Step 1 Eligibility (typical time of completion: 7 to 10 days)
1. Complete the Intake Form located on www.Squaremeals.org.
2. Intake Form is received by TDA. 
3. TDA conducts the eligibility check on the organization and the contact individual within five  (5) business days (excluding TDA and federal holidays. 

The organization eligibility check comprises:

• Verification of standing with the Secretary of State (SOS) *If an organization is required to be registered with the SOS.
• Verification of standing with the State Comptroller’s Office
• Verification of standing with IRS *If an organization is a non-profit organization with a 501c3 tax-exempt status.
• That the organization does not appear on the National Disqualification List (NDL).
• That the organization does not appear on the Texas Excluded List (TEXSL).
• That the organization does not have any ongoing adverse actions with TDA.

The contact individual eligibility check comprises:

• Background check to ensure the individual has not been convicted of financial integrity crimes within the last seven years.
• That the individual does not appear on the National Disqualification List (NDL).
• That the individual does not appear on the Texas Excluded List (TEXSL)

That the individual does not have any ongoing adverse actions with TDA.
 

Step 2 Viability (typical time of completion: 30 to 45 days)
1. Upon a successful Eligibility check, the organization is sent a link to upload the proof of CACFP training and the organization’s financial documentation. 

Only funds from non-food program sources will be considered for the Financial Viability Review.

Organizations MUST provide a minimum of ONE YEAR of bank statements that illustrate business operations.
 

• Financial documentation submitted to TDA from organizations that have received Program funds must ensure it reflects only non-Program income and expenses. 
• To demonstrate financial viability and financial management, the CE must document it has adequate financial resources to operate the Program daily, has adequate sources of funds to continue to pay employees and suppliers during possible periods of temporary interruptions in Program payments, and/or can pay debts when fiscal claims have been assessed against it. 
• The financial viability review is conducted to ensure that an organization has an adequate financial position by assessing the organization’s financial documentation. An organization’s financial position must demonstrate that it can cover the expense of temporary interruptions in program payments for at least three months for CACFP and/or one month for SFSP using non-Program funds.

2. Once the organization has been determined to be financially viable, the organization will be provided a form to request access to the online application system. Upon receipt of the completed form, TDA will process the form, and the applicant will receive login credentials to the online application system. 

Step 3 Capability and Accountability (typical time of completion: 45 to 90 days)
This phase of the review comprises the online application review in TX-UNPS. With access to the online system, the organization must complete the application and submit all required supporting documentation. The organization is encouraged to seek the support of their local Education Service Center for assistance in completing the application. The application review is conducted in two phases:
 

• First, the application will be reviewed for completeness. Once the application is submitted to TDA, it will be assessed to determine that all information is complete and all required supporting documentation has been submitted. Any missing items noted will require the application to be returned to request the missing items. 
• Once the application has been determined to be complete, the second phase will be the review for accuracy. Once the application is determined to be complete, approval or denial must be determined within 30 calendar days. If the review is still ongoing during this 30-day period, the application may be withdrawn. However, the review may resume upon the applicant's request. Once the application has been determined to be complete and correct, the final phase of the review will be conducted.