Mark Saturday, March 3, 2012 on your calendars for the LAC pre-conference session “Procurement 101”. This is a session you do not want to miss! Anita Pereira-Sekhon, Program Analyst, Program Analysis & Monitoring Branch, USDA/FNS and Lynn Rodgers-Kuperman, Chief, Program Analysis & Monitoring Branch, Child Nutrition Division, USDA/FNS will provide a comprehensive overview of Federal requirements, policies, and regulations relating to procurement in the school meals programs. Discussion will focus on forecasting; contracting with foodservice management companies, distributors, manufacturers, etc; crediting of USDA Foods; cost allowability; general financial management; and indirect cost requirements. Emphasis will be placed on appropriate procurement methods, developing solicitations, bid/proposal selection, contract awards and will include information on both direct and indirect costs, the Federal cost principals and considerations for the SFA when assessing indirect costs charged to the nonprofit school foodservice account. The total cost of this informative session is $100 and participants will receive 3 CEUs.

But wait… there’s more! On Wednesday, March 7, 2012, be sure to linger through the end of the Legislative Action Conference, which will wrap-up by 11:30am. The Closing General Session features former USDA Secretaries, John Block and Dan Glickman, along with other experts and policymakers to review the increasing role that agriculture and nutrition have in decisions and policy development.  Block was Secretary from 1981-1986 and Glickman was Secretary from 1995 – 2001. The discussion will delve into the link between funding programs and the constraints on budgets.   The goal of this session is to provide perspectives from leaders and experts on the importance of balance, priorities and policies that impact our ability to provide quality, nutritious meals to our nation’s children in an efficient and healthy manner.   You don’t want to miss this unique opportunity to hear candid conversations with former USDA secretaries. 

Register today! Visit www.schoolnutrition.org/lac