Bright from the Start Responsibilities

What are Bright from the Start’s responsibilities for the SFSP?

Responsibility for the SFSP in Georgia was transferred from the USDA Regional Office to OSR (now Bright from the Start) in October 1997. Bright from the Start is responsible for the following components of the SFSP:

Program Outreach

Bright from the Start is responsible for promoting the SFSP in Georgia. The department targets areas and sponsors that can help increase the number of meals and children served through the program. Outreach requires working with individual organizations, communities, and umbrella organizations to encourage participation in the SFSP including governmental entities and school food authorities.

Annual Training of Current and New Sponsors

Bright from the Start is responsible for providing training for all SFSP applicants on an annual basis. The purpose of the training is to explain program rules and regulations; encourage sponsors to operate successful programs; identify areas where sponsors can improve program operations, participation, and meal service; and update sponsors on any changes in program requirements for the upcoming year.

Approving Applications

Bright from the Start receives and processes applications of all organizations wishing to sponsor the SFSP. The department uses the GA ATLAS database system to make this process efficient and to allow for collecting and reporting program data. Organizations that complete training are provided access to enter their SFSP application and submit supporting documentation online. All complete and accurate applications, which include the online and documentation portions, will be approved or denied within 30 days of the completion date. The approval process includes determining eligibility for the sponsor and its intended sites. Site eligibility is determined by the percentage of free or reduced price meal recipients in the site's elementary school zone or the number of children enrolled in the program eligible for free or reduced price meals. The number of sites an organization is approved for depends on the assessed administrative and financial capability of the sponsor. Once sites have been determined eligible, Bright from the Start will review, modify and approve the organization's submitted budget. This approval process may require an onsite visit to determine the sponsor's ability to successfully operate the program. Upon completing the approval process, an approval letter is sent to the sponsor detailing the approved sites and budget.

Paying Claims

Bright from the Start processes claims for reimbursement in much the same way it approves applications. Approved sponsors are required to submit monthly claims via the GA ATLAS system. The department also issues advance payments when needed. These advances are awarded to eligible organizations for the months of June, July, and August and are subsequently deducted from the next claim payment. Financial transactions are done through direct deposit.

Federal reporting of information related to the SFSP - Bright from the Start is required to report information to the USDA regarding SFSP operations. The office completes monthly, quarterly, and annual reports for USDA detailing funds spent, meals served, and other financial information. Bright from the Start also periodically provides information related to the number of sponsors, sites, and non-profit organizations enrolled in the program and the number of reviews conducted. Bright from the Start submits a Management Administration Plan (MAP) which outlines the department's plan for program administration and the required budget amount. Funds for program administration and claim payments are received through a drawdown of federal funds.

Reviews

Bright from the Start, Audits and Compliance is responsible for reviewing sponsors and sites to ensure compliance with program rules and regulations. Program regulations specify the number of reviews to be conducted. Each year, Bright from the Start reviews all organizations new for the current year; all problematic sponsors that had significant findings from the previous year; sponsors that have not been reviewed in the past two years; and any other sponsors to meet the USDA requirement. Field visits to the sponsor's administrative office and to 10% of their sites must be conducted during the program operating dates. Reviewers utilize the GA ATLAS system, designed to assist in collecting and compiling review data and findings, to conduct the monitoring review. An exit conference is conducted with each organization to discuss the documented findings and any reclaims or disallowances resulting from the findings. Reports, including corrective action plans, are analyzed by SFSP staff and subsequently sent to the sponsor for implementation. Sponsors are required to take the required and necessary corrective actions to correct any findings, and this corrective action plan must be submitted to Bright from the Start for review and approval.

As the administering agency for the SFSP, Bright from the Start also assumes responsibility for developing policies and procedures relating to the program. USDA regulations provide the guidelines by which Bright from the Start must administer the program and grants authority for Bright from the Start to implement policies necessary to clarify program rules or improve program operations. The state policies may not conflict with USDA rules and regulations. Sponsors may appeal adverse actions taken by the state or policies that, in their opinion, do not agree with USDA program requirements.