Federal Procurement Guidance

Nutrition Services Division Management Bulletin
To: Nutrition Program Sponsors	Number: 04-901
Attention: Food Program Director	Date: December 2004
Subject: Federal Procurement Guidance
Reference: United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) SP Policy Memo 04-18, dated September 9, 2004, Providing Information versus Writing Bid Specifications and Contract Terms, and USDA SP Policy Memo 04-20, dated September 10, 2004, Applicability of Federal Requirements to School Food Service Procurements.

This Management Bulletin transmits questions and answers from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) regarding federal procurement procedures for all school food authorities. SP Policy Memo 04-18 discusses contractor involvement in writing bid documents including the Invitation for Bid, Request for Proposal, product specifications, contracts, and contract provisions. SP Policy Memo 04-20 pertains to general federal procurement requirements. Both Policy Memos are attached.

As appropriate, please share this information with your agency management and business personnel.

Contact Information

If you have any questions regarding this subject, you may contact the Procurement Resources Unit (PRU) by email at NSDProcurementReview@cde.ca.gov to be directed to a PRU Specialist.

The above mentioned 2004 USDA Policy Memos have been renumbered and are available at:

http://www.fns.usda.gov/providing-information-versus-writing-bid-specifications-and-contract-terms

http://www.fns.usda.gov/school-districts-and-federal-procurement-regulations-0

Questions: Procurement Resources Unit | NSDProcurementReview@cde.ca.gov | 800-952-5609

Last Reviewed: Friday, October 31, 2025

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