INFORMATIONAL

  The US Department of Agriculture has issued a number of
  memos concerning suspension and debarment of vendors doing
  business with Federal programs and agencies.  School food
  authorities are reminded that they are to have on file a
  certification statement by each responsive bidder that
  neither it, nor any of its principals, have been proposed
  for debarment, debarred, or suspended by a Federal agency. 
  This is applicable for all contracts of $100,000 or more.  

  Attached for your reference are the memos issued by the
  USDA.  They include:

     USDA Memo #34-94 -  Describes suspension and
       debarment activities and requirements and includes
       a model certification statement for bidders to
       use.
     USDA Memo # 22-96 - Amendment to 7  CFR Part 3017
       the rule concerning debarment and suspension and
       raises the certification threshold from $25,000 to
       $100,000.
     USDA Memo # 36-96 - Procedures for suspension and
       debarment waivers.  A company/vendor may not
       request a waiver; only the SFA or state agency.

  In addition to the cases listed in Memo #36-96, the
  officials and Sun-Diamond affiliates were proposed for
  debarment on December 10, 1996 by the Agricultural Marketing
  Services.   The proposed debarments have immediate effect
  and prohibit all listed entities and individuals for
  entering into, renewing, or extending any transactions with
  Food and Consumer Service programs including school food
  authorities.

  The proposed debarments are: Diamond Growers, of California; 
  Diamond Walnut Growers, Inc.; Sun-Maid Growers of
  California; Sunsweet Growers, Inc.; Valley Fig Growers;
  Hazelnut Growers of Oregon; Sunland Products of California;
  William Cuff,  William Hosie, and William Waggershauser--Diamond
  Walnut; Earl L. Giacolini, Harold Jackson, and Fred
  Schaffer--Sunsweet;   Joseph Garcia, Peter Penner, Barry
  Kriebel--Sun-Maid; Robert Mc Auley--Valley Fig, William
  Beaton, Larry D. Busboom, Nicholas Tummer--Sun-Diamond.

  For additional information contact Jane Logan, Director,
  School Nutrition Programs at (804) 225-2074.

  RLP/idl

  Attachments: A hard copy of this memo and its attachments
               will be sent to the superintendent's office.