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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. SNAP E&T and SNAP programs are administered by the Family Investment Administration (FIA) within Maryland DHS. The FIA establishes program policy, manages the execution of contracts, monitors providers, and maintains relationships with other key partners including but not limited to state agencies and the business community. SNAP certification is conducted by case managers located within twenty-four local jurisdictions. The certification staff are also responsible for referring work-eligible participants to SNAP E&T. How does the E&T unit coordinate and communicate on an ongoing basis with the units responsible for certification policy? The SNAP E&T team housed at the DHS headquarters participate in bi-weekly meetings with local certification staff to discuss policy changes, provide program updates, and allow local staff to exchange ideas. DHS also conducts quarterly “Connecting the Dots” training sessions which are designed to enhance communication between HQ and local staff. The agency leverages these events to discuss policy changes regarding SNAP E&T, SNAP work screening and registration and referral processes. The SNAP E&T Team also launched a workgroup called “SNAP It Up” to engage with the LDSS leadership and line staff to provide a platform for policy clarification and strategize on ways to improve program participation. Describe the State's relationships and communication with intermediaries or E&T providers. DHS facilitates monthly meetings with the Third-Party Partners to discuss SNAP E&T specific topics including policies, procedures, and concerns that affect program participants and providers. The agency also offers Technical Assistance and SNAP E&T training as needed to provide policy refreshers, discuss new requirements, and facilitate peer learning opportunities. New policies are also disseminated to providers in policy memorandums transmitted via email. Describe how the State agency shares new policies, procedures, or other information with the intermediary or other E&T provider. DHS facilitates monthly meetings with the Third-Party Partners to discuss SNAP E&T specific topics including policies, procedures, and concerns that affect program participants and providers. The agency also offers Technical Assistance and SNAP E&T training as needed to provide policy refreshers, discuss new 1/29/26, 11:10 AM State Plan MD FY26 - Original Submission https://dam-fns.usda.gov/sites/default/files/microsite/snapet-mdfy26stateplan//index.html 12/298