Complex Regulatory Requirements Respondents stated that regulatory requirements, including both federal and state, do not adjust to the size of school districts or their urbanicity, especially considering the limited numbers of vendors available and interested in participating in a competitive bidding process. This is also true as it relates to low purchasing thresholds that no longer represent the local economic landscape and unintentionally hinder local purchasing. Some school districts, and even states, maintain low micro and small purchase thresholds. Survey respondents shared that locally sourced items tend to cost more, and thus local food orders may exceed the informal purchasing thresholds requiring a formal bid process. Respondents also shared that given formal procurements are time consuming and burdensome for SFAs and local vendors, some SFAs are opting to use co-ops or buying groups to lessen the administrative burden. However, respondents are also finding that in some cases co-ops and buying groups have limited or no options for local foods. A nutrition director from the Midwest shared that it is a challenge to find “competitors for local products [because] they go over the micro purchasing threshold.” Moreover, a nutrition director from the Western region shared that a formal bidding process “scares small, local vendors.” Meanwhile, a respondent from the Southeast shared, “having a locally set micro-purchase threshold of $2,500.00 is crippling.” Additionally, complex
processes and requirements deter potential vendors and suppliers—especially those who are small, local, or untraditional—from responding to bids or proposals. In reference to how vendors perceive some state and local requirements, a respondent from the Southwest region stated, “The requirement for a $1,000,000 insurance policy alone deters small farmers.” Respondents shared an overall sense of frustration, confusion, and exhaustion trying to keep up with and make sense of policies that are constantly changing. In addition to having policies that are more tailored to their size and geographical constraints, respondents also want better training and resources to navigate complex regulations. As these challenges continue unaddressed, respondents noted that they are more prone to make mistakes, skip steps, or entirely ignore requirements that do not apply to their situations. Some respondents expressed having to “cut corners to make food service easier and cheaper” for their schools.
17 Procuring Good Food at School: From Contracts to Lunch Trays |
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