Actus_Policy_Research_-_Vendor_Questions.pdf

Vendor Questions

Maryland Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessment (RESEA) RFP

LABOR-FY2025-023

eMMA BPM # BPM050983

Question 1: Section 2.2, #4 (page 9) of the RFP states: "This statement of work describes the design for an external impact evaluation of the RESEA program to assess the effect of the entire RESEA program on RESEA claimants.” Also, Section 2.3 (page 10) of the RFP states "The overall objective of the evaluation that the

Contractor will need to assess is the effectiveness of participating in one or more specific services during their one-on-one Individual Reemployment Plan (IRP) session after the initial RESEA workshop.”

Based on the wording in Section 2.2, the overall objective of the evaluation is to evaluate the impact of the entire RESEA program, which includes the combined impact of the eligibility review, and the services provided during the one-on-one IRP session. Based on the wording in Section 2.3, the evaluation will assess the effect of specific services provided during the one-on-one IRP session. Is the objective to estimate the overall impact of the entire RESEA program, as well as to assess the effect of specific services? Can you please clarify the specific objective for the research?

Response:

The purpose of the evaluation/research for the RESEA program—Reemployment Services and Eligibility

Assessments—is to assess how well the program meets its goals of improving employment outcomes for unemployment insurance (UI) claimants and ensuring their continued eligibility for benefits.

Specifically, the evaluation serves to:

1. Measure Program Effectiveness:

○ Determine whether RESEA helps UI claimants return to work more quickly.

○ Assess how participation impacts claimants’ earnings and employment stability.

2. Improve Program Performance:

○ Identify which components or practices are most effective.

○ Guide continuous improvement and inform best practices for service delivery.

3. Ensure Accountability and Compliance:

○ Verify that claimants are actively seeking work and remain eligible for UI benefits.

○ Ensure state programs meet federal guidelines and performance targets.

4. Allocate Resources Efficiently:

○ Help states and the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) make data-driven decisions about how to invest in reemployment services.

○ Inform funding decisions and identify cost-effective strategies.

5. Fulfill Legislative and Regulatory Requirements:

○ Satisfy requirements under the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018, which mandates that RESEA-funded programs be evidence-based and include rigorous evaluation.

Overall, the evaluation ensures the program is effective, fair, and continuously improving, ultimately helping more people get back to work faster while protecting the integrity of the unemployment insurance system.

Question 2: It is our understanding that the one-on-one IRP is conducted during the RESEA workshop, during which claimants may receive one-on-one services (e.g., resume development assistance, job referrals), as well as referrals to additional services to be received after the IRP (e.g., job-search workshops). Please confirm if the IRP is part of the initial RESEA workshops and the purpose of the IRP is both to provide one-on-one services and to give referrals for additional services.

Response:

The Individual Reemployment Plan (IRP) is conducted during the RESEA initial appointment or workshop, which usually takes place early in a claimant’s unemployment insurance (UI) claim period. It serves as a personalized, goal-oriented roadmap designed to help a participant return to work as quickly and effectively as possible. In addition, it serves the following:

Customized Reemployment Strategy:

• The IRP outlines specific steps the participant will take to become reemployed. It is tailored to the individual’s job skills, experience, barriers to employment, and labor market conditions

Accountability Tool:

• It sets clear expectations for both the participant and the workforce staff. This helps ensure the participant remains active and engaged in their job search.

Eligibility Assessment Component:

• The IRP helps assess whether the individual is meeting unemployment insurance (UI) eligibility requirements, particularly regarding active job search and availability for work.

Resource Linkage:

• It connects participants with services such as resume workshops, job training, career counseling, or educational opportunities, which are documented in the plan.

Progress Tracking:

• It provides a way for staff to track the participants’ efforts and progress over time, allowing for follow-up and adjustments as needed.

Question 3: What is the deadline for submitting clarifying questions?

Response: The deadline for questions is May 23, 2025.