USDA seeks comment on SNAP quality control reporting rules and burden updates
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This notice asks for public comments on USDA’s plan to renew and revise the information collection used for SNAP quality control reviews. It affects state SNAP agencies, which must keep submitting sampling plans, contractor notices, arbitration materials, good-cause appeals, and new investment plans and progress reports when they settle QC liability. The practical change is mostly administrative: USDA is updating forms FNS-74A and FNS-74B, clarifying instructions, and revising estimated burden hours. State agencies should review the proposed form changes and submit comments by June 29, 2026 if they want to challenge the estimates or suggest ways to reduce reporting work.
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Key Changes
- USDA is seeking to reinstate and revise expired OMB Control Number 0584-0303 for SNAP quality control reporting.
- Forms FNS-74A and FNS-74B are being updated with clearer instructions, stronger certification language, and better tracking fields.
- Estimated burden changes are being adjusted across sampling plans, contractor reporting, arbitration, good-cause appeals, and new investment reporting.
Obligations
What this law requires
State SNAP agencies must develop and submit a quality control sampling plan as part of the State plan of operations, demonstrating the integrity of the case selection process.
State SNAP agencies that intend to hire third-party contractors for QC work must notify FNS, submit the signed contract, tasks, and deliverables, and notify FNS of any contractor-led training session at least 10 days in advance; FNS attendance at those sessions must be permitted.
If a State agency disagrees with an FNS quality control finding or disposition, it may request arbitration and must submit a written explanation of the disagreement to the arbitrator.
State agencies appealing a QC-related financial liability for good cause must follow the good cause procedures under 7 CFR 275.23(f).
State agencies that settle QC liability by investing in new activities must submit a new investment plan using FNS Form 74A.