In American Samoa, the vice president of Sodexho, the company now overseeing the school lunch programme is confident local companies have a chance to win contracts.
Robert Shreck was responding to concerns from local businesses that the bidding is now open to off island companies for the supply of food and other items.
Mr Shreck points to the local preference provision in procurement law which gives local companies a 25 point advantage.
He said it is mandated to open bidding for the federally funded programme to all companies in good standing with the United States Department of Agriculture.
The latest School Lunch Programme bid is for the supply of roughly 125 items for the new school year.
Any pontential bidders have to respond by the 29th of May.
