P-Card Management for School Nutrition
P-cards are a useful tool for organizations, including School Nutrition Programs; however, a sound p-card management system is essential to maintaining the integrity of program. Know the Rules The first step to a successful p-card management system is knowing the rules. When enrolling in the district’s p-card program, be sure to obtain any policies and […]
What is a Pcard?
What is a Pcard? Short for “purchasing card”, a pcard is a type of commercial payment card that functions similarly to a credit card, with a few exceptions that will be explained later. The card utilizes the same infrastructure as a credit card, so it can be used anywhere that credit cards are accepted. This […]
Who Has the Lowest Price? Contract Award Methods & When to Use Each
When issuing a bid or quote, the purpose is to determine the lowest price; however, this could be accomplished through several different contract award methods. This article will outline all three methods and when to use each. The Three Contract Award Methods There are three different contract award methods you can choose from: line item, […]
8 Common Specification Mistakes (and How to Fix Them!)
Let’s talk about common specification mistakes that non-federal entities make during procurement. For most people with basic writing skills, writing product specifications sounds simple: you just describe an item, right? Unfortunately, there’s more to it than that. The trick is striking a balance between giving enough of a description that you get what you want […]
Updated Federal Micro Purchase Threshold & How to Self-Certify
There are two different federal micro purchase threshold requirements, depending on the type of organization spending the funds. This article will explain the differences between the two types of organizations and the micro purchase threshold for each. Federal vs. Non-Federal Entities Federal entities must follow the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), a set of rules governing […]
How to Write Product Specifications
Nailing your product specifications is important to ensure you receive what you need without limiting competition. This article will explain how to write a product specification for your school nutrition program.