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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. The District plans to implement the following program changes for SNAP E&T in FY2026: • DHS will continue partnerships with 18 third-party providers. In FY2026, DHS will prioritize collaborations with employer-focused organizations and those that offer access to career pathways and pipelines. • DHS will continue enhancing the SNAP E&T system launched on August 4, 2022. This web-based platform was developed with support from multiple SNAP E&T Data and Technical Assistance (DATA) grants. It streamlines operations by replacing many monthly provider data reports with direct data entry and real-time updates from SNAP E&T providers. The system also enables DHS SNAP E&T staff to document case management, component activities, and program outcomes through a more user-friendly interface. The platform is integrated with the District of Columbia Access System (DCAS), the official system of record for SNAP and other public benefits eligibility. Planned enhancements for FY2025 include further integration with additional systems, such as the District’s Procurement Automated Support System (PASS) for third-party partner invoicing, and Assessforce, a web-based tool used to administer customer assessments. • In June 2022, DHS transitioned to Assessforce, a web-based tool for conducting customer assessments. This shift allowed the Economic Security Administration (ESA) to phase out the traditional in-person assessment process used by the SNAP E&T program. Assessforce provides a digital platform accessible to staff, customers, and providers, significantly improving the efficiency and accessibility of assessments. The platform plays a critical role in capturing key data—much of which was previously unavailable—needed to evaluate the SNAP E&T program, measure staff productivity, and monitor participant engagement. In FY2026, DHS will continue using Assessforce while implementing system enhancements, including integration with other platforms, system upgrades, and the launch of a new customer self-assessment feature (CAP). This feature will allow customers to complete assessments independently, with 24/7 access. • In late FY25, DHS piloted a redesigned model for the Vocational Development Specialist (VDS) role within the SNAP Employment & Training (E&T) Program. These changes will be formally implemented in FY26. Under the new model, VDS staff will be co-located at DHS provider sites to deliver more direct and comprehensive support to participants, including case management services, participant reimbursements, and supervised Job Search Training as needed. Key enhancements include: o Universal Assignment: All E&T participants will be assigned both a VDS and a training provider, ensuring consistent support across the program. o Standardized Case Management: VDS staff will help align case management practices across providers, improving consistency and service quality. o Centralized Assessment: All participants will complete the DHS standard assessment via the Assessforce Customer Assessment Portal (CAP), replacing the previous model where providers could administer their own tools. o Expanded Outreach and Engagement: VDS staff will conduct routine touchpoints and maintain a monthly presence at all third-party provider sites to ensure participants are aware of their enrollment in SNAP E&T and actively engaged. The redesigned model introduces a tiered service approach, offering varying levels of support— from light- touch case management to more intensive pathways such as supervised job search—tailored to individual participant needs. This structure is intended to improve credential attainment, employment outcomes, and overall program accessibility. By standardizing assessment processes and expanding the VDS footprint, DHS aims to enhance the accuracy and usability of participant data, enabling more effective matching to training opportunities. The redesign also strengthens accountability for participant reimbursements and elevates 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 5/179