To provide information to states about FY 2018 UI State Administration base resource allocations, general guidelines for resource planning, above-base funding, and SBRs.

To initiate the SQSP process, provide supplemental instructions, and define additional requirements for the FY 2019 SQSP.

Building on lessons learned from previous state implementations of modernized UI IT systems, the U.S. Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration (ETA) facilitated the development of a UI IT Modernization Pre-Implementation Planning Checklist for states to use prior to "going live" with a new UI Benefits and/or Tax system. Prior to the production launch of a UI IT system, State UI agencies must use the ETA 9177 Checklist Report to verify that necessary system functions are available and/or that alternative solutions are developed to help avoid major disruption of services to UI customers and to prevent delays in paying UI benefits when due.

To announce the new electronic Interstate Request for Reconsideration of the Monetary Determination (Form IB-14) application for use in requesting/responding to a reconsideration of monetary determination or wage credit transfers on a combined-wage claim (CWC).

To announce the availability of up to $100 million for Trade and Economic Transition National Dislocated Worker Grants (DWGs), with funding amounts of up to $8 million for each award. This grant will enable successful applicants to address ongoing or emerging workforce and economic challenges by providing training and career services to dislocated workers seeking reentry into the workforce, and increasing their skill levels to become competitive for growing or high-demand employment opportunities. Available funds for this grant could be reduced by other, unforeseen DWG funding needs, such as natural disasters and national emergencies, including national health emergencies such as the opioid crisis.

To provide State Workforce Agencies (SWAs) guidelines and key dates for the completion of the 2018 UI BAM paid and denied claims sample cases and the publication of 2018 BAM data. This annual instruction is issued under Employment and Training (ET) Handbook No. 395, 5th Edition’s OMB approval 1205-0245.

To provide State Workforce Agencies with:

1. Preliminary FY 2019 base resource planning targets for UI operations to be used in planning and developing State Quality Service Plans (SQSP);
2. General guidelines for FY 2019 resource planning; and
3. An explanation of how the U.S. Department of Labor (Department) allocates base resources among states.

In June 2017, President Trump signed an Executive Order (E.O.) on Expanding Apprenticeships in America, which lays out an expanded vision for apprenticeship in America. This Training and Employment Notice provides a framework for an important part of this expanded approach: industry-recognized apprenticeship programs. This new initiative encourages trade and professional associations, employers, educational institutions, unions, labor-management organizations, states, and other third parties to collaborate to create new, industry-driven apprenticeship solutions.

To announce the timeline for data collection and reporting using the 2018 amended version of the PIRL for performance data collection and submission through WIPS.

To announce and solicit nominees for a UI Benefit Financing Seminar scheduled to be held October 23- 26, 2018, in Washington, D.C.

To provide further clarification on match requirements and allowable construction costs under the YouthBuild Program.

To direct states currently operating RESEA programs to continue RESEA activities in a manner consistent with their approved FY 2017 RESEA grant application, provide final FY 2018 funding allotments, identify provisions of FY 2017 RESEA operating guidance that will remain in effect during FY 2018, and inform states of new flexibilities available for administration of the RESEA program.

To provide Program Year (PY) 2018 preparation and submission instructions, establish PY 2018 performance goals, and convey PY 2018 grant allotments.

To transmit the subject computation for State Workforce Agency usage in computing minimum weekly DUA amounts for all major disasters declared during the fourth quarter of Fiscal Year (FY) 2018.

To convey the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) Fiscal Year (FY) 2018 grant funding allotments and application requirements for the State Workforce Development Agencies, also known as State Workforce Agencies (SWA).

To transmit the Employment and Training Administration’s (ETA) communication plan for designation and notification of:

• Significant MSFW States;
• Significant MSFW One-Stop Centers; and
• Significant Multilingual MSFW One-Stop Centers.

To provide program guidance for the development, management, and delivery of workforce and labor market information (WLMI) funded through the WIGS.

To assist State Workforce Agencies or agencies designated by Governors as “Cooperating State Agencies” (CSAs) (also jointly referred to as "states") by identifying the FY 2018 Initial Allocation of TaOA funding amounts to states; describing the formula methodology used by the Department of Labor (Department) to calculate these amounts; and providing the process for states to request TAA Program reserve funds for TaOA. TaOA includes training, job search allowances, relocation allowances, employment and case management services, and related state administration.

To assist State Workforce Agencies (SWAs) or agencies designated by Governors as "Cooperating State Agencies" (CSAs) (also jointly referred to as "States," "Recipients," "Grantees," "Applicant," or "You") gain access to FY 2018 TAA Program TaOA funds by completing and submitting Standard Form (SF) 424, Application for Federal Assistance, through www.grants.gov.

This Training and Employment Guidance Letter (TEGL) provides current SCSEP state, territorial, and national grantees with the application instructions, allocations, and the process and procedures for the PY 2018 grant submission.