Implement
Review Vendor Eligibility
- Public & Private
- FSMC & Self-Operated
Introduction
The certification and approval processes for vendors can be daunting. Existing processes are designed for larger vendors and the traditional procurement model, so they can be difficult for smaller vendors to navigate. Still, ensuring food safety, mitigating risk, and verifying product integrity remains critical to a thriving food system. On this page, you can:
- Review key elements of vendor verification and approval applicable to all institutions, including food safety standards, insurance, and certifications.
- Learn how vendor eligibility processes vary by buyer.
Keep In Mind:
This section only covers the underlying requirements for approving a vendor as an eligible supplier. Other Toolkit sections explain how institutions and vendors establish purchasing commitments after eligibility is determined.
Guiding Activities
Review Key Features of Vendor Eligibility
Most vendor eligibility review processes involve three key features: food safety standards, insurance requirements, and assurances of the vendor’s practices and characteristics.
Self-Operated Institution Vendor Approval Programs
Self-operated institutions have wider flexibility in their vendor approval process. While these institutions require that vendors comply with all applicable food safety and insurance laws, they can tailor other required standards to meet their needs and goals.
Management Company Vendor Approval Programs
An institution using a management company certifies vendors through its management company. Accordingly, all vendors and distributors selling to the institution must be approved by the management company.
Understand Distributor & Aggregator Vendor Eligibility Guidance
Instead of selling directly to an institution, some values-based vendors may wish to sell to a distributor, aggregator, food hub, or other supply chain intermediaries. These intermediaries are often more willing to work with values-based vendors and are certified by multiple institutional purchasers, allowing easier access to institutional markets.