Non-Cooperative School Roles and Responsibilities:
CEs large enough to request the further processing of USDA Foods as individual schools assume responsibilities that include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Ensure compliance with all local, state and federal procurement guidelines.
- Solicitations for further processing shall be mailed to companies on the TDA Approved List of Processors without limitations. For example, a CE cannot choose to send a solicitation to only selective companies on the approved TDA list.
- Ensure that solicitations for the further processing of USDA Foods are only awarded to processors that are on the TDA Approved List of Processors.
- Provide good, estimated quantities in the solicitation for the processing of USDA Foods.
- Enter into an agreement with distributors that provide the distribution of processed end products containing USDA Foods; ensure the agreement contains language for the proper resolution of errors.
- Access the Texas Unified Nutrition Program System (TX-UNPS) Food Distribution Program (FDP) Module on a regular basis to effectively manage USDA Foods entitlement, food requests, and allocations.
- Ensure entitlement is used within the year it was earned.
- Track and manage USDA Foods inventory balances to ensure compliance with TDA and USDA Foods inventory requirements, i.e., inventory levels shall not exceed six months; access processor tracking systems on a regular basis; and report issues to cooperative and/or TDA as applicable.
- Conduct Sales Verification of end products sold through a distributor, including but not limited to verifying sales and USDA Foods discounts.
- Ensure end products received are the products requested; report discrepancies to the processor and/or TDA as applicable.
- Review usage and USDA Foods inventory balances prior to ordering new inventory.
- Utilize carryover inventory by November 30th.
- Report issues and/or concerns related to the further processing of USDA Foods to TDA.
- Attend and/or access online trainings provided by TDA on the management of the USDA Foods program to obtain the latest information on the program.