5-06 Vendor Complaints

5.06 Vendor Complaints

Effective Date: 08/01/2021

PURPOSE:    

To describe the process for receiving, documenting, and investigating Vendor complaints.

DEFINITIONS:

Complaint means information alleging Vendor noncompliance with WIC Program requirements.

POLICY:

1. The Department shall accept and review complaints alleging Vendor noncompliance with WIC Program requirements.

    

2. Complaints may be received from:

    

   1. WIC participants;

       

   2. Local agencies;

       

   3. Other Vendors;

       

   4. Government agencies; or

       

   5. Members of the public.

    

3. The Department may investigate complaints through monitoring visits, compliance buys, inventory audits, transaction review, or other compliance activities.

    

4. The Department shall document complaint findings and may impose sanctions or corrective actions when violations are identified.

Cross-References:

5.02 High-Risk Vendor Identification

5.03 In-store Monitoring Visits

5.04 Inventory Audits

5.05 Compliance Buys

6.0 Vendor Sanctions

Exhibits:

5.06A WIC Vendor Complaint Request