U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service Administrative Resource Enterprise (USDA FANFARE)

USDA FANFARE (Food and Nutrition Service Administrative Resource Enterprise) is a contract vehicle used to procure administrative and operational support services for the USDA's Food and Nutrition Service (FNS). It provides a structured, streamlined method for acquiring professional administrative services that support FNS programs such as SNAP, school meals, WIC, and other federal nutrition initiatives.

What Is USDA FANFARE?

It provides a structured, streamlined method for acquiring professional administrative services that support FNS programs such as SNAP, school meals, WIC, and other federal nutrition initiatives.

Understanding the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS)

The Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) is a USDA agency responsible for managing large-scale national programs, requiring strong administrative, financial, and IT support — which is where FANFARE comes in.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs

Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program

Child Nutrition Programs

Food distribution assistance

Core Components of USDA FANFARE

Contract Vehicle Structure: FANFARE operates as a structured acquisition vehicle (often multiple-award), allowing FNS to access pre-qualified contractors, issue task orders for specific administrative needs, reduce procurement lead time, and ensure compliance with federal acquisition rules.

Types of Administrative Services Procured: FANFARE typically covers program management support, financial and budget analysis, human resources support, IT administrative support, data management and reporting, policy analysis and documentation, and help desk and operational assistance.

Regulatory Framework: USDA FANFARE operates under the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), USDA procurement policies, agency-specific acquisition guidance, and Small Business Act provisions where applicable. Small business set-asides may apply depending on task order structure.

Why FANFARE Matters in Government Contracting

Streamlined Procurement: FNS can quickly issue task orders without launching full open competitions.

Administrative Focus: Unlike agricultural commodity contracts, FANFARE supports back-end operational functions.

Long-Term Program Support: Nutrition programs operate year-round, creating recurring support needs.

Opportunity for Small Businesses: Administrative and consulting firms often qualify for participation.

Practical Examples

A consulting firm provides budget tracking and financial oversight support for SNAP program operations.

An IT contractor supports internal FNS case management systems.

A program management firm assists with reporting and compliance documentation for school nutrition programs.

Through FANFARE, FNS can quickly award these services via task orders.

Common Misconceptions About USDA FANFARE

FANFARE is only for food suppliers.

FANFARE is for administrative services — not commodity food purchases.

Only large firms can compete.

Small businesses may qualify depending on contract structure and set-aside categories.

Winning a spot guarantees work.

Contractors must still compete for individual task orders.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes FANFARE different from general USDA contracts?

It is specifically focused on administrative services for FNS.

How do contractors participate?

Contractors must respond to solicitations, register in SAM.gov, and meet qualification requirements.

Does FANFARE include IT services?

Yes, but only administrative or support-oriented IT services — not large infrastructure builds.

Is experience with nutrition programs helpful?

Yes. Knowledge of SNAP, WIC, or school meal programs can strengthen proposals.