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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. Indicate which division within the SNAP State agency is responsible for the E&T program. (i.e. establishes E&T policy, contracts for E&T services, monitors providers). For example, explain if the E&T program unit is separate from the SNAP certification unit, and if there are separate E&T units at the county level. The SNAP E&T Program is administered through ESA’s DCWET through a team of 20 District staff that are completely dedicated to program implementation. SNAP E&T staff functions include program management, analytical and compliance functions, grants management (for third-party providers), and direct provision of case management, job search training and placement, and job retention services. How does the E&T unit coordinate and communicate on an ongoing basis with the units responsible for certification policy? The District eligibility worker (Social Service Representative) assigned to SNAP E&T is physically located in the SNAP E&T program office and reports to DCWET rather than DPO but work closely with other DPO eligibility staff to ensure effective coordination. DHS administers both SNAP certification and SNAP E&T functions through the Economic Security Administration (ESA), with all responsibilities carried out by state merit staff. SNAP certification is managed by the Division of Program Operations (DPO), which oversees operations at the five ESA Service Centers. District residents can apply for public benefits—including SNAP, TANF, and medical assistance (e.g., Medicaid)—through DPO staff. In addition to in-person services, residents may apply remotely via a mobile app, online portal, or by contacting the DHS call center. At the point of initial application and recertification for SNAP, applicants meet with a DHS ESA DPO eligibility worker (also known as a Social Services Representative or SSR) to determine their work registration status. If the applicant qualifies for SNAP but does not meet an exemption, they are classified as a work registrant and must register for work. If exempt, they are not required to register. Since the District operates a voluntary SNAP E&T program and currently has a Districtwide ABAWD waiver in place (set to expire in December 2025), participation in SNAP E&T does not affect eligibility for SNAP benefits. To prepare for the waiver’s expiration, the District plans to implement a workfare component to help work registrants meet the work requirement. DPO will monitor ABAWDs participating in SNAP E&T, community service, or self-initiated activities to ensure compliance. Using E&T activity codes, monthly data submissions, and termination notices, DPO will determine whether ABAWDs are meeting work requirements or if benefits should be discontinued. As part of the voluntary SNAP E&T program, DPO eligibility staff provide all eligible SNAP recipients— 1/28/26, 11:03 AM State Plan DC FY26 - Original Submission https://dam-fns.usda.gov/sites/default/files/microsite/snapet-dcfy26stateplan//index.html 15/179