Form RSA – 15: REPORT OF VENDING FACILITY PROGRAM

REPORTING INSTRUCTIONS

State Licensing Agencies (SLAs) under the Randolph-Sheppard Act (the Act) are required annually to 

complete the RSA-15 Report of Vending Facility Program (RSA-15) that reports activities for the prior 

Federal fiscal year. The RSA-15 should be submitted electronically via the rsa.ed.gov website to the 

Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) within 90 days after the close of the Federal fiscal year. 

The report covers the period October 1 through September 30 of the most recently completed Federal 

fiscal year. The intent of the RSA-15 is to collect data on ALL vending facilities managed and operated 

by the SLA under the Act. 

For the purposes of completing the RSA-15, the SLA should treat military troop dining facilities like any

other vending facility. It is understood that these operations are unique but RSA must capture accurate 

data in order to reflect true program activity and the overall impact of the Randolph-Sheppard Program. 

This would include military dining contracts, either through a teaming partner arrangement or operated 

solely by a blind vendor. The SLA should have the vendor or the teaming partner report the following 

revenues and expenses: gross sales, merchandise purchases (if part of the contract), payroll expenses, 

other operating expenses, net profit of teaming partner, and vendor’s net profit. This information can then 

be used to complete this form properly. Please follow the instructions closely so that these items are 

captured accurately on this report. 

I. EARNINGS AND EMPLOYMENT

Part I will provide a summary of the earnings and employment generated by the Vending Facility

Program during the Federal fiscal year.

Gross Sales (Line 1)

Enter the gross sales, that is, the total amount of money received from customers for goods and services 

sold. For military contracts include the total gross amount that is collected from the government for 

payment.

Merchandise Purchases (Line 2)

Enter the cost of merchandise purchased, that is, the total value of the inventory on hand at the beginning 

of the year, in terms of the cost paid for the goods; add the dollar amount of goods purchased during the 

year; and then subtract the total value of goods on hand at the close of the year. If a military contractor or 

vendor purchases food supplies as part of the contract, include that amount here. If the government is 

responsible for the purchase of food supplies and this cost is outside the requirements of the contract, do 

not include that cost.

Gross Profit (Line 3)

Enter the gross profit. This is the difference between what the goods were sold for and what was paid for 

them (subtract line 2 from line 1).

Payroll Expenses (Line 4)

Enter the total dollar amount of vendor payroll expenses for the year. This figure should reflect the 

amount of salaries and fringe benefits (all labor costs) paid to employees of vending facilities during the 

reporting period. Salaries paid to blind vendors who may or may not be incorporated should not be 

reported here. Payroll or labor costs for employees of the military contracts must be included with labor 

costs of all other vending facilities. 
Other Operating Expenses (Line 5)

Enter other operating expenses, that is, all other costs excluding merchandise purchases incurred in 

carrying out the business. Other operating expenses, as far as the Vending Facility Program is concerned, 

are the non-reimbursed expenditures by the vendors for the State agency-approved payments for the 

following: equipment, maintenance and repairs, supplies, rent, utilities, pest control, delivery services, 

cleaning services, insurance, licenses, and State and local taxes. Operating expenses must not include 

levied set-aside charges or expenses defrayed by the SLAs. All other identifiable expenses of the military

contract are included here. These expenses include: general and administrative, management fees, 

insurance, transportation and other costs, and profits received by the teaming partner.

Total Expenses (Line 6)

Add lines 4 and 5.

Operating Profit (Line 7)

Enter the operating profit, that is, the amount gained from the operation of the business (subtract line 6 

from line 3).

Vending Machine and Other Income (Line 8)

Enter the vending machine income (not part of direct sales) distributed to the vendors, and any income 

accruing to the vending facilities from subsidies, commissions, rebates, or other sources. Do not include 

fair minimum return paid to blind vendors.

Retirement and Other Benefits Paid to/for Vendors During the Operating Year (Line 9)

Enter in this line the total amount of retirement or other benefits (e.g. health insurance, vacation or sick 

leave payments) paid directly to or indirectly to or on behalf of active blind vendors. Do not include 

payments to retired vendors. Include any fringe benefit payments made directly to the vendor, 

contributions to a retirement account, and/or health insurance premiums paid on behalf of a vendor. If 

additional fringe benefits are made from non-Federal sources of funding, please include these as well and 

note them in the Notes/Explanations section of the form. 

Net Proceeds (Line 10)

Enter the net proceeds, that is, operating profit plus the income from vending machines and other sources 

(add lines 7, 8, and 9).

Levied Set-Aside Funds (Line 11)

Enter the amount of levied set-aside funds. Levied set-aside funds are assessed against the net proceeds 

of each vending facility and accrue to the SLA for the program purposes set forth in the State's 

regulations. Set-aside funds are an item in the financial Statement unique to the Vending Facility

Program. Figures entered here must reflect set-aside funds collected from October 1 through September 

30.

Net Profit to Vendors (Line 12)
Enter the amount of net profit to the vendors. Net profit to vendors equals net proceeds minus set-aside 

funds (subtract line 11 from line 10). Net profit for vendors on military contracts will be automatically

included in this total without any additional calculations if the data has been reported properly above. 

Fair Minimum Return to Vendors (Line 13)

Enter the fair minimum return payments to vendors. Fair minimum return, which is optional with each 

State agency, is the amount that may be paid to vendors from set-aside funds in order to provide a 

uniform minimum income to all vendors under the program.

Vendor Earnings (Line 14)

Enter the amount of vendors’ earnings. One of the most important data elements in the financial 

statement, Vendor Earnings equal net profit to vendors plus fair minimum return (add lines 12 and 13). 

Vendor Person Years of Employment (Line 15)

Enter the number of vendor person years. To compute the number of vendor person years, add the 

number of months each vendor worked (disregard fractions of a month of two weeks or less) and divide 

by 12. Example: vendor A worked 12 months, vendor B worked 6 months, and vendor C worked 9 

months, total months worked, 27; 27 divided by 12 equals 2.25; number of vendor person years equals 

2.25. If a vendor is assigned to more than one facility at the same time, the additional facility

assignment(s) will not affect the vendor person years calculation. For example, if vendor A operates his 

permanent facility for 12 months and assumes responsibility for a second facility for 9 months, this would 

still constitute only 1 vendor person year.

Average Vendor Earnings (Line 16)

To determine the average income per blind vendor in the State, divide line 14 by line 15. The accuracy of 

this figure is very important since it is one of the key indicators of the success of a State’s program. 

The Median of Vendor Earnings in the State (Line 17)

Enter the median of vendor earnings in the State. Vendor earnings are net profit (operating profit, 

vending machine and other income, retirement and other benefits, minus set-aside) plus fair minimum 

return, if applicable. To calculate the median of vender earnings, first complete a ranking of each 

vendor’s earnings. The median would be the vendor earnings figure that falls in the middle. There would 

be an equal number of earnings figures above and below the median. If there is no middle number then 

the median is the arithmetic mean between the two middle numbers. For example, if a program has 51 

licensed vendors then the median would be the one for which there are 25 individual vendor earnings 

figures above and below; if a State has 30 vendors in its program the median would be the mean of the 

vendor earnings for the two vendors whose earnings fall in the middle. The vendors in the middle in this 

example would be 15 and 16 if counted from the highest to the lowest, or the lowest to the highest.

Number of Other Persons with Visual Disabilities Employed (Line 18)

Enter the actual number of other persons with visual disabilities provided employment in the program. 

Please note this is not “person years” but the actual integer number of persons with visual disabilities 

provided employment as of September 30 (the end of the Federal fiscal year).

Number of Other Persons with Disabilities Employed (Line 19)
Enter the actual number of other persons with disabilities provided employment in the program. Please 

note this is not “person years” but the actual integer number of other persons with disabilities provided 

employment as of September 30 (the end of the Federal fiscal year). For purposes of this report, the 

definition of “disability” found in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) should be used as guidance. 

The term "disability" means, with respect to an individual (A) a physical or mental impairment that 

substantially limits one or more major life activities of such individual; (B) a record of such an 

impairment; or (C) being regarded as having such an impairment. States are encouraged to make every

effort to accurately report the number of persons with disabilities employed so the true value of the 

program can be assessed. 

Number of Persons Having No Disability Employed (Line 20)

Enter the total integer number of non-disabled persons employed. Please note this is not “person years” 

but the actual integer number of non-disabled persons provided employment as of September 30 (the end 

of the Federal fiscal year).

Total Number Employed in the Program (Line 21)

This figure indicates the total number of persons, excluding blind vendors assigned to a vending facility, 

who are employed in the program. Add lines 18, 19, and 20 to arrive at the total number employed in the 

program. This figure is another important indicator of the economic impact the program has at the State

level. 

II. VENDING FACILITIES AND VENDORS

The numbers of vending facilities and vendors are indicators of program growth and are reported by 

Federal, public, and private locations. Part II contains eight sections (A through H). For the purposes of 

this Section, a “vending facility” is the total operation assigned to a vendor whether it is on a single 

property or on multiple properties. It is understood that sometimes vending in multiple buildings will be 

combined in order to generate enough revenue to make the operation viable for a blind vendor. These are 

often referred to as “vending routes.” Although a vending route may consist of multiple locations, for the 

purposes of this report, the SLA should report such a route as a single vending facility. Some routes may

include vending in buildings governed by different property management. For example, a route may 

include vending in Federal buildings, other public properties, and private properties. In order to 

determine which category to report such a route, the SLA should consider from what type of property

most of the sales are generated. If a route is “anchored” by a Federal location and most sales are 

generated from Federal properties, it should be considered a Federal vending facility. Conversely, if most 

of the sales are generated on State property, then the facility should be reported under “Public Property.” 

This same principle would apply to any vending facility that encompasses more than one physical 

location even if it is not considered a vending route. 

Definitions

Federal Property – A facility operated by a blind vendor under the Vending Facility Program on “any 

building, land, or real property owned, leased or occupied by any department, agency or instrumentality

of the U.S....” (34 CFR Sect. 395.1).

Public Property – A facility operated by a blind vendor under the Vending Facility Program on State, 

municipal, or county property.

Private Property – A facility operated by a blind vendor under the Vending Facility Program on private 

property.
A. FACILITIES ON FEDERAL PROPERTY

Number at Beginning of the Year (Line 1)

This figure will be pre-populated based upon the previous year’s RSA-15 report data.

Number Established During the Year (Line 2)

Enter the number of vending facilities established during the Federal fiscal year. The number of facilities 

established should include both new facilities and the acquisition of existing facilities previously not in 

the program. A small satellite location that is attached to an existing facility should not be reported here. 

Number Closed During the Year (Line 3)

Enter the number of vending facilities closed during the Federal fiscal year.

Number at End of the Year (Line 4) 

Enter the number of vending facilities remaining at the end of the Federal fiscal year. This number equals 

the sum of lines 1 and 2, minus line 3. The number shown on line 4 must be the same as the number 

shown in Part II. B., line 10.

B. VENDING FACILITIES LOCATED ON FEDERAL PROPERTY, END OF YEAR 

Enter the number of vending facilities remaining at the end of the Federal fiscal year on Federal property

for each Federal agency listed that grants the permit or contract by which the SLA is authorized to 

establish a vending facility, namely:

General Services Administration (GSA) (Line 1) 

Report on this line the total number of vending facilities on General Services Administration properties. 

U.S. Postal Service (USPS) (Line 2)

Report on this line the total number of vending facilities on U.S. Postal Service properties. 

Department of Defense (Line 3)

This line should be used to indicate the total number of vending facilities operated on Department of 

Defense properties (add lines 3.a. and 3.b.). 

Military Dining Facility Contracts (Line 3.a.)

This line should reflect the number of contracts held by the SLA for operation of 

cafeterias/military dining facilities.

Other Department of Defense Vending Facilities (Line 3.b.)

Enter on this line the number of vending facilities on Department of Defense properties excluding 

troop-dining facilities. This would include snack bars, vending machine routes, gift shops, etc.

Department of Homeland Security (Line 4) 

Report on this line the total number of vending facilities on Department of Homeland Security properties. 
Health and Human Services (Line 5) 

Report on this line the total number of vending facilities on Health and Human Services properties.

Veterans Administration (Line 6)

Report on this line the total number of vending facilities on Veterans Administration properties. 

Department of the Interior (Line 7)

Report on this line the total number of vending facilities on Department of Interior properties.

Vending Routes on Multiple Federal Locations (Line 8)

This line should be used to report the total number of vending routes that include several different Federal 

properties (i.e., a GSA site, a USPS site, etc. that are combined to make a single vending facility).

Other Federal Agencies (Line 9) 

Please specify all other Federal agencies by name. Please note that facilities operated at safety rest areas 

on the interstate highways are not considered to be on Federal properties and should not be reported here 

but should be included in Part III. 

Total (Line 10)

Enter the total of lines 1 through 9. This total should be the same as the total in Part II. A. line 4.

C. CONTRACTS FOR OPERATION OF CAFETERIAS AND MILITARY DINING FACILITIES 

Information in this section applies to all contracts for operation of cafeterias and to all military dining 

facilities funded with Federal appropriated funds. Proceeds from these operations are generally derived 

from payments made by the contracting entity rather than over the counter or retail sales. For each 

contract:

 Enter the agency or branch of the military that issued the contract. 

 Enter the name of the military installation (fort, base, or camp) where the dining hall services are 

provided. (If applicable) 

 Enter the beginning date of the contract. 

 Enter the date that the contract is anticipated to end. This projection should include possible 

option years. 

 Enter the gross sales (value) for the contract for the most recently completed contract year. If the 

contract was awarded during this reporting period please enter the contract award amount for the 

first year of operation. 

D. VENDORS ON FEDERAL PROPERTY 

Number at Beginning of the Year (Line 1)
This figure will be pre-populated based upon the previous year’s RSA-15 report data.

Number Entering During the Year (Line 2)

Enter the number of vendors entering the program during the Federal fiscal year. This should be the net 

number of vendors assigned during the year and should not reflect each individual promotion or transfer. 

Number Leaving During the Year (Line 3)

Enter the number of vendors leaving during the Federal fiscal year. This should be the net number of 

vendors leaving during the year and should not reflect each individual promotion or transfer. Do not 

report as “Vendors leaving” when a vendor transfers from facilities on Federal property to facilities on 

non-Federal property during the Federal fiscal year. Transfers will be reflected in the end of year balance.

Number at End of the Year (Line 4)

Enter the number of vendors remaining at the end of the Federal fiscal year. This number equals the sum 

of lines 1 and 2, minus line 3.

E. FACILITIES ON PUBLIC PROPERTY (STATE, COUNTY, MUNICIPAL)

Lines 1, 2, 3, and 4 use the same instructions as for lines I, 2, 3, and 4 of Part II. A. Under line 4, please 

categorize facilities as State, county, or c) municipal. Remember to include interstate highway facilities 

as State public property.

F. VENDORS ON PUBLIC PROPERTY (STATE, COUNTY, MUNICIPAL)

Lines 1, 2, 3, and 4 use the same instructions as for lines 1, 2, 3, and 4 of Part II. D. Remember to include 

vendors operating interstate highway facilities as vendors on public property.

G. FACILITIES ON PRIVATE PROPERTY

Lines 1, 2, 3, and 4 use the same instructions as for lines 1, 2, 3, and 4 of Part II. A.

H. VENDORS ON PRIVATE PROPERTY

Lines 1, 2, 3, and 4 use the same instructions as for lines 1, 2, 3, and 4 of Part II. D.

III. VENDING LOCATIONS UNDER THE INTERSTATE HIGHWAY PROGRAM

(Surface Transportation Assistance Act amended by the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act 

of 1991 amended by the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century of June 9, 1998) The amendments 

do not alter the content of Section 111 of the earlier legislation.

This part of the form is designed to collect specific data on vending machine locations placed in safety

rest areas of the national system of interstate highways. SLAs designated under the Randolph-Sheppard 

Act shall be given priority by the State to operate such vending machine locations.

The data in this part will provide a summary of activities directly resulting from the above-cited 

legislation. The information is important to determine the impact of that legislation on the RandolphSheppard program in terms of employment and revenue.
Total Number of Vending Locations (Line 1)

Enter the number of all vending locations operated under the Interstate Highway Program in Column (1). 

This figure represents the actual number of locations. For example, if there is a rest area on both the 

eastbound and westbound side of an interstate highway, this should be reported as two locations (even if 

both locations are operated by one vendor as part of a vending facility). 

Number of Locations Operated by Vendors (Line 2)

Of the total number of locations reported in line 1, enter the number of locations that are operated by blind 

vendors (Column (1)) and the total receipts (net profit) of those locations (Column (2)). A vendor may

operate more than one location. 

Number of Locations Operated by Third-Party Contractors (Line 3)

Enter the number of locations operated by third-party contractors (Column (1)) and the total receipts from 

those locations (Column (2)). The amount in Column (2) represents the amount of commissions or other 

remuneration paid by the third-party contractor to the SLA. 

Number of Vendors Operating Locations in the Highway Program (Line 4)

Enter the number of blind vendors that are operating locations in the Interstate Highway Program. Total 

earnings are not needed for this line.

IV. PROGRAM EXPENDITURES BY SOURCE OF FUNDS

This part is designed to collect, for accountability purposes, comprehensive information on all program 

expenditure categories by source of funds during the Federal fiscal year. The Vending Facility Program 

generally has four different sources of funding expenditure categories. They are: the Federal and/or nonFederal vending machine income that is not assigned to the vendors, set-aside funds from the net proceeds 

of the vending facilities (levied set-aside), State appropriated funds, and Federal funds allotted to the State

for vocational rehabilitation services under section 110 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended. In 

rare instances, SLAs may have “other” sources of non-Federal funding unique to their program. Please 

use Column (6) to reflect these funds on the appropriate lines. Please note that the source of such funds 

may have statutory or other restrictions related to their use. Federal law and regulations set forth the 

purposes for which funds from the different sources may be used. In Columns (1) through (6), enter the 

dollar amount by funding source(s) for each of the expenditure categories listed below in rows 1 through 

11 and enter the total dollar amount for each expenditure category in Column (7). Also, remember that 

“pass through” funds are not characterized as program expenditures and should not be reflected in this 

section.

Purchase of New Equipment (Line 1)

Enter, by source of funds, the cost of new equipment purchased for the program during the Federal fiscal 

year. This includes equipment purchased for new facilities and new equipment for existing facilities. 

Only allowable sources of funding may be used to finance the cost of new equipment.

Maintenance of Equipment (Line 2)

Enter, by source of funds, the cost (except when paid directly by the vendor) of maintaining the 

equipment in good repair. Report the cost of normal maintenance, that is, the cost for repairs directed 

primarily at keeping the facilities operational in their various components. Examples include the purchase 

of a new compressor for a refrigerator, the replacement of glass in a showcase, the painting of counters 
and shelves not for refurbishing purposes but as simple normal maintenance. Only allowable sources of 

funding may be used to finance the cost of maintenance of equipment.

Replacement of Equipment (Line 3)

Enter, by source of funds, the cost for replacement of equipment. Only total replacements (e.g. a new 

refrigerator, various units of equipment replaced at one time, counters replaced in total, etc.) will be 

considered replacement for this purpose. The purpose of replacement is to keep the facility operational. 

Federal funds may be used for replacement of equipment. Only allowable sources of funding may be 

used to finance the cost of replacement equipment.

Refurbishment of Facilities (Line 4)

Enter, by source of funds, the cost of renovating the existing facilities that were expended only during the 

reported Federal fiscal year. Painting, remodeling, changing the layout design, upgrading the equipment 

as part of a process whereby the facilities are being redecorated or renovated for the purpose of improving 

their appearance and efficiency would be typical examples of expenditures in this category. Expenditures 

to totally refurbish vending machine equipment would also be reported in this category. Expenditures 

shown in this category should not be repeated or duplicated on any other line in this section. Only

allowable sources of funding may be used to finance the cost of refurbishment.

Management Services (Line 5)

Enter, by source of funds, the amount of expenditures made during the reported Federal fiscal year for 

management services. Management services include supervision, inspection, regulating, quality control, 

consultation, accounting, in-service training, and related services necessary to support and improve the 

operation of the Vending Facility Program. These costs include salary and expenses of all management 

services staff, such as supervisors, BEP counselors, accountants, secretaries, etc. This category also 

includes the development of new locations, and activities related to the selection and operation of the 

Elected State Committee of Blind Vendors. Costs associated with the ongoing operation of vending 

facilities, after their established, should not be charged to management services.

Fair Minimum Return (Line 6)

Enter, by source of funds, the amount of expenditures made during the reported Federal fiscal year for the 

payment of a fair minimum return to vendors that provides a uniform minimum income to all vendors 

under the program. Federal funds are not allowed for fair minimum return payments. The amount shown 

on line 6, column (7) must equal the amount shown in Part I, Line 13. 

Retirement/Pension Programs (Line 7)

Enter, by source of funds, the amount of expenditures made during the reported Federal fiscal year for a 

retirement or pension program. Note that Federal funds may NOT be used for this purpose.

Health Insurance Programs (Line 8)

Enter, by source of funds, the amount of expenditures made during the reported Federal fiscal year for a 

health insurance program for vendors. Note that Federal funds may NOT be used for this purpose.

Paid Sick Leave/Vacation Time (Line 9)
Enter, by source of funds, the amount of expenditures made during the reported Federal fiscal year for 

paid sick leave and vacation time for vendors. Note that Federal funds may NOT be used for this 

purpose.

Initial Stock and Supplies (Line 10)

Enter, by source of funds, the amount of expenditures made during the reported Federal fiscal year for 

initial stock and supplies for facilities. Also, when a change in vendors occurs in a facility, this line item 

should reflect funds expended to bring inventory to an acceptable operating level. Note that set-aside 

funds and machine income accruing from machines on Federal property may NOT be used for this 

purpose.

All Other Expenditures (Line 11)

Enter all other expenditures made during the reported Federal fiscal year from State funds and nonFederal vending machine income, or if applicable from “other” funds. 

Total (Line 12)

Enter, by source of funds, the sum of lines 1 through 11. Make sure of the following:

 Line 12, Column (1) must equal the figure shown in Part V, Line 5, Column (1).

 Line 12, Column (2) must equal the figure shown in Part V, Line 5, Column (2).

 Line 12, Column (3) must equal the figure shown in Part V, Line 5, Column (3)

The totals of line 12, columns (1), (2), and (3) must equal the figure shown in Part V, line 5, column (4).

V. DISTRIBUTION AND EXPENDITURE OF PROGRAM FUNDS FROM VENDING MACHINE 

INCOME AND LEVIED SET-ASIDE 

This part is designed to collect, for accountability purposes, information on the distribution and 

expenditure of program funds from vending machine income and levied set-aside fees. Vending machine 

income is separated into two columns showing Federal and non-Federal funds.

Vending machine income is revenue accruing to the SLA from vending machines located on Federal 

property (Federal regulations) and non-Federal property (State regulations). The non-Federal category

would include vending machine income from interstate highway rest stops authorized by the Surface 

Transportation Assistance Act amended by the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991

amended by the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century of June 9, 1998. Levied set-aside fees are 

funds that accrue to the SLA from an assessment against the net proceeds of each Federal and non-Federal 

location under the program.

Amount at Beginning of the Year (Line 1)

This figure will be pre-populated based upon the previous year’s RSA-15 report data. This amount must 

equal the amount remaining at the end of the year that was reported in the previous reporting period.

Funds Added During the Year (Line 2)

Enter, by source of program funds, the amount added during the reported Federal fiscal year. 
Total Funds Available (Line 3)

Enter, by source of program funds, the sum of lines 1 and 2.

Funds Distributed to Vendors (Line 4)

Enter the amount of machine income that was distributed directly to vendors (for Federal property, this is 

the amount assigned pursuant to the machine income distribution provision under the Act).

Other Funds Expended (Line 5)

Enter, by source of funds, the total of all other funds expended during the Federal fiscal year. The figures 

in line 5, columns (1), (2) and (3), should equal the figures in Section IV, line 12, columns (1), (2), and 

(3) respectively. 

Total Funds Distributed and Expended (Line 6)

Enter, by source of funds, the sum of lines 4 and 5.

Amount at the End of the Year (Line 7)

This is the amount of funds available at the end of the Federal fiscal year. Subtract line 6 from line 3.

VI. NUMBER OF SITES SURVEYED

The Act (Section 107a (a) (2), (4)) requires the Secretary of Education to “...make annual surveys of 

concession vending opportunities for blind vendors on Federal and other property...” and to “... make 

available to the public ... information obtained as a result of such surveys.” Part VI of the form RSA-15 

reports the number and the outcome of the sites surveyed on Federal and non-Federal property during the 

reported Federal fiscal year. At a minimum, a site survey requires an on-site visit and a consultation 

between the SLA and the management of the property being surveyed.

Number of Sites Surveyed During the Reporting Year (Line 1)

Enter, by type of property, the total number of sites surveyed during the reported Federal fiscal year.

Number of Sites Accepted by the SLA (Line 2)

Enter the total number of surveyed sites that were accepted by the SLA during the reported Federal fiscal 

year (add 2. a., b., c., and d.).

Number of Accepted Sites Added to Existing Vending Facilities (Line 2.a.)

Enter, by type of property, the number of accepted sites added to existing vending facilities. 

Number of Accepted Sites Used to Create New Vending Facilities (Line 2.b.)

Enter, by type of property, the number of accepted sites used to create new vending facilities

Number of Accepted Sites Pending Assignment to a Blind Vendor (Line 2.c.)

Enter, by type of property, the number of accepted sites pending assignment to a blind vendor
Number of Accepted Sites Contracted to a Third-Party (Line 2.d.)

Enter, by type of property, the number of accepted sites contracted to a third party

Number of Sites Not Accepted by the SLA (Line 3)

Enter the total number of surveyed sites that were not accepted by the SLA during the reported Federal 

fiscal year (add 3. a., b., and c.). 

Due to Infeasibility of Site (Line 3.a.)

Enter, by type of property, the number of sites surveyed that were not accepted by the SLA due to 

lack of potential of the site itself.

Due to Lack of Available SLA Funds (Line 3.b.)

Enter, by type of property, the number of sites surveyed that were not accepted by the SLA as 

vending facility sites, due to the State agency's lack of funds.

Due to Lack of Qualified Vendors (Line 3.c.)

Enter, by type of property, the number of sites surveyed that were not accepted for vending facility 

sites by the SLA due to the lack of qualified vendors.

Number of Sites Denied to the SLA by Property Management Officials (Line 4)

Enter, by type of property, the number of surveyed sites reported during the Federal fiscal year that the 

SLA found feasible for vending facility sites but that were not approved by the property management.

Number of Surveyed Sites with a Decision Pending (Line 5)

Enter, by type of property, the number of surveyed sites during the reported Federal fiscal year for which 

the decision as to their acceptability is pending.

VII. VENDOR TRAINING

This information is needed to determine the effectiveness of the State agencies’ training programs 

(including vocational, on-the-job, upward mobility, and post-employment), that may help the vendors to 

achieve their maximum employment potential, as set forth in 34 CFR 395.11 

Number of Individuals Completing Training in the Reporting Year to Become Vendors (Line 1)

Use this line to report the total number of blind persons who completed initial training for the Vending 

Facility Program during the reported Federal fiscal year. This figure is the total of lines a, b, c, and d 

below. 

Number Licensed and Placed as Vendors (Line 1.a.)

Enter the number of trainees from line 1 above that were licensed to operate a vending facility and 

were placed as vendors. 

Number Certified Awaiting Placement as Vendors (Line 1.b.)
Enter the number of trainees from line 1 above that were certified as qualified or licensed to 

operate a vending facility and were waiting to be placed as vendors. Please note that this figure 

relates only to those vendors who received initial training during the year covered by this report. 

Vendors trained in previous years who are awaiting placement are not reported as part of this 

figure. 

Number Placed as Employees in the Vending Facility Program (Line 1.c.)

Enter the number of trainees from line 1 above that were not assigned to manage a vending facility 

but who were placed as employees in the Vending Facility Program. 

Number Employed in Allied Food Service Occupations (Line 1.d.)

Enter the number of trainees from line 1 above that were not assigned to manage a vending facility 

but who were placed as employees in allied food service occupations.

Total Number of Certified/Qualified Individuals Awaiting Placement As Vendors (Line 2)

On this line report the cumulative number of individuals who are certified or who have been determined 

qualified to operate vending facilities and are awaiting placement as a vendor regardless of the year in 

which they received initial training.

Number of Vendors Provided In-Service Training (Line 3)

Enter the number of vendors that were provided one or more in-service trainings (including on-line 

training) during the reported Federal fiscal year. In-service training is designed to maintain vendor skill 

levels and improve current operations. This training would generally be of short duration, such as the 

annual vendors' meeting during which some generic training is provided to all in attendance.

Number of Vendors Provided Upward Mobility Training (Line 4)

Enter the number of vendors that were provided one or more upward mobility trainings during the Federal 

fiscal year (including on-line training). Upward mobility refers to training which would enable a vendor 

to achieve increased skill levels necessary for transfer and promotion to more complex facilities. This 

does not include training on rules and regulations or generic training provided to all vendors. 

Number of Vendors Participating in National Consumer-Driven Conferences (Line 5)

On this line report the number of licensed vendors that participated in one or more national conferences 

organized and conducted by consumer organizations of blind vendors. For example, this would include 

national conferences conducted by the National Association of Blind Merchants and the RandolphSheppard Vendors of America.

Number of Vendors Who Received Certification or Re-Certification in Food Safety Through a Nationally

Recognized or State Recognized Program (Line 6)

On this line please report the number of licensed vendors that received initial training and certification or 

re-certification in food safety by virtue of successfully completing a nationally recognized or State

recognized training course. This would include the National Restaurant Association's ServSafe program 

and/or training and certification offered by State and local health departments. It does not include training 

offered by the SLA that does not result in a certification issued by an outside certifying body. 

VIII. STATE AND NOMINEE AGENCY PERSONNEL
Definitions

A State Licensing Agency is a State agency designated by the Commissioner of the RSA to issue licenses 

to blind persons for the operation of vending facilities on Federal and non-Federal property.

A Nominee agency is an agency or organization designated by the State Licensing Agency to act as its 

agent in providing services to blind licensees under the State's Vending Facility Program.

A. AGENCY PERSONNEL

In the appropriate column (State agency personnel (1), or nominee agency personnel (2), if applicable) 

enter the following information and then the corresponding total (3) for each of lines 1 and 2.

Vending Facility Program Staff (FTE) (Line1)

Enter the actual FTE for the Federal fiscal year for the State agency, and, if applicable, for the nominee 

agency. FTE is defined as the number of total hours worked divided by the compensable hours in a work 

year as defined by law. To determine the actual FTE, divide the total number of hours worked by all 

employees throughout the year, irrespective of the total numbers employed at any point in time, and 

divide by the State’s defined work year. For example, if the total hours worked by all employees during 

the year is 13,520 and the defined work year is 2,080 hours for one FTE, then the total actual FTE for the 

program year would be 6.5. 

Number of Business Consultant/Counselor Staff (FTE)

Enter the actual FTE of Business Consultant/Counselor staff for the reported Federal fiscal year for the 

State agency, and, if applicable, for the nominee agency. FTE is defined as above. Business consultants/ 

counselors may also be known by other titles such as business enterprise program (BEP) managers, 

business management analysts and are the staff members that perform the day-to-day oversight and 

management assistance to individual licensed vendors through routine contact and visits to assigned 

vending facilities. 

B. TRAINING 

In the appropriate column (State agency personnel (1), or nominee agency personnel (2), if applicable) 

enter the following information and then the corresponding total (3) for each of lines 1 through 4.

Number Who Received Training Related to Blindness, Business Management, or Aspects of the 

Randolph-Sheppard Vending Facility Program (Line 1)

On this line report the number of State and, if applicable, nominee agency staff that received one or more 

agency sponsored or external trainings in skills that directly impact services provided to licensed vendors.

Number Who Participated in National Consumer-Driven Conferences (Line 2)

On this line report the number of State and, if applicable, nominee program personnel that participated in 

one or more national consumer-driven conferences. Training conferences conducted by the RandolphSheppard Vendors of America and the National Association of Blind Merchants are examples of national 

consumer-driven conferences.

The Number Who Received Certification or Re-Certification in Food Safety through a Nationally

Recognized or State Recognized Program (Line 3)
On this line report the number of State agency and, if applicable, nominee personnel that received one or 

more initial trainings and certifications or re-certifications in food safety by virtue of successfully

completing a nationally recognized or State recognized training course. This would include the National 

Restaurant Association's ServSafe program and/or training and certification offered by State and local 

health departments. It does not include training offered by the SLA that does not result in a certification 

issued by an outside certifying body.

At the end of your report, please add any notes or explanations that will assist in clarifying your data. 

Also, please be sure to add an agency contact, telephone number and email address for follow-up 

questions that RSA may need to resolve.