Located in:
- III. Operational Planning Elements
The Unified or Combined State Plan must include an Operational Planning Elements section that supports 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—
- b. State Operating Systems and Policies
III. b. 1. A. State operating systems that support coordinated implementation of State strategies (e.g., labor market information systems, data systems, communication systems, case-management systems, job banks, etc.)
Current Narrative:
(A) State operating systems that support coordinated implementation of State strategies (e.g., Labor Market Information systems, data systems, communication systems, case-management systems, job banks, etc.).
Maryland is committed to moving towards an integrated systems approach, in which its separate legacy data systems will be replaced gradually. While MD Labor, DORS, DHS, and DHCD are capable of reporting on each individual WIOA program to the respective federal oversight agencies, Maryland does not currently have an integrated system that is accessible to all partner programs. MD Labor is therefore currently unable to access data from agencies, like DORS and DHS, which collect data outside of the MWE system, and agencies may have limited knowledge of how partner programs are serving mutual customers.
The MWE serves as the data system for a number of WIOA programs: the WIOA Title I Adult, Dislocated Worker, and Youth programs; WIOA Title III Wagner-Peyser employment services, JVSG, SCSEP, MSFW, Dislocated Worker Grants, and Trade. The MWE REX module supports UI claimants alongside the UI modernization efforts currently underway. However, TANF, VR, Adult Education, and the CSBGs use their own data collection systems. Due to contract end dates in 2019 and 2020, as shown in the chart below, the WIOA leadership team recognizes that Maryland needs both short- and long-term solutions and goals to data sharing and alignment.
In 2017, DHS was awarded over $195 million in federal funding to build a groundbreaking technology platform that will transform the state’s ability to deliver vital human services to Marylanders. Maryland’s Total Human-services Information Network, or MD THINK, is a cloud-based data repository that will break down traditional silos and data barriers between state agencies and provide integrated access to programs administered by agencies including DHS, the Department of Health, the Department of Juvenile Services, and MD Labor. MD THINK is the product of two years of work by DHS and other agencies to develop an innovative design and project plan to modernize the state’s human services technology infrastructure and customer service process. MD THINK’s use of a cloud-based platform is expected to deliver significant cost savings, streamline program operations, and increase agency productivity. Most importantly, enhanced data analytics will better enable state agencies to deliver the highest levels of service to Marylanders. The first phase of the nearly $200 million revamping of the current system will focus on helping streamline and enhance service delivery to children and families. Data management and data analytics are key elements that better enable the bundling and delivery of services especially for the TANF/WIOA alignment and Two-Generation approach being piloted in Maryland to combat multi-generational poverty.
In the short-term, the WIOA leadership team has identified a number of key steps to take while MD THINK system is in development. Granting WIOA partner agencies “read only” basic access, with the appropriate releases, is one key shorter-term, achievable step towards system alignment. On December 18, 2017, the WIOA partners issued Policy Issuance 2017-10: Partner Access to the MWE. The policy allows for read-only access to the MWE be granted to WIOA partners. The proper Memorandum of Understanding has been executed between partners and confidentiality statements for individual users outline responsibilities to maintain confidentiality and to protect personally identifiable information.
In short, while many of the State’s WIOA programs use the MWE for the processes previously described, several of the State’s other WIOA programs operate in a different agency data system. At times, this can challenge the ability to share information on mutual customers. Recognizing this challenge, in the interim, Maryland is committed to establishing data sharing agreements in the absence of one common State system. Maryland is also committed to exploring common platform methods that will help us to improve system coordination.