Protecting Funds, Strengthening Programs, Delivering Results

Procurement That Stands Up to Review

Since the 2016–17 school year, when USDA-FNS introduced mandatory procurement reviews, CN Resource’s Financial Review Team has conducted more than 2,500 reviews on behalf of 12 different state agencies. Our structured, compliance-driven approach—paired with practical technical assistance and robust training resources—has helped NSLP sponsors nationwide achieve greater accuracy, consistency, and confidence in their procurement practices.

USDA Procurement Review & Oversight

At CN Resource, we conduct comprehensive procurement reviews for Child Nutrition Programs. Our team examines vendor lists, procurement plans, procedures, contracts, and codes of conduct for compliance with 2 CFR 200 and program regulations. When issues are identified, we provide clear, actionable solutions and the support needed for full resolution.

01
Mirror the USDA/FNS Review Tool
Familiar structure and consistent documentation that state agencies and management already recognize.
02
Guided Corrective Action
Expert finance team walks sponsors through findings and toward meaningful program improvements.
03
Integrity & Compliance Confirmed
Documentation stands up to management evaluation, protecting program funds and sponsor confidence.

Green wire shelving units hold bulk bags of carrots, boxes of raspberry yogurt, and cases of Suncup juice cartons. Two large black bins on the lower shelves are filled with an abundance of green and yellow pears. The items are organized in a clean, industrial storage space or pantry.

A smiling woman with long strawberry-blonde hair looks on as a person's hand uses a black pen to fill out paperwork on a desk. The woman is wearing a black shirt and stands in front of a door labeled "Director's Office" decorated with children's drawings. The scene captures a collaborative administrative moment in an office or school setting.

What We Check

Right Method, Right Amount

Verifies procurement procedures at the micro-purchase, small acquisition, and formal levels are properly documented and complete.

Buy American

Supports requirements for U.S.-grown and produced foods for Child Nutrition Programs, validates documentation for approved exceptions, and supports plans to cap non-domestic purchases in line with the Final Rule.

Contracts, Ethics & Records

Conducts an independent review of FSMC and cooperative contracts, confirms cost/price analysis. Our expert team offers an unbiased evaluation of ethical practices, that enhances procedures and strengthens program integrity.

Procurement Training, Tools & Technical Assistance

We equip your team with resources that build confidence and sustain compliance.

Training You Can Use

Access live sessions and short online lessons with plain-language checklists and ready-to-use templates.

Toolkits Built for Your State

Annual and topic-specific training presentations, fact sheets, fillable prototype forms, and compliance guides aligned with federal and state-specific rules and regulations.

Hands-On Help

CNR provides direct coaching for SFAs on actionable steps to implementing procurement procedures, vendor monitoring, and contract updates, staying engaged until issues are resolved.

Always Current

When rules change, CNR stands ready to update training, tools, and forms so operators stay informed and confident in compliance.

Two women stand in a kitchen or pantry area, looking at a document in a black folder. The woman on the right, wearing a navy blue polo shirt, points to a page labeled "WIC" while explaining something to the woman on the left, who is wearing glasses and a dark apron. Shelves filled with kitchen supplies and containers are visible in the background.

Woman presenting information on a large wall-mounted screen, gesturing while speaking in a meeting room.

How Our Procurement Reviews Work

Our structured process ensures clarity, consistency, and accountability from start to finish.

1. Plan
Share your list of SFAs or sponsors, and we’ll create a tailored schedule.
2. Review
On-site or remote—announced or unannounced—we examine solicitations, bids, awards, invoices, and engage business managers to collaborate with CNP Directors on-site to guide procurement documentation review and the design of compliance solutions where needed.
3. Close
Every review goes through a tiered quality assurance process led by financial review experts, ensuring you receive clear findings, practical corrective actions, and verified documentation before close-out.

Integrated and Flexible Review Processes

SFSP Procurement Within Administrative Reviews

We integrate procurement checks directly into SFSP sponsor and site reviews, alongside menus, meal service, food safety, civil rights, and claims, for one seamless, efficient review process.

The result: fewer repeat visits, consistent documentation, and full compliance.

Flexible by Design

Every state operates differently. That’s why our approach is adaptable, onsite, remote, or hybrid. CNR conducts site, SFA or sponsor, vendor, and central kitchen reviews and provides documentation-only support when preferred.

A young girl with a white bow in her hair looks down at a large grey bowl labeled "Salad" filled with shredded purple cabbage and carrots. She is seated at a wooden table in a classroom-like setting.

Corner view of a commercial pantry or walk-in freezer with organized stacks of dry and frozen goods in shipping containers.

Why CN Resource

Child Nutrition Specialists: We translate complex federal regulations into clear, workable steps.
Built for Your State: Prototype plans, forms, and checklists tailored to your thresholds and timelines.
Defensible Results: Clear citations, complete workpapers, and corrective actions that stand up to external review.

What We’re Watching Now

2 CFR 200 Updates: October 2024 Uniform Guidance revisions.
Micro-Purchase Thresholds: Self-certification and documentation for limits up to $50,000.
Buy American Updates: Final-rule implementation, limited exceptions, phased caps on non-domestic purchases, and documentation requirements beginning SY 2025–26.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still Have Questions?

We're Here to Help You!

Still Have Questions?

We're Here to Help You!

Get Started Today

Tell us about your goals and timelines. We’ll design the right mix of reviews, training, toolkits, and technical assistance to keep your procurement compliant and your team confident.