SF_30_AMENDMENT_0001_to_AG-3198-S-13-0075_dtd_8.30.2013.pdf

STATEMENT OF OBJECTIVE (SOO)

FARMERS’MARKET PROGRAM SUPPORT SERVICES

PURPOSE:

The Government seeks a qualified contractor to assist Department of Agriculture (USDA), Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) to provide technical assistance to farmers’ markets and direct marketing farmers as they apply for authorization to redeem benefits under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP); to purchase wireless equipment; to distribute SNAP wireless point-of-sale (POS) equipment to authorized markets; and assist them to obtain wireless services necessary for the equipment to function.

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.

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 and provide assistance to them during the SNAP authorization process.

2) Purchase wireless and other mobile technology and related solutions for the farmers’ market environment. 2) Provide authorized farmers’ markets and direct marketing farmers with the wireless technology. 3) Provide the authorized farmers’ market and direct marketing farmers with wireless services. 4) Coordinate with States in providing farmers’ markets and direct marketing farmers’ with wireless equipment and access. 5) Track expenditures and keep financial accounting records.

Up to four contracts with be awarded.

PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES, I.E., REQUIRED RESULTS:

Objectives:

1. Identify eligible farmers’ markets and/or direct-marketing farmers.

2. To have all eligible farmers’ markets and direct-marketing farmers identified become SNAP authorized.

3. Issue all authorized farmers markets and direct-marketing farmers wireless POS equipment and wireless access.

4. Coordinate with States in providing farmers’ markets and direct marketing farmers’ with wireless equipment and access.

5. Track expenditures/cost and quantities of POS equipment purchased.

6. Track expenditures/cost of SNAP wireless access.

Results:

1. Contractor must design and implement methods to identify eligible farmers’ markets and direct-marketing farmers. In addition, contractor must demonstrate a capacity to network with entities such as farmers’ market associations, wireless equipment providers, and State agencies and local agencies.

2. Contractor must assist the farmers’ markets and direct-marketing farmers with completing and submitting applications to become SNAP authorized. This includes providing assistance with the SNAP application process, helping applicants identify and submit all pertinent information and documents, and assisting in trouble-shooting throughout the process.

3. The contractor must acquire wireless equipment and wireless services. Furthermore, the contractor shall have the capacity to distribute goods and services to eligible farmers’ markets and direct-marketing farmers.

OPERATING CONSTRAINTS:

1. Contractor must be able to network with State agencies, local agencies, farmers’ markets; farmers’ market associations, farmers and local communities.

2. Contractor must have the ability to purchase POS equipment and the associated services.

3. Contractor may have the capacity to perform these functions nationwide or in designated parts of the United States.

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: TBD

PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: TBD