Abstract:    This resource includes two topics regarding procurement.

Topic 1: General Requirements and Responsibilities. This topic will enable State agency staff to understand Federal requirements pertaining to the procurement process, especially the requirement for free and open competition, and the role of the SFA and the State agency in properly implementing these requirements.

Topic 2: How Procurement Works: Planning, Executing, and Administering a Competitive Procurement This topic will provide detailed information about each stage of the procurement process.

Topic 3: Special Considerations This topic will address issues common to all school food service procurements, discuss specific issues related to the most common types of procurements often conducted by SFAs, and will summarize some approaches that State agencies might use in evaluating the SFA's planning and execution of procurement actions.