USDA FNS SNAP E&T STATE PLAN

SUMMARY OF PROGRAM

Is the State’s E&T program administered at the State or county level?

	State
	County

PROGRAM CHANGES

CONSULTATION AND COORDINATION WITH THE WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT SYSTEM

State agencies must design the E&T program in consultation with the State workforce development board and operate the E&T program through the statewide workforce development system (7 CFR 273.7(c)(5)). The goal of this section is to explain the relationship between the State agency and other organizations it plans to consult and coordinate with for the provision of services, including organizations in the statewide workforce development system. The statewide workforce development system refers to a network of providers, which may include government and the public sector; community-based organizations and non-profits; employers and industry; occupational training providers; and post-secondary institutions, such as community colleges. Please note the State workforce development board is an entity that establishes Regional strategic plans and sets funding priorities for their area. They are distinct from State workforce agencies.

Consultation

Consultation with the workforce development system generally includes discussions to learn about services provided in the community and how each organization functions and coordinates with others in the community. State agencies can demonstrate they consulted with their State workforce development board by noting the dates of conversations, who they spoke with, what they spoke about, and how they incorporated this information into the design of their E&T program.

Did the State agency consult the State workforce development board?

	Yes
	No

Did the State agency consult with private employers or employer organizations in lieu of the workforce development board?

	Yes
	No

Coordination

Coordination with the workforce development system consists of efforts to partner with workforce providers to directly serve SNAP E&T participants or to align the flow or types of services offered across programs.

Is SNAP E&T included as a partner in the State's WIOA Combined Plan?

	Yes
	No

CONSULTATION WITH INDIAN TRIBAL ORGANIZATIONS (ITOs)

State agencies are required to consult with Tribes about the SNAP State Plan of Operations, which includes the E&T State Plan, per 7 CFR 272.2(b) and 272.2(e)(7). The consultations must pertain to the unique needs of Tribal members. State agencies are required to document the availability of E&T programs for Tribal members living on reservations in accordance with 7 CFR 273.7(c)(6)(xiii). The goal of this section is to describe how the State agency consulted with Indian Tribal Organizations (ITOs), describe the results of the consultation, and document the availability of E&T programs for Tribal members living on reservations.

Did the State agency consult with ITOs in the State?

	Yes
	Yes, but not all ITOs
	No
	There are no ITOs in my State

List the ITOs consulted and describe the outcomes of the consultation(s). Provide specific examples of how the State agency incorporated feedback from ITOs into the design of the E&T program (e.g. unique supportive service, new component, in-demand occupation). Include the title of the person you consulted and the date.

Date	Name of ITO	Title(s) of Person Consulted	Outcome of Consultation
08/12/2025	Standing Rock Tribe Workforce Services	Cheryl Keepseagle, Director of Standing Rock Tribe Workforce Services; Christina DeCora, Case Manager of Standing Rock Tribe Workforce Services	SNAP will be setting up in-person meetings with the Standing Rock Tribe Workforce Services. These sessions will focus on providing valuable insights into SNAP E&T and exploring collaborative opportunities that could benefit our communities.

Will the State agency be seeking enhanced reimbursement for E&T services (75%) for ITO members who are residents of reservations, either on or off the reservation?

	Yes
	No

UTILIZATION OF STATE OPTIONS

State agencies have the flexibility to implement policy options to adapt and meet the unique needs of State populations. Check which options the State agency will implement.

Does the State agency offer an E&T program statewide?

	Yes
	No

Indicate the type of E&T program the State agency operates.

	Mandatory per 7 CFR 273.7(e)
	Voluntary per 7 CFR 273.7(e)(5)(i)
	Combination of mandatory and voluntary

Does the State agency serve the following populations? Select all that apply.

	Applicants per 7 CFR 273.7(e)(2)
	Exempt members of zero benefit households that volunteer for SNAP E&T per 7 CFR 273.10(e)(2)(iii)(B)(7)
	Categorically eligible households per 7 CFR 273.2(j)

Does the State agency enable ABAWDs to regain SNAP eligibility through E&T and verify that the ABAWD will meet the work requirement within 30 days?

	Yes
	No

CHARACTERISTICS OF INDIVIDUALS SERVED BY E&T

State agencies are required to include information about the categories and types of individuals they plan to exempt from mandatory E&T participation (7 CFR 273.7 (c)(6)(iv)), as well as the characteristics of the population they plan to place in E&T (7 CFR 273.7 (c)(6)(v)).

What are the characteristics of the population the State agency intends to serve in E&T (e.g. target population)? This question applies to both mandatory and voluntary participants.

	ABAWDs
	Homeless
	Veterans
	Students
	Single parents
	Returning citizens (aka: ex-offenders)
	Underemployed
	Those that reside in rural areas
	Refugees in resettlement program

How frequently will the State plan to re-evaluate these exemptions from mandatory E&T?

	Annually
	Bi-annually
	Other

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS

State agencies are required to include information on the organizational relationship between the units responsible for certification and the units operating the E&T components, including units of the statewide workforce development system, if available. For the purposes of the questions below, E&T providers are considered to include units of the statewide workforce development system. FNS is specifically interested in ensuring that the lines of communication are efficient and that, if applicable, noncompliance with mandatory E&T is reported to the certification unit within 10 working days after the noncompliance occurs, per 7 CFR 273.7(c)(4). State agencies must also include information on the relationship between the State agency and other organizations it plans to coordinate with for the provision of services.

The following questions are about how the E&T program is structured in your State agency.

How frequently does the State agency monitor E&T providers’ program and fiscal operations?

	Daily
	Weekly
	Monthly
	Quarterly
	Bi-Annually
	Annually
	Other

How frequently does the State agency evaluate the performance of providers in achieving the purpose of E&T?

	Daily
	Weekly
	Monthly
	Quarterly
	Bi-Annually
	Annually
	Other

SCREENING FOR WORK REGISTRATION

State agency eligibility staff must screen for federal exemptions from work registration, per 7 CFR 273.7(a).

At what point in the certification process does the State agency provide the written explanation of the applicable work requirements? Select all that apply.

	Point of Intake
	Point of Certification
	Reported change in the work registrant status of household members
	Point of Recertification
	State does not provide written explanation

At what point in the certification process does the State agency provide the oral explanation of the applicable work requirements? Select all that apply.

	Point of Intake
	Point of Certification
	Reported change in the work registrant status of household members
	Point of Recertification
	State does not provide oral explanation

SCREENING FOR REFERRAL TO E&T

The State agency must screen each work registrant to determine if it is appropriate, based on State-specific criteria, to refer them to the E&T program per 7 CFR 273.7 (c)(2). State agencies may operate program components in which individuals elect to participate, per 7 CFR 273.7(e)(4).

What is the State's model for screening and referral to SNAP E&T? Select all that apply.

	Reverse Referral
	Direct Referral

When does screening for referral to E&T occur? Select all that apply.

	Initial Certification
	Recertification
	Reported change in the work registrant status of households
	Other

Are participants informed about participant reimbursements before the individual is referred to E&T by eligibility staff?

	Yes
	No

REFERRAL TO E&T

In accordance with 7 CFR 273.7(c)(2), in order to participate in SNAP E&T, the State agency must make the referral. The referral method may vary from participant to participant.

What information does the State provide to E&T participants when they are referred? Select all that apply.

	Information about accessing E&T services
	Case Management
	Dates
	Contact information
	Other

How is the referral communicated? Select all that apply.

	Orally
	Electronic Forms
	Physical Forms
	Emails
	Text Messages
	Other

How does the State communicate to the SNAP participant that they are in SNAP E&T? Select all that apply.

	Orally
	Electronic Forms
	Physical Forms
	Emails
	Text Messages
	Other

How does the State communicate to the SNAP participant about their rights to receive participant reimbursements? Select all that apply.

	Orally
	Electronic Forms
	Physical Forms
	Emails
	Text Messages
	Other

After referral, what additional steps does the E&T participant take to access the program? Select all that apply.

	Assessment
	Orientation
	Meet with case manager
	Other

Is orientation mandatory?

	Yes
	No

Who runs the orientation? Select all that apply.

	State Agency
	Intermediary
	E&T Provider
	County or Local Office

How is the orientation conducted? Select all that apply.

	In Person
	Virtually
	Online
	Self-Paced
	Other

What happens during the orientation?

Participants are informed of the purpose of SNAP E&T, individual rights and responsibilities, contractor responsibilities, consequences of non-compliance listed in the EP, complete intake, options for supportive services and obtain a Release of Information (ROI).

ASSESSMENT

Does the State require or provide an assessment?

	Yes
	No

Who conducts the assessment? Select all that apply.

	State Agency
	E&T Provider
	Self-Assessment
	Intermediary
	Local Office
	Other

When are participants assessed?

BEST and NDWORKS case managers conduct employability assessments on participants. SPACES provides family composition, financial education, health, employment education, housing and transportation assessments for E&T case managers to use.

BEST assessments are conducted during orientation. Participants can receive a hard copy of their assessment at the time of orientation. The assessment is in a PDF format, so can be printed and completed by hand, or completed electronically and emailed. BEST participants complete an assessment questionnaire for identifying skills, work history and barriers plus an online Career Test that assists with identifying careers that fit their personality. The assessments are typically done via telephone or email. However, they can be done by the participant individually outside of the office, using the office resource area, via telephone or email with the assistance of the BEST case manager. The BEST case manager assists the client with any barriers in completing the BEST assessments.
NDWORKS completes a family composition, financial education, health, employment education, housing and transportation assessments within the first seven days of receiving the referral. NDWORKS participants typically complete their assessments face to face using paper and computer resources. They determine how assessments will be completed according to the needs and comfort level of each participant.

Describe the assessment. List the tools used in the assessment.

There is an assessment form built into SPACES. This is utilized by both BEST and NDWORKS. Both contractors also have their assessments that they complete in addition to the SPACES one. NDWORKS completes an additional vocational assessment.

Does the assessment result in the completion of an individual employment plan?

	Yes
	No

How are assessment results shared with State agency staff? Select all that apply.

	Orally
	Electronic Forms
	Physical Forms
	MIS System
	Email
	Other
	Assessment is not shared with State agency staff

How are assessment results shared with E&T providers? Select all that apply.

	Orally
	Electronic Forms
	Physical Forms
	MIS System
	Email
	Other
	Assessment is not shared with E&T providers

How are assessment results shared with E&T participants? Select all that apply.

	Orally
	Electronic Forms
	Physical Forms
	Email
	Other
	Assessment is not shared with E&T participants

Are participants reassessed?

	Yes
	No

When are participants reassessed?

Participants are reassessed on an ongoing basis.

How are participants reassessed?

E&T case managers have discussions on a monthly basis to discuss any changes that may have happened since the previous month.

CONCILIATION PROCESS

In accordance with 7 CFR 273.7(c)(3), State agencies have the option to offer a conciliation period to noncompliant E&T participants. The conciliation period provides mandatory E&T participants with an opportunity to comply before the State agency sends a notice of adverse action. The conciliation process is not a substitute for the determination of good cause when a client fails to comply.

Does the State agency offer a conciliation process?

	Yes
	No

CASE MANAGEMENT SERVICES

The State E&T program must provide case management services to all E&T participants. In accordance with 7 CFR 273.7(c)(6)(ii), State agencies are required to include specific information about the provision of case management services in the E&T State plan.

What types of E&T case management services will be offered to the participant? Select all that apply.

	Comprehensive Intake Assessments
	Individualized Service Plans
	Progress Monitoring
	Coordination with Service Providers
	Reassessment
	Other

Who delivers the case management services in your State? Select all that apply.

	SNAP State agency
	Local Office(s)
	Intermediary
	E&T Providers

How are case management services delivered in your State? Select all that apply.

	Group Meeting (virtual)
	Group Meeting (in person)
	Individual (virtual)
	Individual (in person)
	Phone
	Text
	Email
	Other

GOOD CAUSE

In accordance with 7 CFR 273.7(i), the State agency is responsible for determining good cause when a SNAP recipient fails or refuses to comply with SNAP work requirements. Since it is not possible for FNS to enumerate each individual situation that should or should not be considered good cause, the State agency must take into account the facts and circumstances, including information submitted by the employer and by the household member involved, in determining whether or not good cause exists.

How does the State agency reach out to the SNAP participant to determine good cause? Select all that apply.

	Phone Call
	Email
	Text Message
	Physical Form

How does the State agency reach out to the employers to determine good cause? Select all that apply.

	Phone Call
	Email
	Text Message
	Physical Form

How does the State agency reach out to E&T providers to determine good cause? Select all that apply.

	Phone Call
	Email
	Text Message
	Physical Form
	MIS System

How many attempts are made to reach out to the SNAP participant for additional information?

	One
	Two
	Three
	More than three

PROVIDER DETERMINATIONS

In accordance with 7 CFR 273.7(c)(18) a State agency must ensure that E&T providers are informed of their authority and responsibility to determine if an individual is ill-suited for a particular E&T component.

What is the timeframe for contacting clients after receiving a provider determination?

	1-3 Days
	4-7 Days
	8-10 Days

DISQUALIFICATION POLICY FOR GENERAL WORK REQUIREMENTS

This section applies to the General Work Requirements, not just to E&T, and should be completed by all States, regardless of whether they operate a mandatory or voluntary E&T program.

All work registrants are subject to SNAP work requirements at 7 CFR 273.7(a). A nonexempt individual who refuses or fails to comply without good cause, as defined at 7 CFR 273.7(2), (3), and (4), with SNAP work requirements will be disqualified and subject to State disqualification periods. Noncompliance with SNAP work requirements includes voluntarily quitting a job or reducing work hours below 30 hours a month, and failing to comply with SNAP E&T (if assigned by the State agency).

What period before application does the State agency use to determine voluntary quit and/or reduction in work effort without good cause per 7 CFR 273.7(j)(1)?

	30 Days
	60 Days

For all occurrences of non-compliance discussed below, must the individual also comply to receive benefits again?

	Yes
	No

For the first occurrence of non-compliance per 7 CFR 273.7(f)(2), the individual will be disqualified until the later of:

	One month or until the individual complies, as determined by the State agency
	Up to 3 months

For the second occurrence of non-compliance per 7 CFR 273.7(f)(2)(ii), the individual will be disqualified until the later of:

	Three months or until the individual complies, as determined by the State agency
	Up to 6 months

For the third or subsequent occurrence per 7 CFR 273.7(f)(2)(iii), the individual will be disqualified until the later of:

	6 months or until the individual complies, as determined by the State agency
	A date determined by the State agency
	Permanently

The State agency will disqualify the:

	Individual
	The entire household if the head of household is an ineligible individual

PARTICIPANT REIMBURSEMENTS

In accordance with 7 CFR 273.7(d)(4), State agencies are required to pay for or reimburse participants for expenses that are reasonable, necessary, and directly related to participation in E&T. State agencies may impose a maximum limit for reimbursement payments. If a State agency serves mandatory E&T participants, it must meet all costs associated with mandatory participation. If an individual's expenses exceed those reimbursements available by the State agency, the individual must be placed into a suitable component or must be exempted from mandatory E&T.

PARTICIPANT REIMBURSEMENT DETAILS

Complete the table below with information on each participant reimbursement offered/permitted by the State agency (do not indicate information for each provider). A description of each category is included below. If the participant reimbursement is provided by multiple entities (such as State agencies and E&T providers) or has multiple methods of payment, a separate entry in the table must be completed.

• Allowable Participant Reimbursements. Every State agency must include child care and transportation in this table, as well as other major categories of reimbursements (examples of categories include, but are not limited to: tools, test fees, books, uniforms, license fees, electronic devices, etc.). Mandatory States must meet all costs associated with participating in an E&T program, or else they must exempt individuals from E&T.
• Participant Reimbursement Caps (optional). States have the option to establish maximum levels (caps) for reimbursements available to individuals. Indicate any caps on the amount the State agency will provide for the participant reimbursement.
• Who provides the participant reimbursements? Indicate if the participant reimbursement is provided by the State agency, a provider, or an intermediary. The State agency remains ultimately responsible for ensuring individuals receive participant reimbursements, even if it has contracted with another entity to provide them.
• What is the payment method for Participant Reimbursements? Indicate the mechanism used to disburse payment to E&T participants.
• Method of disbursement. Indicate if the participant receives the participant reimbursement in advance or as a reimbursement. Also indicate if the amount of the participant reimbursement is an estimated amount or the actual amount.

Is dependent care provided? Select yes even if E&T funds are not being used.

	Yes
	No

WORK REGISTRANT DATA

The SNAP general work requirements are described at 7 CFR 273.7(a). Individuals who do not meet a federal exemption from the general work requirements, as listed in 7 CFR 273.7(b)(1), are subject to the general work requirement and must register for work. In accordance with 7 CFR 273.7(c)(10), the State agency must submit to FNS the number of work registrants in the State as of October 1st. This information is submitted on the first quarter E&T Program Activity Report (FNS-583).

OUTCOME REPORTING MEASURES

Indicate the data source used for the national reporting measures. Select all that apply.

Outcome Reporting Measures	Employment & Earnings Measures	Attainment of Credential / Certificate	Measurable Skill Gains
Quarterly Wage Records (QWR)
National Directory of New Hires (NDNH)
State Management Information System (MIS)
Manual Follow-up with SNAP E&T Participants
Random Sample
Other

Indicate the data source used for the State-specific component measures. Select all that apply.

	Quarterly Wage Records (QWR)
	National Directory of New Hires (NDNH)
	State Management Information System (MIS)
	Manual Follow-up with SNAP E&T Participants
	Random Sample

Indicate the methods used to manually follow up. Select all that apply.

	Verbal Contact
	Physical Forms
	Text
	Email

Describe the process for manual follow up.

Communication with the participant during check-in meetings is used to receive updates on any progress.

COMPONENTS OVERVIEW

Which non-education, non-work components does the State agency plan to offer? Select all that apply.

	Job Retention
	Job Search Training
	Self-Employment Training
	Supervised Job Search
	Workfare

Which educational components does the State agency plan to offer? Select all that apply.

	Basic / Foundational Skills Instruction
	Career / Technical Education Programs or other Vocational Training
	English Language Acquisition
	Integrated Education and Training / Bridge Programs
	Other Educational Program
	Work Readiness Training

Which work experience components does the State agency plan to offer? Select all that apply.

	Work Activity
	Work-Based Learning

CONTRACTS OVERVIEW

The State agency must enter every contract or third-party partner. Additionally, the State agency must report if an intermediary directly holds subcontracts with employment and training providers for the delivery of SNAP E&T services. The table below summarizes overall information across all contracts.

CONTRACTOR: COMMUNITY OPTIONS INC.

Is this Contractor an Intermediary with subcontractors?

	Yes
	No

Indicate the service type

	Consulting
	E&T Services
	Automation/IT
	Marketing
	Other

Will this E&T service be offered statewide?

	Yes
	No

Which E&T Services are offered by this contractor?

	Basic / Foundational Skills Instruction
	Career / Technical Education Programs or other Vocational Training
	Case Management Services
	English Language Acquisition
	Job Retention
	Job Search Training
	Supervised Job Search

Annual Number of SNAP E&T Participants to be Served

1,056

Are participant reimbursements provided by the Contractor?

	Yes
	No

Total participant reimbursements costs (inclusive of federal and non-federal shares)

$300,318.00

Amount of 100 percent Federal Funds (includes ABAWD Pledge Funds)

$0.00

Total Amount of 50/50 (or 75/25) Admin Funds (inclusive of federal and non-federal shares)

$893,376.00

Will this contract serve members of Indian Tribal Organizations (ITOs) and be reimbursed at 75%?

	Yes
	No

CONTRACTOR: JOB SERVICE OF NORTH DAKOTA

Is this Contractor an Intermediary with subcontractors?

	Yes
	No

Indicate the service type

	Consulting
	E&T Services
	Automation/IT
	Marketing
	Other

Will this E&T service be offered statewide?

	Yes
	No

Indicate the counties where the service is offered by this contractor.

	County Name		County Name		County Name
	Adams County		Grant County		Ransom County
	Barnes County		Griggs County		Renville County
	Benson County		Hettinger County		Richland County
	Billings County		Kidder County		Rolette County
	Bottineau County		LaMoure County		Sargent County
	Bowman County		Logan County		Sheridan County
	Burke County		McHenry County		Sioux County
	Burleigh County		McIntosh County		Slope County
	Cass County		McKenzie County		Stark County
	Cavalier County		McLean County		Steele County
	Dickey County		Mercer County		Stutsman County
	Divide County		Morton County		Towner County
	Dunn County		Mountrail County		Traill County
	Eddy County		Nelson County		Walsh County
	Emmons County		Oliver County		Ward County
	Foster County		Pembina County		Wells County
	Golden Valley County		Pierce County		Williams County
	Grand Forks County		Ramsey County

Which E&T Services are offered by this contractor?

	Basic / Foundational Skills Instruction
	Career / Technical Education Programs or other Vocational Training
	Case Management Services
	English Language Acquisition
	Job Retention
	Job Search Training
	Supervised Job Search

Annual Number of SNAP E&T Participants to be Served

500

Are participant reimbursements provided by the Contractor?

	Yes
	No

Total participant reimbursements costs (inclusive of federal and non-federal shares)

$128,700.00

Amount of 100 percent Federal Funds (includes ABAWD Pledge Funds)

$100,000.00

Total Amount of 50/50 (or 75/25) Admin Funds (inclusive of federal and non-federal shares)

$0.00

Will this contract serve members of Indian Tribal Organizations (ITOs) and be reimbursed at 75%?

	Yes
	No

OPERATING BUDGET

The regulations at 7 CFR 273.7(c)(6) outline State agencies must include an operating budget for the year. Complete all cost categories, as applicable. Note that the cost categories, outside of the contractual or county administered program line items, apply only to the State agency costs. The calculated values will automatically display upon selecting the Quick Save button.

FUNDING SOURCES

Fields for the Funding Sources section will populate from other sections, such as the Operating Budget section or annual allocations decided by FNS OET.

The system will provide the States 100 percent allocation as well as the target for the total 50/50 funds, as provided in the annual E&T final allocation memo.

State agencies may enter funds into the field "100 Percent Federal Grant - Additional Funds" for planning purposes. This field must be blank before initial submission. State agencies that wish to request additional 100% funds can do so via the Funding Requests tab. If the request is approved, State agencies will see the approved amount populated in this field, and a new State Plan Amendment must be submitted.

The system utilizes a formula that distributes administrative costs to the various funding sources (i.e. 100 percent Federal, 50 percent Federal Admin and 50 percent Non-Federal Admin.) The formula also establishes a funding hierarchy for the use of all available 100 percent Federal funds. This funding hierarchy will assign the planned administrative expenses against the regular 100 Federal grant first, then depending upon availability, against additional 100 percent funds, able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWD) pledge funds, if applicable. Any planned costs over the available 100 percent funds will be evenly distributed against the 50 percent Admin funds.

The planned expenses shown for the field "100% Federal Grant" will be inclusive of the formula allocation, as well as any additional Federal funds approved. Fields in the column “Distribution of Planned Expenses” are populated from the planned expenses table. States can use this table to extrapolate figures, but cannot submit the form until 100% of Federal additional funds under the "Allocation or Target" column has been removed.

PLEDGE TO SERVE ALL ABAWDS

The Act authorizes FNS to allocate $20 million annually to State agencies that commit, or pledge, to ensuring the availability of education, training, or workfare opportunities that permit able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs) to remain eligible beyond the 3-month time limit.

To be eligible for these additional funds (pledge funds), State agencies must pledge to offer and provide an opportunity in a work program that meets the participation requirements of 7 CFR 273.24 to every applicant and recipient who is in the last month of the 3-month time limit and not otherwise exempt. Individuals are exempt from the time limit if they meet an exception under 7 CFR 273.24(c), reside in an area covered by a waiver in accordance with 7 CFR 273.24(f), or who are exempted by the State under 7 CFR 273.24(g).

Is the State agency pledging to offer qualifying activities to all ABAWDs subject to the criteria under 7 CFR 273.7(d)(3)(i)?

	Yes
	No