Federal Grant Award Summary

The Tennessee Department of Human Services received a Formula Grant award of $177,430.50 from the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) for the Supported Employment Services for Individuals with the Most Significant Disabilities program (CFDA 84.187). The award, effective October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026, supports the state's development of collaborative programs designed to provide supported employment services specifically for individuals with the most significant disabilities. This funding enables Tennessee to implement employment integration initiatives in partnership with public and private nonprofit organizations, facilitating competitive integrated employment opportunities for this vulnerable population.

Under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) framework, the state must maintain comprehensive financial and programmatic records for three years following final financial report submission and comply with uniform guidance requirements. The award allocation is determined through a statutory funding formula and is managed through the Electronic Transfer System, with all fund withdrawals and program implementation contingent upon OSERS approval of Tennessee's Supported Employment supplement to its Unified or Combined State Plan for vocational rehabilitation services.