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Quality Systems Verification Programs 

General Policies and Procedures

1 Purpose

This document outlines the responsibilities and requirements for services provided under the Quality 

Systems Verification Programs (QSVP). The QSVP are voluntary, user-fee funded, audit and 

accreditation programs. The QSVP are designed to provide suppliers of agricultural products or services 

independent third-party verification of defined processes and process points.

The QSVP are provided by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Marketing 

Service (AMS), Science and Technology (S&T), Seed Regulatory and Testing Division (SRTD) under the 

authority of the Agricultural Marketing Act (AMA) of 1946, as amended; the Code of Federal 

Regulations (CFR) Title 7, Part 62.

2 Scope

The provisions of this document apply to all QSVP. Specific program requirements are set forth in 

individual program procedures and are available on the AMS Web site at. 

http://www.ams.usda.gov/services/auditing. As appropriate, the S&T Program uses subject matter experts 

to ensure audits are conducted with the necessary expertise.

International entities that would like to pursue an AMS-S&T verification program will do so through 

a USDA Process Verified Program.

NOTE: All provisions do not apply to all programs as outlined in the individual program procedures.

3 References

The following referenced documents are used for the application of this document. For dated references, 

only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document 

(including any amendments) applies.

ISO 19011:2011 Guidelines for quality and/or environmental management systems auditing

S&T Form 109, Application for Service; http://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/S&T-109.pdf

AMS Auditing Services Web site: http://www.ams.usda.gov/services/auditing

AMS Business Listing Web site: http://www.ams.usda.gov/services/business-listings

4 Responsibilities

4.1 Applicants and S&T must meet all applicable requirements outlined in this document.

4.2 Applicants are required to maintain and implement their programs as described in their approved 

program documentation. Applicants must inform S&T, without delay, of significant changes relevant to 

program approval.

"The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where 

applicable sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or part of an individual's income 

is derived from any public assistance program (not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program 

information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, 

Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410, or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). USDA is an equal 

opportunity provider and employer." (Updated July 18, 2005)
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4.3 S&T conducts audit activities in accordance to ISO 19011:2011 Section 6 Audit Activities. 

Audit documentation is retained by S&T in an electronic format. S&T does not consult with 

applicants regarding the development, implementation, and maintenance of programs.

4.4 S&T provides due notice of any changes to its requirements, and verifies that applicants carry out 

any necessary adjustments.

5 Application for Service

5.1 To request service, submit the following information to todd.erickson@usda.gov

a) S&T 109, Application for Service. Applicants who have a S&T Form 109 on file do not need 

to resubmit the document unless the information must be updated.

b) A complete copy (hard copy or in electronic form) of the applicant's program documentation 

as described in the individual program procedure, as applicable. Email the documentation to 

Todd.Erickson@usda.gov

5.2 An applicant may cancel the application process at any time. Applicants are responsible for fees 

accrued prior to canceling their application.

6 Receiving Applications for Service

6.1 The Program Manager, or designee, notifies the applicant upon receiving the application for 

service. If the submitted application is inadequate, the Program Manager, or designee, contacts the 

applicant to request additional documentation. The application is withheld from further processing until 

the necessary documentation is received.

6.2 Once the application is complete, the Program Manager, or designee, assigns an auditor to conduct 

the desk audit and forwards the application to the auditor.

6.3 The Program Manager, or designee, notifies the applicant of the assigned auditor. The applicant 

has 5 business days from receipt of notification to submit written objections regarding the auditor to the 

Program Manager.

6.4 When applicable, the Program Manager, or designee, also notifies the Program Review 

Committee. Refer to Section 8.

7 Use of the Program Review Committee

7.1 The final decision authority regarding program status for the USDA Process Verified Program is 

transferred from the Program Manager to the Program Review Committee.

a) Program status includes the following: program inquiries (including process points), new 

applications, approvals, denials, suspensions, withdrawals, reinstatements, and significant 

changes.
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b) The Program Review Committee makes the final decision regarding program status, except for 

decisions regarding reduction of scope; which may be made by the Program Manager.

7.2 Program Manager(s) of Quality Systems Verification Programs (QSVP) not included in Section 

8.1, retain final decision authority regarding program status; however, they may use the Program Review 

Committee when determined appropriate. Refer to the individual program procedures for specific 

information on the use of the Program Review Committee.

7.3 The Program Review Committee may also be used to address complaints.

8 Desk Audit

8.1 The applicant may request to forego a desk audit for audit programs. This request must be 

submitted in writing to the Program Manager and must be approved. If the request is approved, an on-site 

audit must be conducted prior to approval of the program or any significant change.

8.2 The auditor conducts a desk audit of the applicant’s program documentation to ensure that all 

program requirements, as outlined in the individual program procedure, are fully addressed. The auditor 

uses the appropriate program checklist to conduct the desk audit.

a) If the program documentation is adequate and the majority of the program requirements are 

met, then the auditor notifies the Program Manager that the initial on-site audit may be 

scheduled.

b) If the program documentation requires minimum clarification or additional information, then 

the auditor obtains the clarification or additional information. Once the program 

documentation is adequate and the majority of the program requirements are met, the auditor 

notifies the Program Manager that the initial on-site audit may be scheduled.

c) If the applicant's program documentation does not meet the majority of the program 

requirements or if the auditor identifies that the applicant would not pass the initial on-site 

audit, then the auditor prepares and submits a desk audit report itemizing the deficiencies to 

the Program Manager, or designee. The Program Manager sends the report to the applicant 

discussing the action that the applicant must take before continuing the audit process.

9 On-site Audit

9.1 The Program Manager, or designee, appoints the audit team to conduct the on-site audit. The 

audit team consists of a suitable number of auditor(s) and/or technical expert(s). The size and 

composition of the audit team is determined in accordance to ISO 19011:2011 Section 6 Audit Activities. 

After the audit team is appointed, the program documentation is forwarded to the audit team leader, if 

necessary.

9.2 The Program Manager, or designee, notifies the applicant of the assigned auditor(s) and/or 

expert(s). The applicant has 5 business days from receipt of notification to submit written objections 

regarding any team member(s) to the Program Manager. (Refer to Section 27 Objections of Audit Team 

Members.)
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9.3 Once the date and schedule are arranged between the applicant and the audit team, the audit team 

leader prepares an audit plan and cost estimate. The documents are submitted to the applicant prior to the 

scheduled on-site audit.

9.4 The on-site audit is conducted in accordance to ISO 19011:2011 Section 6 Audit Activities. The 

frequency of on-site audits is outlined in the individual program procedures. The objective of an on-site 

audit is to verify the applicant's conformance to the audit criteria.

9.5 The on-site audit is conducted at the premises of the applicant from which one or more key 

activities are performed. Where relevant, the on-site audit includes other selected locations where the 

applicant operates to gather objective evidence that the applicant is competent and conforms to the 

requirements of the audit criteria. Additionally, the audit team reviews the performance of a 

representative number of staff of the applicant to gather objective evidence.

10 Audit Findings and Audit Report

10.1 All audit findings, including identified non-conformances, continuous improvement points, and 

recommendations are discussed with the applicant at the conclusion of the on-site audit. If the audit team 

cannot reach a conclusion about an audit finding, the audit team refers to the Program Manager for 

clarification.

10.2 Audit findings may consist of the following:

a) Major non-conformance: A non-conformance that compromises the integrity of the program or 

product. Any absence or complete breakdown of a program requirement is considered a major 

non-conformance.

b) Minor non-conformance: A non-conformance that does not compromise the integrity of the 

program or product. Isolated incidences of non-conformance are considered a minor nonconformance. A minor non-conformance not corrected or addressed in a timely manner may 

be upgraded to a major non-conformance.

c) Continuous improvement point (CIP): Observations or areas identified as opportunities for 

improvement. Although not identified as non-conformances, CIPs have the potential to 

become non-conformances if not corrected or addressed.

10.3 The audit findings, excluding CIPs, are outlined in the audit report, which is submitted to the 

Program Manager for final review and disposition. The Program Manager, or designee, has the discretion 

to modify the audit findings; however, changes must be shared with the auditor(s). S&T is responsible for 

the content of the audit report.

10.4 CIPs are provided to the applicant during the closing meeting and are not outlined in the audit 

report.

11 Correcting Identified Non-conformances
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11.1 Applicants must address all non-conformances and respond to all requests for corrective actions 

and corrections, as applicable, within the time frame specified in the audit report.

11.2 Requests are based on non-conformances identified during the audit. Applicants must identify the 

cause(s) of the non-conformance, determine the necessary corrective action, and implement the corrective 

actions. Additionally, if the non-conformance resulted in the use or delivery of non-conforming product, 

the applicant must identify the non-conforming product and make corrections appropriate to the nonconformance. Written corrective action responses must be submitted in hard copy or electronic form.

11.3 The following actions must be taken by the applicant, when applicable:

a) Corrective Action: Action to eliminate the cause of a detected non-conformance. Corrective 

action is taken to prevent recurrence.

b) Correction: Action to eliminate a detected non-conformance. Correction does not address the 

cause of the non-conformance, but rather the specific non-conforming product.

c) Preventative Action: Action to eliminate the cause of a potential non-conformance. 

Preventative action is taken to prevent occurrence.

12 Corrective Action Audit

12.1 The audit team leader conducts a corrective action audit to ensure that the applicant's responsesare 

sufficient in addressing the non-conformance(s). If the responses are found not to be sufficient, further 

information is requested. Evidence of effective implementation of actions taken may be requested. 

Corrective action audits are normally conducted via a document review. However, an on-site corrective 

action audit may be conducted to verify effective implementation of the corrective actions. Corrective 

action audits and any other post on-site audit activities are conducted in accordance to ISO 19011:2011 

Section 6 Audit Activities.

12.2 The findings of the corrective action audit are outlined in an audit report. The report is submitted 

to the Program Manager, or designee, for final review and disposition. The Program Manager, or 

designee, has the discretion to modify the audit findings; however, changes must be shared with the 

auditor(s).

13 Program Approval

13.1 Program approval is based upon the audit findings and the recommendation of the audit team. The 

approval is issued for the appropriate time period in accordance to the individual program procedure. 

Refer to Section 8 for final decision authorities regarding Program Approval.

13.2 Program approval status is applicable to all QSVP services and may be one of the following:

a) Approval: No non-conformances were identified during the audit. No actions are necessary 

by the applicant.

b) Approval with Conditions: Non-conformances were identified during the audit. Applicants 

must submit corrective actions and corrections as applicable within the time frame specified in 
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the audit report. Additional desk audits and/or on-site audits may be conducted at the 

applicant's expense.

c) Denied Approval: Denied approval may be issued prior to the initial program approval for any 

of the reasons outlined below. Applicants must submit corrective actions and corrections as 

applicable to address any identified non-conformances before approval may be issued. 

Additional desk audits and/or on-site audits may be conducted at the applicant's expense.

13.3 Upon reaching a decision, the Program Manager, or designee, sends the applicant the audit report 

and any additional documentation. The audit report includes the "Notification of Audit Results" section, 

which details the approval status and any terms and conditions, as appropriate.

13.4 When appropriate, the Program Manager, or designee, adds the applicant's program to the official 

listing on the applicable AMS Business Listing Web site in accordance with the individual program 

procedure.

14 Program Suspension

14.1 Program suspension is the temporary removal of an applicant's approved program, or a portion of 

it, pending corrective action by the applicant or formal program withdrawal by S&T. The applicant must 

cease all activities upon notification of program suspension. However, agricultural products or services 

verified under the program prior to suspension remain verified.

14.2 Program suspension is applicable to all QSVP services, except for the accreditation programs like 

USDA ISO/IEC 17065 Program and the COR and A&M Program and may occur for any of the following 

reasons:

a) Failure to adequately address any program requirement, including audit findings that 

compromise the integrity of the program or product to the extent that program approval should 

be suspended

b) Failure to demonstrate capability to meet any program requirement

c) Failure to follow the applicant's approved program

d) Failure to maintain the applicant's approved program

e) Failure to provide corrective actions and correction as applicable in the timeframe specified

f) Persistently failing to meet the requirements of the program or to abide by S&T policies and 

procedures

g) Implementing significant changes to an approved program without prior written notification to 

and approval by (if applicable) the Program Manager

h) Failure to pay S&T fees
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NOTE: The applicant may request suspension.

14.3 Refer to Section 8 for final decision authorities regarding Program Suspension.

14.4 Upon reaching a decision, the Program Manager, or designee, notifies the applicant in writing of 

the suspension and the details of actions required to be reinstated. The details of actions do not include 

specific remedies to barriers of reinstatement.

14.5 The official listing on the applicable AMS Business Listing Web site is updated to reflect the 

status of the applicant's program.

14.6 Recurring suspension of an applicant's program may result in program withdrawal or a reduction 

in the scope of the approval to exclude those parts where the applicant has persistently failed to meet the 

requirements of the program, including competence.

15 Reinstatement of a Suspended Program

15.1 Reinstatement of a suspended program is applicable to all QSVP services. Refer to Section 8 for 

final decision authorities regarding Reinstatement of a Suspended Program.

a) A program suspended due to the applicant failing to adequately address any program 

requirement is reinstated immediately upon receipt of appropriate corrective actions and 

corrections, as applicable. Additional desk audits and/or on-site audits may be conducted at 

the applicant's expense.

b) A program suspended due to the applicant failing to demonstrate capability to meet any 

program requirement is reinstated immediately upon receipt of appropriate corrective actions 

and corrections, as applicable. Additional desk audits and/or on-site audits may be conducted 

at the applicant's expense.

c) A program suspended due to the applicant failing to follow the applicant's approved program 

is reinstated immediately upon receipt of appropriate corrective actions and corrections, as 

applicable. Additional desk audits and/or on-site audits may be conducted at the applicant's 

expense.

d) A program suspended due to the applicant failing to maintain the applicant's approved program 

is reinstated immediately upon receipt of appropriate corrective actions and corrections, as 

applicable. Additional desk audits and/or on-site audits may be conducted at the applicant's 

expense.

e) A program suspended due to the applicant failing to provide corrective actions and/or 

corrections within the timeframe specified is reinstated upon submission of acceptable 

corrective actions and corrections, as applicable. Additional desk audits and/or on-site audits 

may be conducted at the applicant's expense.

f) A program suspended due to the applicant persistently failing to meet the requirements of the 

program or to abide by S&T policies and procedures is reinstated immediately upon receipt of 

appropriate corrective actions and corrections, as applicable. Additional desk audits and/or on-
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site audits may be conducted at the applicant's expense.

g) A program suspended due to the applicant implementing significant changes to the approved 

program without prior written notification and approval, if applicable, is reinstated 

immediately upon receipt of appropriate corrective actions and corrections, as applicable. 

Additional desk audits and/or on-site audits may be conducted at the applicant's expense.

h) A program suspended due to the applicant failing to pay S&T fees is reinstated upon 

notification that all outstanding fees and interest have been paid in full. Additional restrictions 

may be put in place to ensure future payments for services.

16 Program Withdrawal

16.1 Program withdrawal is the removal of an applicant's approved program, or a portion of it. Partial 

withdrawal may apply where an applicant is approved for multiple scopes that may be treated individually 

for approval purposes. The applicant must cease all activities upon notification of program withdrawal. 

In addition, agricultural products or services verified under the program prior to the withdrawal are no 

longer verified.

16.2 An applicant’s program may be permanently withdrawn if the applicant deliberately 

misrepresented the eligibility of agricultural products or services, introduced prohibited compounds or 

substances, or used program approval in a manner that brings S&T into disrepute. S&T will not provide 

service to the applicant during the timeframe that the permanent withdrawal is in effect.

16.3 Program Withdrawal applies to all QSVP services.

16.4 Program withdrawal may occur for any of the following reasons:

a) Audit findings that compromise the integrity of the program or product to the extent that 

program approval should be withdrawn

b) Deliberate misrepresentation of the eligibility of agricultural products or services distributed 

under an approved program

c) Confirmed finding of any prohibited compounds or substances or other violations as described 

in the individual program procedure. Upon confirming the violation, AMS withdraws all 

approvals for applicants in the product’s chain of custody pending a complete investigation in 

cooperation with appropriate regulatory agencies

d) Denying access to applicant's facilities and records within the scope of the program

e) Use of program approval in such a manner as to bring S&T into disrepute

NOTE: The applicant may request withdrawal.

16.5 Refer to Section 8 for final decision authorities regarding Program Withdrawal.
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16.6 Upon reaching a decision, the Program Manager, or designee, notifies the applicant in writing of 

the withdrawal and the details of actions required to be reinstated. The details of actions do not include 

specific remedies to barriers of reinstatement.

16.7 The official listing on the applicable AMS Business Listing Web site is updated to reflect the 

status of the applicant's program. Reference to the applicant's program is removed from the official listing 

after a period of 60 calendar days or the end of the appeals process, whichever islonger.

Note: Withdrawal has the same meaning as revocation.

17 Reinstatement of a Withdrawn Program

Reinstating a Withdrawing Program is applicable to all QSVP services. Refer to Section 8 for final 

decision authorities regarding Reinstatement of a Withdrawn Program.

17.1 Reinstatement of a withdrawn program may be granted only after the applicant has successfully 

completed an onsite audit. Additionally, a program may be withdrawn:

a) Due to the audit findings - must provide corrective actions and correction, as applicable, which 

specifically address the audit findings that resulted in the program withdrawal.

b) Due to deliberate misrepresentation - must provide corrective actions and correction, as 

applicable, which specifically address the deliberate misrepresentation.

c) Where the applicant's program is within the chain of custody of products identified as 

containing or having been treated with any prohibited substance is reinstated only upon 

revalidation of the integrity of the program in cooperation with appropriate regulatory 

agencies.

d) Where the applicant is found to be responsible for the introduction of prohibited substances 

into the affected products remains withdrawn until such a time as (1) the applicant provides 

objective evidence that the program has been completely purged of all potentially affected 

products, and (2) an on-site audit verifies that effective corrective action and corrections, as 

applicable, have been taken.

e) Due to the denial of access - must provide access.

18 Significant Changes

18.1 Any significant changes, in any aspect of status or operation to the applicant's approved program 

must be submitted in writing to the Program Manager. Such changes include the following:

a) Legal, commercial, ownership, or organizational status

b) Organization, top management, and key personnel

c) Policies and procedures
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d) Resources and premises

e) Addition or reduction of the scope of the program

f) Other matters that may affect the ability of the applicant to fulfill requirements for the program

18.2 Refer to Section 8 for final decision authorities regarding Significant Changes to an approved 

program. The significant changes may require approval by the Program Review Committee or the 

Program Manager depending upon the nature and extent of the changes. A complete or partial on-site 

audit of the program may be required prior to approval of the significant changes. In situations where

an additional on-site audit is required, a new approval is issued for an appropriate time period based on 

the findings of the audit.

19 Surveillance

19.1 All approved programs are audited on an on-going basis as listed in the individual program 

procedures unless the program is suspended, withdrawn, or cancelled.

19.2 All approved programs are subject to unannounced audits. The audit team documents the findings 

of unannounced audits in an audit report and submits the report to the Program Manager. Findings of 

unannounced audits are considered when determining conformance of the program for continued approval 

or may provide the basis for suspending or withdrawing approval.

20 Extension of Scope

Extension of Scope is considered a significant change to an approved program. Applicants with approved 

programs may request to extend the scope of their programs at any time by applying to the Program 

Manager. When an application is received, S&T undertakes the necessary activities to determine whether 

or not the extension may be granted. These activities are outlined in Section 8 through Section 13. Refer 

to Section 8 for final decision authorities regarding Extension of Scope to an approved program.

21 Reduction of Scope

Reduction of Scope is considered a significant change to an approved program. Applicants with approved 

programs may request to reduce the scope of their programs at any time by submitting a written request to 

the Program Manager. Upon acceptance, the official listing is updated to reflect the reduced scope on the 

applicable AMS Business Listing Web site. Refer to Section 8 for final decision authorities regarding 

Reinstatement of a Withdrawn Program.

22 Cancellation

22.1 Applicants with approved programs may cancel service at any time by submitting a written 

notification to the Program Manager. When applicable, applicants who cancel service are removed from 

the listing on the applicable AMS Business Listing Web site.

22.2 Applicants who cancel service must reapply to regain program approval. When an application is 

received, S&T undertakes the necessary activities, as outlined in Section 8 through Section 13, before 

program approval may be re-granted.

22.3 Applicants are responsible for fees accrued prior to cancellation of the approved program.
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23 Reference to Approval

23.1 Applicants with approved programs may refer to approval by S&T in communication media, 

such as the internet, documents, brochures, or advertising, and including product labels.

23.2 Upon request by S&T, applicants must submit communication media for review by S&T prior 

to its use.

23.3 Applicants must ensure that references are complete and not misleading or ambiguous.

23.4 Applicants are responsible for correcting erroneous references in a sufficient manner that is 

appropriate to the situation.

23.5 If a program is suspended, withdrawn, or cancelled, the applicant must discontinue its use of all 

communication media that contains any reference to their approved status.

Note: Reference to program approval is distinctly separate from approval of promotional materials 

associated with the USDA Process Verified Program.

24 Appeals

24.1 An appeal is a request from the applicant for reconsideration of any adverse audit findings, 

assessment findings, or decisions issued by the Program Manager related to the applicant's program.

24.2 Applicants have the right to appeal any adverse audit findings, assessment findings, or decisions 

issued by the Program Manager.

24.3 Appeals, other than those described in 25.4, must be submitted in writing to the Program 

Manager within 30 days of the date of the official report or letter rendering the findings or decisions.

24.4 Appeals dealing with Objections to Audit Team Members must be submitted in writing to the 

Program Manager within 5 business days of the date of the decision notification.

24.5 Appeals must include:

a) The basis for the appeal

b) The requested alternative decision or actions

24.6 For appeals other than those described in 25.7, the Program Manager reviews any appeal and 

notifies the applicant of the final decision within 30 calendar days from receipt of the appeal. If the final 

decision cannot be determined within this timeframe, the applicant is provided with a progressreport.

24.7 For appeals dealing with Objections to Audit Team Members, the Program Manager reviews the 

appeal and notifies the applicant of the final decision within 5 business days from receipt of the appeal.

24.8 Suspensions, withdrawals, and/or denied approvals remain in effect pending the outcome of the 

appeal.
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25 Complaints

25.1 A complaint is an objection to the policies, procedures, and/or performance of S&T. A complaint 

may also be an objection to the performance or activities of an approved Program submitted to S&T by a 

third party.

25.2 Applicants have the right to submit a complaint regarding S&T policies, procedures, and/or 

performance, including performance of S&T officials. Any third party also has the right to submit a 

complaint regarding the performance or activities of applicants with approved Programs.

25.3 Complaints may be submitted in any format to the Program Manager. Complaints should provide 

enough information to allow S&T to investigate the complaint.

26 Objections of Audit Team Member(s)

26.1 Applicants have the right to object to any audit team members(s).

26.2 Objections must be submitted in writing to the Program Manager within 5 business days after 

notification of the audit team.

26.3 Objections must include:

a) The basis for the objection

b) The requested alternative decision or actions

26.4 The Program Manager reviews any objections and notifies the applicant of the final decision 

within 5 business days from receipt of the objection.

26.5 The applicant has the right to appeal the decision issued by the Program Manager.

26.6 The appeal must be submitted in writing to the Program Manager within 5 business days of the 

date of the official report or letter rending the decision.

26.7 Appeals must include:

a) The basis for the appeal

b) The requested alternative decision or actions

26.8 The Program Manager reviews the appeal and notifies the applicant of the final decision 

within 5 business days from receipt of the appeal.

27 Fees for Services

27.1 The QSVP are user-fee programs. The fees for service are the responsibility of the applicant 

requesting service. Fees are charged according to the approved hourly rate published in applicable parts 

of 7 CFR Parts 56, 62, and 70.

27.2 The fees for the QSVP include the following:
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a) Audit preparation: Time to review the approved program documentation and records from 

previous audits, and to prepare checklists.

b) Audit time: Time to conduct the audit, report the results of the audit, and conduct the 

corrective action audit, if applicable.

c) Travel: Travel time and expenses to and from the assigned auditor's official duty location and 

between audit sites. When traveling to provide services to multiple applicants, charges will be 

prorated between the applicants.

d) Review of Promotional Materials: Time associated with the review of USDA Process Verified 

Program promotional materials, including labels, packaging, and other marketing materials.

e) Other expenses related to providing services.

27.3 Auditors document all hours of service charged to applicants. Charges are submitted to S&T

Gastonia, NC, office for billing purposes.

28 Confidentiality

28.1 Documentation submitted by applicants and maintained by S&T is subject to disclosure under the 

Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) (5 USC §552). FOIA applies to documents that are in the control of 

or maintained by a government agency.

28.2 Any portion of the program documentation that the applicant considers proprietary must be 

identified to S&T at the time the information is submitted. S&T makes appropriate provisions to protect 

the information from disclosure to the extent possible under existing federal laws.

28.3 S&T officials must have a signed S&T Conflict-of-Interest and Confidentiality Statement and 

appropriate disclosure agreement on file prior to assignment to provide QSVP service to applicants.

29 AMS Web Sites

29.1 The AMS Auditing Services Web site provides information on the QSVP. It also provides linksto 

all other Web sites.

29.2 In addition, each audit and accreditation program has its own Web site within the AMS Web site 

structure.