Although I have been cooperating with the "Vendor Compliance Team" since 2013 when my Contracting Officer confirmed that USDA is conducting an audit and it is safe to send the compliance team the requested information, it is clear to me that the "team" has no real information about my business, based on the questions they ask (e.g, do I have any other contracts with USDA, etc.) Today, out of frustration with having to deal again with one of the "team" members, I conducted another search on the internet and discovered the "Notice to the Trade Recovery Audit Initiative" dated June 12, 2015 (http://www.ams.usda.gov/content/notice-trade-recovery-audit-initiative) which clearly states "At this time, we are asking that all vendors respond to, and cooperate with, the Initiative; however, you are not obligated contractually to do so." Amen!
I have received multiple phone calls and emails wanting our USDA AR statement. I think this is a phishing scam....not sending anything unless USDA directly advises it!!!