Agency Education Department

Contractor MH Miles Company

SWIFT Contract Number 221479

Project Name Financial Reviews of USDA Child Nutrition Sponsoring Orgs, FY23

Project Number (if applicable) {Empty}

Summarize purpose of the contract, including why it was necessary: The purpose of the contract is to conduct financial administrative reviews of five (5) non-profit sponsoring organizations of CACFP and SFSP whose federal reimbursement income exceeded $1 million per year since the start of the public health emergency (PHE). In addition to the financial reviews, assist MDE with upgrading our current financial review tool in order to provide sustainability of the new process for the future.

It was necessary, because during the PHE, USDA offered waivers to child nutrition programs. Several sponsors were able to utilize the waivers, exponentially increasing the number of meals and meal sites previously served, and therefore increasing their annual reimbursement amounts by several million dollars above their non-PHE program reimbursement per year. For Minnesota this situation is unprecedented; and therefore there is a need to contract with experts in the field.

Project Duration

Start Date Tue, 11/29/2022 - 00:00

Original end date Fri, 06/30/2023 - 00:00

Actual end date Fri, 09/29/2023 - 00:00

Did project finish on time? Yes

Total billable hours utilized (if applicable) {Empty}

Contract Amounts

Original contract: $97000

Amendments $0

Contract total $89680

Did project finish within budget? Yes

What was the funding source? federal

Is this a sole source contract? Yes

If this was a single source contract, explain why the agency determined there was only a single source for the services (if applicable) MH Miles has up to date knowledge and experience working with USDA’s child nutrition program waivers during the PHE, and how that would impact the program compliance. MH Miles is the only financial/accounting company experienced and skilled to complete administrative reviews specific to CACFP and SFSP. – Refer to the SSI document for additional information related to the reasoning for the single source contract.

Evaluator Name Carrie Lindquist

Evaluator Email Address carrie.lindquist@state.mn.us

Evaluate the contractor's timeliness The project was extended longer than planned due to staffing changes from MDE and sponsors’ response to required documentation needed to complete the project. Overall, all material was provided in a timely manner and staff from MH Miles made themselves available for all necessary follow up.

Evaluate the contractor's quality The quality of work produced by MH Miles was above expectation and demonstrated their expertise in the field of financial reviews for CACFP and SFSP. We had inquired about additional resources and circumstances resulting from the reviews, in which they provided us in a thorough and knowledgeable manner. Furthermore, MH Miles took extra steps to reach out to their partners at USDA and legal staff to ensure we were given the most comprehensive information.

Evaluate the contractor's cost MH Miles and their staff made themselves readily available to be a part of many meetings and follow up materials. Given this, we feel the cost charged was adequate and reasonable.

Evaluate the contractor's overall performance We would highly recommend MH Miles as an expert resource and trainer in the field of financial processes for nutrition programming. They provided us with well-informed responses, exceptional tools and supportive resources to provide progress in adapting and enhancing our CACFP and SFSP financial review procedures.

Would you engage the contractor's services again? Yes

Describe any negative action taken during the duration of this contract (i.e., termination, pursuit of suspension, etc.): None

Please rate the overall experience with the contractor 5 - very satisfied