, supplies, and services with program funds.

The Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) and other U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) instructions related to procurement requirements are provided as related resources.

• Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) Federal Regulations (7 CFR 226.22)
• Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Cooperative Agreements to State and Local Governments (7 CFR 3016.36)
• Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Agreements with Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals, and Other Non-Profit Organizations (7 CFR 3019 - refer to procurement sections 3019.40 to 3019.46)
• Financial Management Brochures (Instruction 796-2). Subjects include allowable costs and nonprofit food service.

 
U.S. Department of Agriculture Memos
Access key USDA memos on Procurement and Contracts below. To view the complete set of USDA memos for the CACFP, visit the Policy Memos (USDA) link.

CACFP 01-2013 Federal Small Purchase Threshold Adjustment (raised to $150,000)

• Food Service Management Companies (FSMC) and Caterers - contact list 
  Contact information for food service management companies and caterers that have contracted with Minnesota Child Nutrition Programs.
• Informal Procurement (Small Purchase) Procedures 
  Informal procurement log for institutions with less than $150,000 in food expenses. The log contains informal quotes on items being purchased which serve as “price comparisons.” A minimum of three quotes for three difference items is required annually.
• Contract for Vended Meals - Renewal 
  Template with required provisions to renew a contract for an organization that purchases meals from a vendor and claims the meals for Child and Adult Care Food Program reimbursement.
• Formal Procurement (Sealed Bid) Procedures 
  Summary of required procedures for Child Nutrition Program purchases exceeding the small purchase threshold ($150,000 in federal regulations). Includes procurement log form to be submitted to FNS.
• Certification Form - Debarment and Suspension 
  Required certification form from the vendor on contracts over $25,000 in federal funds.
• Procurement and Recordkeeping Requirements 
  Three-year retention period for records relating to contracts; types of required procurement records - March 2006 memo.
• Contract for Vended Meals 
  Contract template with required provisions for an organization that purchases meals from a vendor and claims the meals for Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) reimbursement.