This course covers essential financial management principles, procurement procedures, and guidelines on allowable costs. Participants will learn to identify, document, and justify program expenditures, ensuring compliance with USDA regulations and fostering effective financial oversight. The afternoon provides comprehensive guidance on the procurement process for CACFP participants. It covers essential procurement standards, the development of procurement plans, and the requirements for cost comparisons, quotes, bids, and RFPs. Participants will learn to manage contracts effectively, ensuring compliance with USDA regulations and promoting ethical procurement practices. Professional Standards: 2400, 3300 ESC Region 11 Child Nutrition courses are a valuable tool for continuing education for district staff operating Child Nutrition Programs. There are no restrictions on attendance for district staff. Each district will be permitted to take one food service management company (FSMC) employee, who may attend these sessions if accompanied by the district staff person responsible for contract management and oversight. FSMC attendees must pay a $50 participation fee to attend and may not charge the cost to the nonprofit school lunch program or use federal nutrition funds for the expense. No print material will be provided to participants this year (Oct. 1, 2024 - Sept. 30, 2025). All participant materials will be available on our website and may be downloaded and/or printed in advance.