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pdfAppendix D.2. SFA Survey (Pretest Version)
OMB Number: 0584-0613
Expiration Date: 09/30/2019
SFA SURVEY
MATHEMATICA POLICY RESEARCH
Child Nutrition Reducing Burden Study
School Food Authority Survey
(FOR THE PRETEST)
November 2017
DRAFT
1
11/29/17
SFA SURVEY
MATHEMATICA POLICY RESEARCH
1. COMPLYING WITH PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
SFAs are at the front lines of ensuring the integrity of the school meal programs by ensuring
compliance with program regulations. Federal regulations for the school meal programs define
specific requirements for SFAs participating in the programs.
The questions in this section ask about compliance with a variety of standards and administrative
requirements for the school meal programs.
1.1:
Which of the following standards and requirements does your SFA spend the most time
implementing? Please rank the three most time-consuming options by indicating the most
time-consuming option with a “1,” the second most time-consuming option with a “2,” and
the third most time consuming with a “3.”
RANK:
a.
Nutrition standards for school meals
b.
Smart Snacks in School nutrition standards
c.
Food safety requirements
d.
Procurement standards
e.
Professional standards
f.
Free and reduced-price eligibility determination requirements (including
direct certification, applications, special provisions)
g.
Other requirement (specify)
___________________________________________________
h.
Other requirement (specify)
___________________________________________________
i.
Other requirement (specify)
___________________________________________________
DRAFT
2
11/29/17
SFA SURVEY
1.2:
MATHEMATICA POLICY RESEARCH
For which of the following standards and requirements does your SFA spend the most
time complying with reporting and record keeping requirements? Please rank the three
most time-consuming options by indicating the most time-consuming option with a “1,”
the second most time-consuming option with a “2,” and the third most time consuming
with a “3.”
RANK:
a.
Nutrition standards for school meals
b.
Smart Snacks in School nutrition standards
c.
Food safety requirements
d.
Procurement standards
e.
Professional standards
f.
Free and reduced-price eligibility determination requirements (including
direct certification, applications, special provisions)
g.
Reimbursement claim requirements
h.
Other requirement (specify)
___________________________________________________
i.
Other requirement (specify)
___________________________________________________
j.
Other requirement (specify)
___________________________________________________
DRAFT
3
11/29/17
SFA SURVEY
1.3:
MATHEMATICA POLICY RESEARCH
Are the available instructions and guidance generally clear for each of the following
standards and administrative requirements? Examples of instructions and guidance
include written materials such as manuals, handbooks, toolkits, fact sheets, USDA policy
memos, and other website resources provided on USDA and State Agency child nutrition
program websites; also include technical assistance received.
SELECT ONE PER ROW
NOT
APPLICABLE
YES
NO
(no instructions
or guidance
used)
DON’T
KNOW
a.
Nutrition standards for school meals
1
0
DK
NA
b.
Smart Snacks in School nutrition standards
1
0
DK
NA
c.
Food safety requirements
1
0
DK
NA
d.
Procurement standards
1
0
DK
NA
e.
Professional standards
1
0
DK
NA
f.
Reimbursement claim requirements
1
0
DK
NA
g.
Free and reduced-price eligibility determination
requirements (including direct certification,
applications, special provisions)
1
0
DK
NA
1
0
DK
NA
h.
Other requirement (specify)
________________________________________
1.4:
Is your SFA aware of training resources to assist your SFAs in complying with each of the
following standards and administrative requirements? Examples of training resources
include trainings that are conducted in-person or by webinar and materials like
presentation slides and videos.
SELECT ONE PER ROW
YES
NO
a.
Nutrition standards for school meals
1
0
b.
Smart Snacks in School nutrition standards
1
0
c.
Food safety requirements
1
0
d.
Procurement standards
1
0
e.
Professional standards
1
0
f.
Free and reduced-price eligibility determination
requirements (including direct certification,
applications, special provisions)
1
0
Reimbursement claim requirements
1
0
1
0
g.
h.
Other requirement (specify)
________________________________________
DRAFT
4
11/29/17
SFA SURVEY
MATHEMATICA POLICY RESEARCH
IF 1.4a, 1.4b, 1.4c, 1.4d, 1.4e, 1.4f, 1.4g, OR 1.4h = YES, ANSWER 1.5
1.5
Has your SFA used any training resources to help your SFA comply with each of the
following standards and administrative requirements?
SELECT ONE PER ROW
YES
NO
a.
Nutrition standards for school meals
1
0
b.
Smart Snacks in School nutrition standards
1
0
c.
Food safety requirements
1
0
d.
Procurement standards
1
0
e.
Professional standards
1
0
f.
Reimbursement claim requirements
1
0
g.
Free and reduced-price eligibility determination
requirements (including direct certification,
applications, special provisions)
1
0
Other requirement (specify)
1
0
h.
________________________________________
1.6:
Thinking about the various standards and requirements, please give a recent example that
was especially problematic or highlights a specific concern for your SFA. Please specify
the name(s) of the standards and requirements in your response. If your SFA has no
problem or concern, write “None.”
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
DRAFT
5
11/29/17
SFA SURVEY
MATHEMATICA POLICY RESEARCH
2. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
Throughout the year, SFAs are required to submit a variety of information to their State Agencies
regarding the school meal programs. Much of the information provided is ultimately submitted to
USDA and is used to monitor program operations, understand program participation, and comply
with federal rules and regulations.
The questions in this section ask about several aspects of reporting.
2.1
For which of the following types of data does your SFA spend the most time collecting and
submitting? Please rank the three most time-consuming options by indicating the most
time-consuming option with a “1,” the second most time-consuming option with a “2,” and
the third most time consuming with a “3.”
RANK:
a.
Counts of schools operating the NSLP/ SBP
b.
Counts of enrolled students in NSLP/SBP schools
c.
Counts of schools operating under special provisions
d.
Counts of students in schools that operate under special provisions
e.
Counts of students directly certified for free meals
f.
Counts of students approved for free or reduced-price meals through an
application
g.
Results of verification
h.
Other requirement (specify)
___________________________________________________
i.
Other requirement (specify)
___________________________________________________
j.
Other requirement (specify)
___________________________________________________
DRAFT
6
11/29/17
SFA SURVEY
2.2:
MATHEMATICA POLICY RESEARCH
Are the available instructions and guidance generally clear for collecting and submitting
the following types of data? Examples of instructions and guidance include written
materials such as manuals, handbooks, toolkits, fact sheets, USDA policy memos, and
other website resources provided on USDA and State Agency child nutrition program
websites; also include technical assistance received.
SELECT ONE PER ROW
NOT
APPLICABLE
YES
NO
DON’T
KNOW
(no instructions
or guidance
used)
a.
Counts of schools operating the NSLP/ SBP
1
0
DK
NA
b.
Counts of enrolled students in NSLP/SBP
schools
1
0
DK
NA
c.
Counts of schools operating under special
provisions
1
0
DK
NA
d.
Counts of students in schools that operate
under special provisions
1
0
DK
NA
e.
Counts of students directly certified for free
meals
1
0
DK
NA
f.
Counts of students approved for free or
reduced-price meals through an application
1
0
DK
NA
g.
Results of verification
1
0
DK
NA
1
0
DK
NA
h.
Other (specify)
________________________________________
DRAFT
7
11/29/17
SFA SURVEY
2.3:
MATHEMATICA POLICY RESEARCH
Is your SFA aware of training resources to help your SFA comply with collecting and
submitting the following types of data? Examples of training resources include trainings
that are conducted in-person or by webinar and materials like presentation slides and
videos.
SELECT ONE PER ROW
YES
NO
a.
Counts of schools operating the NSLP/ SBP
1
0
b.
Counts of enrolled students in NSLP/SBP schools
1
0
c.
Counts of schools operating under special provisions
1
0
d.
Counts of students in schools that operate under
special provisions
1
0
e.
Counts of students directly certified for free meals
1
0
f.
Counts of students approved for free or reduced-price
meals through an application
1
0
g.
Results of verification
1
0
h.
Other (specify)
1
0
____________________________________
IF 2.3a, 2.3b, 2.3c, 2.3d, 2.3e, 2.3f, 2.3g, OR 2.3h = YES, ANSWER 2.4
2.4
Has your SFA used any training resources to help your SFA collect and submit the
following types of data?
SELECT ONE PER ROW
YES
NO
a.
Counts of schools operating the NSLP/ SBP
1
0
b.
Counts of enrolled students in NSLP/SBP schools
1
0
c.
Counts of schools operating under special provisions
1
0
d.
Counts of students in schools that operate under
special provisions
1
0
e.
Counts of students directly certified for free meals
1
0
f.
Counts of students approved for free or reduced-price
meals through an application
1
0
g.
Results of verification
1
0
h.
Other (specify)
1
0
____________________________________
DRAFT
8
11/29/17
SFA SURVEY
2.5
MATHEMATICA POLICY RESEARCH
Thinking about types of data that you collect and submit for the various reports, which of
the following contribute the most to the time needed to collect and compile data for
reports?
MARK ALL THAT APPLY
Lack of available of instructions and guidance ..................................................... 1
Lack of clear instructions and guidance ............................................................... 2
Type and/or amount of information required ........................................................ 3
Timing and/or frequency of report submission .................................................... 4
Lack of availability of staff time and/or resources ................................................ 5
Other (specify) ...................................................................................................... 99
SPECIFY: ______________________________________________________
2.6
Thinking about types of data that you collect and submit for the various reports, which of
the following contribute the most to the time needed to submit reports?
MARK ALL THAT APPLY
Lack of available of instructions and guidance ..................................................... 1
Lack of clear instructions and guidance ............................................................... 2
Type and/or amount of information required ........................................................ 3
Timing and/or frequency of report submission .................................................... 4
Lack of availability of staff time and/or resources ................................................. 5
Other (specify) ...................................................................................................... 99
SPECIFY: ______________________________________________________
2.7:
Does your SFA use any automated technology (computer) systems for determining
students’ certification status?
Yes ........................................................................................................................ 1
No ......................................................................................................................... 0
Don’t know ............................................................................................................ DK
2.8:
Thinking about types of data that you collect and submit for the various reports, please
give a recent example that was especially problematic or highlights a specific concern for
your SFA. Please specify the name(s) of the report(s) in your response. If your SFA has no
problem or concern, write “None.”
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
DRAFT
9
11/29/17
SFA SURVEY
MATHEMATICA POLICY RESEARCH
3. COMPLIANCE WITH PROCUREMENT STANDARDS
The procurement of all foods, goods, and services for the school meal programs must comply
with procurement standards, including Federal policy requirements and FNS regulations. The
standards facilitate SFA procurement of domestic and locally sourced foods using competitive
procedures and spending program funding effectively and efficiently.
3.1:
For which of the following aspects of procurement does your SFA spend the most time
on? Please rank the three most time-consuming options by indicating the most timeconsuming option with a “1,” the second most time-consuming option with a “2,” and the
third most time consuming with a “3.”
RANK:
a.
Understanding the procurement standards
b.
Issuing contract solicitations in a timely manner
c.
Identifying vendors, suppliers, and/or contractors that comply with Buy
American
d.
Ensuring that all food purchases comply with Buy American
e.
Understanding geographic preference
f.
Managing contracts with local vendors or suppliers
g.
Maintaining records and/or documentation for compliance with procurement
standards
h.
Managing food service management company contracts
i.
Other requirement (specify)
___________________________________________________
j.
Other requirement (specify)
___________________________________________________
k.
Other requirement (specify)
___________________________________________________
DRAFT
10
11/29/17
SFA SURVEY
3.2:
MATHEMATICA POLICY RESEARCH
Are the available instructions and guidance generally clear for each of the following
aspects of procurement? Examples include written materials such as manuals,
handbooks, toolkits, fact sheets, USDA policy memos, and other website resources
provided on USDA and State Agency child nutrition program websites; also include
technical assistance received.
SELECT ONE PER ROW
YES
NO
a.
Understanding the procurement standards
1
0
b.
Issuing contract solicitations in a timely manner
1
0
c.
Identifying vendors, suppliers, and/or contractors that
comply with Buy American
1
0
d.
Ensuring that all food purchases comply with Buy
American
1
0
e.
Understanding geographic preference
1
0
f.
Managing contracts with local vendors or suppliers
1
0
g.
Maintaining records and/or documentation for
compliance with procurement standards
1
0
h.
Managing food service management company
contracts
1
0
i.
Other (specify)
1
0
____________________________________
DRAFT
11
11/29/17
SFA SURVEY
3.3:
MATHEMATICA POLICY RESEARCH
Is your SFA aware of training resources to assist SFAs with the following aspects of
procurement? Examples of training resources include trainings that are conducted inperson or by webinar and materials like presentation slides and videos.
SELECT ONE PER ROW
YES
NO
a.
Understanding the procurement standards
1
0
b.
Issuing contract solicitations in a timely manner
1
0
c.
Identifying vendors, suppliers, and/or contractors that
comply with Buy American
1
0
d.
Ensuring that all food purchases comply with Buy
American
1
0
e.
Understanding geographic preference
1
0
f.
Managing contracts with local vendors or suppliers
1
0
g.
Maintaining records and/or documentation for
compliance with procurement standards
1
0
h.
Managing food service management company
contracts
1
0
i.
Other (specify)
1
0
____________________________________
DRAFT
12
11/29/17
SFA SURVEY
MATHEMATICA POLICY RESEARCH
IF 3.3a, 3.3b, 3.3c, 3.3.d, 3.3e, 3.3f, 3.3g, 3.3h, OR 3.3i = YES, ANSWER 3.4
3.4:
Has your SFA used any training resources to help with the following aspects of
procurement?
SELECT ONE PER ROW
YES
NO
a.
Understanding the procurement standards
1
0
b.
Issuing contract solicitations in a timely manner
1
0
c.
Identifying vendors, suppliers, and/or contractors that
comply with Buy American
1
0
d.
Ensuring that all food purchases comply with Buy
American
1
0
e.
Understanding geographic preference
1
0
f.
Managing contracts with local vendors or suppliers
1
0
g.
Maintaining records and/or documentation for
compliance with procurement standards
1
0
h.
Managing food service management company
contracts
1
0
i.
Other (specify)
1
0
____________________________________
3.5:
Thinking about the aspects of complying with the procurement standards, please give one
recent example that was especially problematic or highlights a specific concern for your
SFA. Please specify the aspect(s) of the procurement standards in your response. If your
SFA has no problem or concern, write “None.”
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
DRAFT
13
11/29/17
SFA SURVEY
MATHEMATICA POLICY RESEARCH
4. USDA GUIDANCE AND POLICY MEMOS
USDA regularly issues guidance documents and policy memos in order to provide State Agencies
and SFAs with the most up-to-date information on operating the school meal programs, including
complying with legislative mandates and federal rules and regulations. State Agencies may
further adapt USDA guidance documents and policy memos for local settings.
The questions in this section ask for your general thoughts on USDA guidance documents and
policy memos.
4.1
What forms of USDA guidance documents and policy memos does your SFA use?
Original form, as developed by USDA .................................................................. 1
Adapted form, as developed by our State Agency ............................................... 2
Original and adapted forms, as developed by USDA and our State
Agency .................................................................................................................. 3
4.2:
[IF 4.1=1 or 3] Is the way that USDA guidance documents and policy memos are distributed
and/or documented user-friendly for your SFA? For example, documents and memos are
typically distributed by State Agency directors and are documented on the USDA website
and some State Agency websites.
Yes ........................................................................................................................ 1
No ......................................................................................................................... 0
Don’t know ............................................................................................................ DK
4.3:
How often does your State Agency offer training or technical assistance on USDA
guidance documents and policy memos?
Always .................................................................................................................. 1
Often ..................................................................................................................... 2
Sometimes ............................................................................................................ 3
Rarely ................................................................................................................... 4
Never .................................................................................................................... 5
4.4:
Thinking generally about USDA guidance documents and policy memos, please give one
recent example that was especially problematic or highlights a specific concern for your
SFA. If your SFA has no problem or concern, write “None.”
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
DRAFT
14
11/29/17
SFA SURVEY
4.5
MATHEMATICA POLICY RESEARCH
What other helpful information or resources could USDA provide to SFAs operating
school meal programs?
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
DRAFT
15
11/29/17
SFA SURVEY
MATHEMATICA POLICY RESEARCH
5. PARTICIPATING IN RESEARCH STUDIES
SFAs operating the school meal programs are required to cooperate with officials and federal
contractors in the conduct of evaluations and research studies of the programs. Throughout the
year, SFAs are asked to participate in federal research studies. The findings from these studies
are used to inform policy, improve program operations, and ensure program integrity.
The questions in this section ask about your SFA’s experience participating in any prior research
studies over the past 5 years.
5.1
Excluding this study, has your SFA been asked to participate in any research studies in
the last 5 years?
Yes ........................................................................................................................ 1
No ......................................................................................................................... 0
5.2:
SKIP TO END
For research studies in which your SFA has been asked to participate in over the last five
(5) years, how often …
MARK ONE ONLY
1
2
3
4
5
Always
Often
Sometimes
Rarely
Never
Don’t
know
a.
Were you given adequate advance
notice for participation?
1
2
3
4
5
DK
b.
Was the purpose of the research
communicated to you clearly?
1
2
3
4
5
DK
c.
Was the focus of the research
redundant with other studies you
participated in?
1
2
3
4
5
DK
Did you consider the time and/or
effort required to participate in the
studies excessive?
1
2
3
4
5
DK
Did you know how to find the results
of the studies once they had been
published?
1
2
3
4
5
DK
d.
e.
5.3:
Thinking about a recent research study in which you were asked to participate, please give
one example of how doing so was especially problematic or highlights a specific concern
for your SFA. If possible, please specify the research topic (or study name) in your
response. If your SFA has no problem or concern, write “None.”
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
DRAFT
16
11/29/17
SFA SURVEY
5.4
MATHEMATICA POLICY RESEARCH
In addition, other entities, such as universities and foundations, may solicit participation
in studies of the school meal programs. How often did you know the research study
sponsor?
MARK ONLY ONE
Always .................................................................................................................. 1
Usually .................................................................................................................. 2
Sometimes ............................................................................................................ 3
Rarely ................................................................................................................... 4
Never .................................................................................................................... 5
Don’t know ............................................................................................................ DK
According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, an agency may not conduct or
sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it
displays a valid OMB control number. The valid OMB control number for this information
collection is 0584-0613. The time required to complete this information collection is
estimated to average 60 minutes per response, with 20 minutes to complete the study
and 40 to participate in the cognitive interview. This includes the time for reviewing
instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data
needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. Send comments
regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information,
including suggestions for reducing this burden, to: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food
and Nutrition Services, Office of Policy Support, 3101 Park Center Drive, Room 1014,
Alexandria, VA 22302, ATTN: PRA (0584-0613). Do not return the completed form to
this address.
DRAFT
17
11/29/17
| File Type | application/pdf |
| File Title | FNS Reducing Burden Study: SFA Survey |
| Subject | SAQ to web |
| Author | Mathematica |
| File Modified | 2018-02-14 |
| File Created | 2017-11-29 |