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PROGRAM CHANGES Summarize changes for the upcoming Federal fiscal year (FY) from the prior FY. Significant changes may include new initiatives, changes in funding or funding sources, policy changes, or significant changes to the number of partners or participants. Significant changes could include those made as a result of management evaluation findings or participation in program improvement initiatives, such as SNAP to Skills. It is not necessary to include changes made as a result of new Federal rulemaking. For FFY 2026, Colorado is implementing significant improvements to the administration and performance of the EF program, driven by prior-year outcomes and key findings from FNS's 2024 Management Evaluation. 1. New Intermediary Structure: Colorado is launching a new solicitation for SNAP E&T Intermediaries, with services set to begin January 1, 2026. This shift is designed to consolidate administrative responsibilities and data management under specialized intermediaries. These entities will handle case management data entry, streamline administrative tasks, expand participant access to services, and strengthen coordination across local providers. Intermediaries will partner closely with the CDHS to ensure compliance with all federal and state regulations and fiscal standards, resulting in improved program oversight and operational efficiency. 2. Standardized Screening, Referral, and Case Management Procedures: As a direct response to the 2024 Management Evaluation, Colorado is rolling out a standardized, state-prescribed screening and referral process, developed and piloted in collaboration with a county department of human services. This enhanced process establishes clear, consistent steps for identifying eligible clients and referring them to EF services based on state criteria (e.g., age, location, work readiness, and willingness). Statewide implementation of this model ensures equitable access, streamlines referrals, and improves communication between eligibility and EF staff. Additionally, all EF POs will adopt a new standardized case management data entry process. A uniform method for documenting all client interactions in CBMS has been developed and will be implemented across all EF POs. Training on this process will be completed by October 2025, and compliance will be monitored through updated state oversight procedures. 3. Enhanced Performance Monitoring: The State EF team will begin using a monthly program dashboard to track client outcomes, referral rates, and service delivery trends. This tool will support data-driven decision-making and continuous improvement efforts across the EF program. 4. Funding Disbursement Model Lastly, Colorado is making a strategic change to its funding disbursement model for contracted Third-Party Partners in FFY 2026. Historically, the EF Program receives only 75% spending authority of the total FNS allocation at the beginning of the fiscal year. This limitation has created end-of-year challenges in fully awarding funds to partners, who typically receive 50% of their contract amount up front. To address this, Colorado will shift to a 1/3 disbursement model, providing funding in three installments throughout the year. This new approach promotes stronger fiscal stewardship, improves the tracking and management of expenditures, and ensures that all federal funds are fully utilized by the end of the program year. Together, these strategic changes reflect Colorado’s ongoing commitment to targeted service delivery, stronger data integrity, and improved compliance and performance across the SNAP E&T program. 4