FNS_PWS_TEMPLATE.docx

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL AG-3198-S-13-0075 ATTACHMENT III

FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICES (FNS) ON BEHALF OF

THE FARMERS’MARKET PROGRAM SUPPORT SERVICES

PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT TEMPLATE

1.0 INTRODUCTION

The Government seeks a qualified contractor to assist the Department of Agriculture (USDA), Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) to identify eligible farmers’ markets1 and direct-marketing farmers2 to participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP); recruit such markets and farmers to become SNAP authorized, and provide them with technical assistance throughout the process of applying to become SNAP-authorized; acquire SNAP wireless point-of-sale electronic benefits transfer (EBT) equipment and wireless services on behalf of eligible markets and farmers, and provide technical assistance to ensure markets and farmers at markets are able to use those resources to redeem SNAP benefits; and develop and implement an accounting and tracking system for the use of these funds.

2.0 BACKGROUND

USDA is committed to supporting local food systems and to expanding access for SNAP participants to healthy foods. Therefore, USDA has made it a priority to engage with and assist more farmers’ markets and direct marketing farmers to become SNAP authorized.

In fiscal year (FY) 2012, FNS provided $4 million to SNAP State agencies to expand the availability of wireless point-of-sale (POS) equipment in farmers’ markets not currently participating in SNAP.

In FY 2013, FNS received an additional $4 million in funding to provide wireless POS equipment in farmers’ markets not currently participating in SNAP. Per statute, the funds shall only be used to purchase or lease POS equipment for eligible farmers’ markets and direct- marketing farmers participating at a market where SNAP is not otherwise available, and to pay for wireless services for that equipment.

While this funding is a tremendous support to farmers’ markets and direct marketing farmers, barriers still existing for many in making the connection to SNAP. Therefore, USDA has identified additional funding which will enable this contractor to provide the necessary technical assistance to markets and farmers interested in participating in the program.

3.0 SCOPE

The contractor shall provide program management support and consulting services to FNS throughout the United States in the following areas: (1) Identify eligible farmers markets and direct-marketing farmers; (2) recruit them to participate in SNAP and provide them assistance to throughout the SNAP-authorization process; (3) acquire SNAP wireless technology, equipment, and services necessary to allow eligible markets and farmers redeem SNAP benefits and ensure that they are prepared to do so; (4) develop and implement an accounting system that maintains accounting records and produces financial reports in accordance with Federal contracting/ procurement laws and regulations.

4.0 PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS (OFFEROR SHALL PROVIDE)

Offeror shall state the performance requirements to meet the objectives outlined in the SOO

5.0 DELIVERABLES (OFFEROR SHALL PROVIDE)

6.0 PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENT SUMMARY (OFFEROR PROVIDE)

Offeror shall provide the below information based on the Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP)

7.0 PLACE OF PERFORMANCE (OFFEROR PROVIDE)

Offeror shall provide the region or regions that they can perform the work.

8.0 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

BASE PERIOD

September 30, 2013 through September 29, 2014

OPTION PERIOD I

September 30, 2014 through September 29, 2015