UIPL26_11attB.pdf

ETA Advisory File Text

Attachment B DESCRIPTION OF TECHNOLOGY INFRASTRUCTURE CONSORTIUM PROJECTS Modernization Planning for UI Benefits and or UI Tax Systems Integrity Tools and Performance Improvement Projects Purpose To provide funds for a multi-state consortium to jointly design and or implement the design of a new core UI benefits and or tax system. States are strongly encouraged and will receive additional points if they use the products developed by the two existing state consortia as a foundation for their work. The technology tools developed should use open source components to the extent feasible be transferable and should be available to be shared by multiple state workforce agencies without the need to significantly customize the system and or be hosted in one state which will provide automated services to other states. The goal is for multiple states to share common systems tools that accommodate each state s individual needs. The states will jointly establish a project team to develop a planned approach for the project. The system development as well as the implementation planning process may require the assistance of one or more contractors. One state must be willing to act as the lead contracting party for the consortium for a given contract. The lead contracting state will be responsible for developing and awarding a contract with the support and participation of the other consortium states. The consortium will be administered by a Steering Committee consisting of the Project Lead from each of the participating states. Each state will provide project staff program and technical to work as a Project Team. The Project Team will carry out the work of the consortium based on the direction of the Steering Committee. The Project Team will work with the other state consortium staff and contractor staff as necessary to provide information that the contractor needs to develop plan and design an approach for a common benefit or tax system. The Project Team will seek input from and provide feedback to other interested state staff as well as to regional and national office staff. The consortium Project Team will be responsible for providing input for and reviewing the Request for Proposal s RFP for any contract s and participating in or providing input on the vendor selection helping to define appropriate activities for the contractor s and providing UI program and technical experts to support the feasibility study. The consortium may also request in its SBR proposal that the U.S. Department of Labor Department re-allot specific funds necessary to the lead state for the project. See for example the fourth dot point under Description of Incentive Integrity Activities Requirements of section 6 of this UIPL. Examples of the lead state responsibilities 1. Coordinate all activities related to this effort with the other participating states. 2. Develop and provide to the Department a detailed project management plan no later than October 31 2011. 2 3. Develop in consultation with participating states a RFP. 4. Host the selected contractor on-site provide staff for the project management team provide staff to support the overall effort and respond to requests for information. 5. Develop system s share products and provide technical assistance as appropriate working together with other members of the consortium upon completion of the project. Examples of the participating state responsibilities 1. Assist with development of the RFP. 2. Attend meetings conferences with lead and participating states. 3. Host contractor on site and provide staff to respond to specific requests for information. 4. Assist in developing presenting deliverables for the project. 5. Provide staffing for the project management team.