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2 Year Modification

Idaho PYs 2018-2019

WIOA State Plan Common Elements

Located in:
  • III. Operational Planning Elements
    The Unified or Combined State Plan must include an Operational Planning Elements section that support the State’s strategy and the system-wide vision described in Section II.(c) above. Unless otherwise noted, all Operational Planning Elements apply to Combined State Plan partner programs included in the plan as well as to core programs. This section must include—
    • b. State Operating Systems and Policies
      The Unified or Combined State Plan must include a description of the State operating systems and policies that will support the implementation of the State strategy described in Section II Strategic Elements . This includes—
      • 6. Program Data
        • A. Data Alignment and Integration
          Describe the plans of the lead State agencies with responsibility for the administration of the core programs, along with the State Board, to align and integrate available workforce and education data systems for the core programs, unemployment insurance programs, and education through postsecondary education, and to the extent possible, the Combined State Plan partner programs included in this plan. The description of the State’s plan for integrating data systems should include the State’s goals for achieving integration and any progress to date.

III. b. 6. A. ii. Describe the State’s Plans to Integrate Data Systems to Facilitate Streamlined Intake and Service Delivery to Track Participation Across All Programs Included in This Plan.

View corresponding narrative from PYs 2016-2017

Current Narrative:

(ii) Data Integration

Upon passage of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, the Idaho Department of Labor implemented a new MIS for its WIOA Title IB, Wagner-Peyser, Trade Adjustment Assistance, and discretionary grant programs. The new system, provided by America’s Job Link Alliance integrates labor exchange, case management, and reporting functions. The system also provides a common exit for individuals in the WIOA Title I-B and III programs.

The WIOA core programs intend to build upon the current integration process. The program partners have set two primary goals for data integration. The first goal is to streamline the intake process for participants across all WIOA programs so that information provided during application for one program can be accessed by all participating programs through a common platform (to the extent appropriate and allowable by applicable laws and regulations). This would prevent duplication of information collection for clients and programs, saving both time and effort for both programs and clients. The second goal is to integrate the applicable Management Information Systems (MISs) for WIOA programs to share pertinent participant data for reporting and evaluation purposes.

The core and partner programs have invested considerable funds, time, training, and other resources into each of their existing program MISs. Given these existing investments, as well as the comparable resources that would be required to create and implement a brand new system-wide MIS, Idaho has decided to pursue an option that would connect existing MISs and allow them to communicate with each other. Until such a solution is implemented, partner programs will continue to participate in ad-hoc data sharing through data sharing agreements.

This plan allows programs to begin updating data collection processes and their individual MIS systems to become WIOA-compliant as soon as possible, while taking steps toward fuller integration over the long term. Because an integrated system will not be in place on July 1, 2018, each program will be collecting data in different systems and we will continue to use an ad-hoc data sharing process for exporting, sharing, matching, and importing data during the third, and fourth program year. The core programs currently have a revised data sharing process and agreements in place which allow programs to report required elements under WIOA.

As part of updating data collection processes, the core program partners conducted an analysis of the existing programs’ MISs as well as the data collection and reporting needs of individual programs and the workforce system as a whole. As a result, the core programs will continue to fine tune their individual data systems to align with WIOA and make sure they are fully operational.

The WIOA Advisory Group, applicable optional partners, and other affected stakeholders will continue to convene a working group for data integration. This group will consist of program staff, IT staff, and vendors for existing systems. Their plan going forward is to:

  • Evaluate co-enrollment data to determine feasibility for pursuing data integration options, including a cost-benefit analysis. If viable and resources are available, the following steps will be conducted:
  • WIOA core and partner programs will conduct an analysis of applicable intake processes across the system and identify areas of duplication, or opportunities for integration.
  • The working group will create a framework for how the ideal system will connect individual MISs and what that might look like.
  • The working group will then write a scope of work which will be used to solicit vendors and research available products.
  • The group will review existing products and/or explore options for having a custom product built. This will include collecting bids, reviewing costs, timelines, benefits, and drawbacks for various options. Options will be evaluated against each other as well as the existing ad-hoc system for strengths, weaknesses, and costs.
  • Once an appropriate solution is identified, the group will create an implementation plan that may include timelines for beta-testing, roll-out, training, and other necessary activities.