[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 57 (Thursday, March 24, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 15613-15623]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-06549]



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  Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 57 / Thursday, March 24, 2016 / Rules 
and Regulations  

[[Page 15613]]



DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Food and Nutrition Service

7 CFR Parts 271 and 273

RIN 0584-AE33


Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP): Employment and 
Training Program Monitoring, Oversight and Reporting Measures

AGENCY: Food and Nutrition Service, USDA.

ACTION: Interim rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: Section 4022 of the Agricultural Act of 2014 requires that, 
not later than 18 months after the date of enactment, USDA (the 
Department) shall issue an interim final rule implementing the 
amendments made by subsection (a)(2). Pursuant to that requirement, 
this rule implements the employment and training (E&T) provisions of 
section 4022(a)(2) of the Agricultural Act of 2014. Section 4022(a)(2) 
of the Agricultural Act of 2014 provides the Department additional 
oversight authority of State agencies' administration of the 
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) E&T program. In 
addition, it requires the Department to develop national reporting 
measures and for State agencies to report outcome data to the 
Department. It also requires that the Department monitor and assess 
State agencies' E&T programs, and provides the Department with the 
authority to require State agencies to make improvements to their 
programs as necessary. Finally, State agencies are required to submit 
reports on the impact of certain E&T components and, in certain States, 
the E&T services provided to able-bodied adults without dependents 
(ABAWDs).

DATES: Effective Date: This rule will become effective May 23, 2016.
    Implementation Date: Upon clearance by OMB of the associated 
information collection requirements, States shall include reporting 
measures in the E&T State Plans for the first full fiscal year that 
begins not earlier than September 20, 2016.
    Comment Date: Written comments must be received on or before May 
23, 2016.

ADDRESSES: The Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) invites interested 
persons to submit comments on this interim rule. Comments may be 
submitted by any of the following methods:
    Federal eRulemaking Portal: Preferred method. Go to http://www.regulations.gov; follow the online instructions for submitting 
comments.
    FAX: Submit comments by facsimile transmission to (703) 305-2486, 
attention: Moira Johnston, Director, Office of Employment and Training, 
SNAP.
    Web site: Go to http://www.fns.usda.gov. Follow the online 
instructions for submitting comments through the link at the SNAP Web 
site.
    Email: Send comments to [email protected]. Include Docket ID 
Number FNS-2011-0026, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program: 
Employment and Training Employment and Training Program Monitoring, 
Oversight and Reporting Measures Interim Rule in the subject line of 
the message.
    Mail: Send comments to Moira Johnston, Director, Office of 
Employment and Training, SNAP, FNS, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 
3101 Park Center Drive, Room 806, Alexandria, Virginia 22302.
    Hand delivery or Courier: Deliver comments to Ms. Johnston at the 
above address. All comments on this interim rule will be included in 
the record and will be made available to the public. Please be advised 
that the substance of the comments and the identity of the individuals 
or entities submitting the comments will be subject to public 
disclosure. The Department will make the comments publicly available on 
the Internet via http://www.regulations.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Moira Johnston, Director, Office of 
Employment and Training, at the above address or by telephone at (703) 
305-2515.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

What acronyms or abbreviations are used in this supplementary 
discussion?

    In the discussion of the provisions in this rule, the following 
acronyms or other abbreviations stand in for certain words or phrases:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                            Acronym,  abbreviation,  or
                 Phrase                               symbol
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents...  ABAWDs.
Code of Federal Regulations.............  CFR.
Employment and Training.................  E&T.
Federal Register........................  FR.
Federal Fiscal Year.....................  FY.
Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, as        the FNA.
 amended.
Food and Nutrition Service..............  FNS.
Food, Conservation and Energy Act of      FCEA.
 2008 (Pub. L. 110-246).
Secretary of the U.S. Department of       Secretary.
 Agriculture.
Section (when referring to Federal        Sec.  .
 Regulations).
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance         SNAP.
 Program.
U.S. Department of Agriculture..........  the Department.
U.S. Department of Labor................  DOL.
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act  WIOA.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Background

What is the SNAP E&T program?
    Section 6(d)(4) of the FNA requires that each State agency 
implement an E&T program designed to help members of SNAP households 
gain skills, training, employment, or experience that increase 
participants' ability to obtain regular employment. State agencies may 
include one or more of the following components in their E&T program: 
Job search, job search training, workfare, work experience, work 
training, basic education programs, self-employment training programs, 
job retention services, and other programs as approved by the 
Secretary. State agencies submit E&T plans that outline planned 
components and budgets to FNS for approval annually.
How is SNAP E&T funded?
    The Department funds SNAP E&T programs through $90 million in E&T 
grants and an additional $20 million in grants for State agencies that 
pledge to serve all ABAWDs at-risk of losing eligibility due to time-
limited

[[Page 15614]]

participation. In addition to these grants, the Department reimburses 
State agencies for 50 percent of approved administrative costs beyond 
the E&T grant and for 50 percent of allowable participant expenses, 
such as transportation and dependent care.
Is participation in SNAP E&T mandatory?
    SNAP work registrants not otherwise exempted by the State agency 
must participate in a SNAP E&T component if referred by the State 
agency. E&T programs may be mandatory or voluntary. In a mandatory 
program, failure to comply without good cause, results in 
disqualification from SNAP for a minimum sanction period which can vary 
depending upon State policy. Except in the case of permanent 
disqualification, an individual may resume SNAP participation after the 
sanction period expires and/or the individual complies with work 
requirements (whichever is later). State agencies may also serve 
voluntary E&T participants. Voluntary E&T participants are not subject 
to disqualification from SNAP for failure to comply with a SNAP E&T 
component.

The Agricultural Act of 2014

    This interim rule implements section 4022(a)(2) of the Agricultural 
Act of 2014. Even though the reporting requirements of this rule must 
be implemented by the beginning of first full fiscal year 180 days 
after publication of this rule, the Department is soliciting comments 
on this rule. The Department believes that it would benefit from the 
public's comments before publishing a final rule.
Why is the Department publishing this interim rule rather than a 
proposed and then final rule?
    Section 4022(a)(3)(A) of the Agricultural Act of 2014 requires that 
``Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the 
Secretary shall issue interim final regulations implementing the 
amendments made by subsection (a)(2).''
What does the Agricultural Act of 2014 require in regards to SNAP E&T?
    Section 4022 of the Agricultural Act of 2014 amends section 
16(h)(5) of the FNA, to provide that:
     The Department develop standardized reporting measures for 
E&T programs;
     States agencies' annual E&T plans must identify additional 
reporting measures for each E&T component that is intended to serve at 
least 100 participants a year;
     The Department monitor State E&T programs and assess their 
effectiveness;
     State agencies submit an annual report on their E&T 
programs that includes the number of participants who have gained 
skills, training, work, or experience that will increase their ability 
to obtain regular employment;
     The Department may require a State agency to make 
modifications to its E&T plan if it determines that the State agencies' 
E&T outcomes are inadequate.
    These provisions will provide the Department with more information 
about the States with effective SNAP E&T programs and promising 
practices, and help identify those States that need technical 
assistance to improve their programs.
    Section 4022 of the Agricultural Act of 2014 also requires the 
Department to carry out up to 10 SNAP E&T pilot projects and to 
evaluate the SNAP E&T program nationally at least once every five 
years. This interim rule does not address these last two issues.

Reporting Measures

What does Section 4022(a)(2) of the Agricultural Act of 2014 require 
the Department to do in developing national reporting measures?
    Section 4022(a)(2) amended section 16(h)(5)(B)(i) and (ii) of the 
FNA to require the Department to develop national reporting measures 
for States within the following requirements:
     The Department, in consultation with the Secretary of 
Labor, must develop State reporting measures that identify improvements 
in the skills, training, education, or work experience of members of 
households participating in SNAP;
     The measures must be based on common measures of 
performance for Federal workforce training programs; and
     The measures must include additional indicators that 
reflect the challenges facing the types of members of households 
participating in SNAP who participate in a specific E&T component.
Has the Department consulted with the Department of Labor (DOL) in the 
development of this rule?
    Yes. In addition to consulting with and reviewing DOL's current 
performance measures, the Department examined and discussed the 
performance indicators included in WIOA (visit http://www.doleta.gov/wioa/ for more information on this legislation).
What national reporting measures does this rule establish?
    After consultation with the DOL, the Department is establishing the 
following national reporting measures and requiring State agencies to 
report outcome data based on these measures. These reporting measures 
are similar to the performance indicators for the core programs in 
WIOA, but reflect the intent of the Agricultural Act of 2014, the 
unique characteristics of the SNAP E&T program and its participants, 
the required frequency of reporting, and how the Department will use 
the data. The reporting measures include:
     The number and percentage of E&T participants and former 
participants who are in unsubsidized employment during the second 
quarter after completion of participation in E&T
     The number and percentage of E&T participants and former 
participants who are in unsubsidized employment during the fourth 
quarter after completion of participation in E&T
     The median quarterly earnings of all the E&T participants 
and former participants who are in unsubsidized employment during the 
second quarter after completion of participation in E&T and
     The number and percentage of participants that completed a 
training, educational, work experience or an on-the-job training 
component.
What additional reporting measures does Section 4022(a)(2) of the 
Agricultural Act of 2014 require that State agencies include in their 
E&T plans?
    Section 4022(a)(2) amended section 16(h)(5)(B)(ii) of the FNA to 
require each State agency's E&T plan to identify appropriate reporting 
measures for each proposed component that serves a threshold number of 
participants of at least 100 per year. State agencies will report the 
outcome data in their annual reports to FNS. The Department has adopted 
100 per year because this is consistent with the minimum in the 
Agricultural Act of 2014. The Department is particularly interested in 
receiving comments about the reporting measures themselves, as well as 
the appropriateness of this threshold.
    Because State agencies have broad flexibility in what E&T 
components they offer and how they structure their activities, the 
Department is not prescribing national reporting measures for specific 
components. Instead, the Department encourages State agencies, in 
designing their E&T component measures, consider the measures that are 
suggested in the Agricultural Act of 2014, which may include:

[[Page 15615]]

     The percentage and number of program participants who 
received E&T services and are in unsubsidized employment subsequent to 
the receipt of those services;
     The percentage and number of participants who obtain a 
recognized credential, including a registered apprenticeship, or a 
regular secondary school diploma or its recognized equivalent, while 
participating in, or within 1 year after receiving, E&T services;
     The percentage and number of participants who are in an 
education or training program that is intended to lead to a recognized 
credential, including a registered apprenticeship or on-the-job 
training program, a regular secondary school diploma or its recognized 
equivalent, or unsubsidized employment;
     Measures developed by each State agency to assess the 
skills acquisition of employment and training program participants that 
reflect the goals of the specific employment and training program 
components of the State agency, which may include:
    [cir] The percentage and number of participants who are meeting 
program requirements in each component of the education and training 
program of the State agency;
    [cir] The percentage and number of participants who are gaining 
skills likely to lead to employment as measured through testing, 
quantitative or qualitative assessment, or other method; and
    [cir] The percentage and number of participants who do not comply 
with employment and training requirements and who are ineligible under 
section 6(b); and
    [cir] Other indicators approved by the Secretary.
Is the Department required to approve State agencies' reporting 
measures for each component?
    Yes. FNS will work with State agencies to identify appropriate 
reporting measures for each component. State agencies must include the 
reporting measures for individual components in their E&T plans, which 
must be submitted and approved by FNS on an annual basis.
Will State agencies be required to report additional information on the 
characteristics of SNAP E&T participants?
    The SNAP work registrant population, like the general SNAP 
population, is very diverse and faces a myriad of challenges to 
employment, such as measurable educational attainment and employment 
history, or intangibles such as substance abuse or mental health 
problems. The Department is interested in understanding the 
effectiveness of certain approaches with populations facing different 
barriers; however, this can be difficult to ascertain given that the 
complex nature of these challenges.
    The Department believes that to have a better understanding of the 
effectiveness of SNAP E&T it must have a more complete picture of the 
population it is serving. The Department has very little detailed 
information on the characteristics of SNAP E&T participants. There are 
no existing reporting requirements or other mechanisms to collect this 
information. Therefore, in order to better serve SNAP E&T participants, 
this rule requires State agencies to report the following six 
characteristics for all E&T participants. The report will include the 
total number and percentage of all E&T participants who:
     Are voluntary vs. mandatory;
     have achieved a high school degree (or GED) prior to being 
provided with E&T services;
     are ABAWDs;
     speak English as a second language;
     are male vs. female; and
     belong in the following age ranges: 16-17, 18-35, 36-49, 
50-59, 60 or older.
    For example, if a State had 10,000 E&T participants in a year, 
2,000 of which were voluntary and 8,000 mandatory, these numbers would 
be reported along with the 20 and 80 percentages. State agencies 
currently collect most of this information as part of the application 
and it should be available through their eligibility systems or SNAP 
E&T tracking systems. This will not require additional reporting on the 
part of the SNAP recipient.
Section 16(h)(5)(B)(ii) of the FNA, as amended by the Agricultural Act 
of 2014, requires that the national reporting measures developed by the 
Department include additional indicators that reflect the challenges 
facing the types of members of households participating in SNAP who 
participate in a specific employment and training component. What are 
these indicators and for which SNAP E&T participants must State 
agencies report these indicators?
    Of the above six characteristics required to be reported of all 
SNAP E&T participants, the Department has identified three that it 
believes are most important to understanding the challenges to 
employment faced by those SNAP E&T participants and former participants 
who are included in the four national reporting measures described 
above. These characteristics are: Voluntary or mandatory participation 
in E&T, those with low education attainment, and those who are ABAWDs. 
A participant may have more than one characteristic (e.g., may be a 
voluntary participant who is also an ABAWD). The Department believes 
obtaining data on those participants and former participants included 
in the national reporting measures who have these three characteristics 
is critical to the development of effective strategies to serve these 
populations. Therefore, the rule requires that for each national 
reporting measure States must submit summary data that disaggregate the 
four national measures by the following three characteristics.
     Individuals who are or were voluntary vs. mandatory 
participants;
     participants having achieved a high school degree (or GED) 
prior to being provided with E&T services; and
     participants who are or were ABAWDs;
    Thus, to illustrate, States will be required to report the total 
number and percentage of E&T participants and former participants in 
unsubsidized employment during Q2 after participation in E&T and the 
number and percentage of those participants who were mandatory and 
voluntary. If the State had 1,000 out of 10,000 E&T participants and 
former participants employed in the second quarter following completion 
of E&T (10 percent) and of the 1,000, 300 were voluntary and 700 were 
mandatory, these numbers would be reported along with the percentages.
    Furthermore, in addition to reporting the median quarterly earnings 
of all the E&T participants and former participants, States will be 
required to report this outcome measure for the following subgroups: 
Voluntary participants, mandatory participants, those who have achieved 
a high school degree (or GED) prior to being provided with E&T 
services, and ABAWDs.
Are the SNAP E&T reporting measures based on the performance indicators 
for core workforce programs included in WIOA?
    WIOA established primary indicators of performance for the core 
programs related to employment, earnings, credential attainment/
measureable skills gains as they relate to gaining/retaining 
employment, and serving employers. The SNAP E&T reporting measures 
required by this rule are closely aligned with, but not identical to, 
those in WIOA. The variations can be attributed to: (1) Difference in 
the required

[[Page 15616]]

frequency of reporting (the Agricultural Act of 2014 requires a single 
annual report whereas the WIOA proposed regulations would require 
quarterly reports and an annual report); (2) difference in data needs; 
and (3) seeking a balance between value of information obtained and the 
burden of longer term tracking. FNS does not include a reporting 
measure for the effectiveness of serving employers or the number of 
participants that obtain credentials, in part because DOL and 
Department of Education are still in the process of developing this 
policy. In addition, because State agencies have broad flexibility in 
what E&T components they offer and how they structure their activities, 
the Department is not prescribing national reporting measures for 
specific components, like the percentage and number of participants who 
obtain a recognized credential, but the Department encourages State 
Agencies to consider such measures as described in
``What additional reporting measures does Section 4022(a)(2) of the 
Agricultural Act of 2014 require that State agencies include in their 
E&T plans?''
    DOL published proposed regulations regarding WIOA in the 
``Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act; Joint Rule for Unified and 
Combined State Plans, Performance Accountability, and the One-Stop 
System Joint Provisions'' proposed rule on April 16, 2015. The 
Department views DOL as the leader in employment policy and will look 
for ways to be consistent with any changes made to its performance 
measures in the final E&T rulemaking. The Department is interested in 
comments pertaining to the variance between the WIOA performance 
indicators and the SNAP E&T reporting measures.
What will the Department do with the reported data?
    The Department will use outcome data to monitor the effectiveness 
of SNAP E&T programs. The Department will also share this information 
with policy makers, State agencies, and other stakeholders. In 
combination with the current data State agencies report to FNS 
regarding SNAP E&T, outcome data will help the Department identify E&T 
programs and components that produce a higher number and percentage of 
participants that obtain unsubsidized employment. The Department will 
use the data on median earnings to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of 
E&T programs and the components States have implemented. The Department 
will also use this data to assess and identify the most promising 
practices for State agencies that want to improve their SNAP E&T 
programs. The Department will use the data on educational attainment in 
a similar way, while the data regarding the characteristics of E&T 
participants will help the Department and States better understand the 
relative challenges different groups face.
How often and what method will State agencies use to report to the 
Department?
    Pursuant to section 16(h)(5)(D) of the FNA, as amended by the 
Agricultural Act of 2014, this rule requires State agencies to submit 
an annual report to FNS by January 1 of each year, to include outcome 
data on the reporting measures outlined above for the Federal fiscal 
year ending the previous September 30. FNS may specify a standard 
format for the annual report.
What data and timeframes will an annual report include?
    Data will be measured within the fiscal year for which the State 
agency is reporting using the most recent data available during the 
reporting period for each measure and additional characteristics for 
the participants and former participants included in the reporting 
measures. Therefore, if an individual completed participation in E&T in 
the fourth quarter of FY 2018, information from the second quarter of 
FY 2019 concerning their employment would be included in reporting for 
FY 2019, even if that individual was no longer participating in SNAP.
    Reporting for a fiscal year will include the characteristics of 
each E&T participant that participated in E&T during that fiscal year.
Is there a minimum amount that an individual must earn in a quarter to 
be included in a reporting measure?
    No, there is no minimum amount of earnings from unsubsidized 
employment in a quarter for an individual to be included in a reporting 
measure.
What other information must States include in the annual E&T reports?
    States that have committed to offering all at-risk ABAWDs a slot in 
a qualifying activity and have received an additional allocation of 
funds as specified in 7 CFR 273.7(d)(3) must include in their annual 
reports the following information:
     The monthly average number of individuals in the State who 
meet the conditions of Sec.  273.7(d)(3)(i);
     The number of individuals to whom the State offers a 
position in a program described in Sec.  273.24(a)(3)and (4);
     The number of individuals who participate in such 
programs; and
     A description of the types of employment and training 
programs the State agency offered to at-risk ABAWDs, and the 
availability of those programs throughout the State.
What does the Agricultural Act of 2014 require in terms of monitoring, 
evaluating and assessing States' E&T programs?
    The Agricultural Act of 2014 amended section 16(h)(5)(A) of the FNA 
to require the Department to monitor SNAP E&T programs and assess their 
effectiveness in terms of preparing members of households for 
employment, including the acquisition of basic skills necessary for 
employment, and increasing the number of household members who obtain 
and retain employment subsequent to participation in E&T. The 
Agricultural Act of 2014 also amended section 16(h)(5)(C) of the FNA to 
require that the Department evaluate State agencies' E&T programs on a 
periodic basis to ensure:
     Compliance with Federal E&T program rules and regulations;
     that program activities are appropriate to meet the needs 
of the individuals referred by the State agency to an E&T program 
component; and
     that reporting measures are appropriate to identify 
improvements in skills, training, work and experience for participants 
in an employment and training program component.
How is the Department codifying this provision?
    SNAP regulations at 7 CFR 275.3(a) already require FNS to conduct 
management evaluation (ME) reviews of designated, or ``target'', areas 
of program operation each fiscal year. FNS identifies target areas each 
year based upon a number of considerations, including recent policy 
changes, risk to Federal funds, and risk to program access. For 
example, FNS may identify program access as an area that the regional 
offices are required to review in every State, and nutrition education 
as an area to be reviewed on an at-risk basis, as necessary. This 
affords FNS maximum flexibility to target its resources to those 
current areas of vulnerability or agency priorities. In past years, FNS 
has not required its regional offices to perform an ME of each State 
agency's E&T program; many operate very small job-search only programs. 
However, FNS has required its regional offices to review E&T programs 
in States that operate third party matching programs, or that have

[[Page 15617]]

combined Federal and State budgets over a certain threshold. As part of 
its general monitoring and oversight responsibilities, FNS will meet 
the requirement of the FNA by continuing to perform MEs of States' E&T 
programs, but will also continue to establish in guidance which target 
areas to focus on each year.
    In addition, through its current authority, FNS is required to 
review and approve State agencies' E&T plans and budgets. Through this 
process, FNS will ensure that individual components are structured to 
meet the needs of participants and that the reporting measures for 
individual components with more than 100 participants, required by this 
rule, are appropriate to measure the impact of the components on 
participants.
Does the Department have authority to require modifications to State 
agencies' E&T programs?
    Yes. Section 16(h)(5)(E) of the FNA, as amended by the Agricultural 
Act of 2014, gives the Department the authority to require a State 
agency to make modifications to its SNAP E&T plan to improve outcomes 
if the Department determines that the E&T outcomes are inadequate.
Why are most of the reporting measures focused on program outcomes?
    The Government Performance and Results Act of 1993 (GPRA) requires 
that performance indicators be used to measure the outcome of 
government programs. The national reporting measures in this rule will 
provide data that be used to evaluate the effectiveness of E&T programs 
in moving SNAP recipients toward self-sufficiency.
    Additionally, the USDA Office of Inspector General (OIG) performed 
an audit of the SNAP E&T program and, in its final report, entitled 
``Food Stamp Employment and Training Program'' (OIG #27601-16-At), 
released April 29, 2008, concluded that the data to evaluate the SNAP 
E&T program's impact was lacking. The chief recommendation of this 
audit report was that FNS establish reporting measures for the SNAP E&T 
program and require State agencies to submit outcome data, which FNS 
could then use to determine whether the program improves employability 
and helps participants prepare for or obtain jobs. FNS agrees with this 
recommendation and, through this rule, is establishing standardized 
reporting measures that capture the impact of E&T programs. As noted 
above, FNS will use data to help identify the most effective E&T 
programs and best practices, and will share this information with State 
agencies looking to improve or expand their E&T programs.
Do State agencies already have reporting measures and outcome data?
    Currently, thirty-six State agencies have reporting measures and 
report E&T program outcome data in their E&T plans. State agencies use 
a variety of reporting measures, and the outcome data reported cannot 
be compared or summarized on a national level. Additionally, other work 
programs, such as those funded under the Workforce Innovation and 
Opportunity Act (WIOA) and the Wagner-Peyser Act (WPA), require State 
agencies to track, collect, and report outcome data. The measures in 
this rule are designed to be similar to the common measures used by 
these other work programs. The Department recommends that State 
agencies consult with State workforce and other agencies on data 
collection strategies and technical requirements.
For reporting purposes, who is considered an E&T participant?
    A SNAP applicant or recipient who is placed in and begins an E&T 
component is considered a ``participant'' for reporting purposes. E&T 
participants who are placed in a component but do not show up for the 
first training appointment will not be counted in the base of 
participants for reporting measures. Individuals that complete an E&T 
component are also considered to be participants for reporting 
purposes, even if they are no longer participating in SNAP. The 
Department recognizes that some State agencies provide E&T services to 
SNAP participants who are under-employed and it does not wish to 
discourage this practice. As such, State agencies may include E&T 
participants who are already employed as countable participants, if 
placed in a component.
Should voluntary participants be counted as well as mandatory 
participants?
    Yes. State agencies must count all E&T participants, both mandatory 
and voluntary, in the base for reporting measures. The Department 
recognizes that some State agencies have shifted the focus of their E&T 
programs to voluntary participants because these participants are often 
more motivated to work and seek training that will make them more 
employable. The interim reporting measures will reflect the 
effectiveness of the program for both mandatory and voluntary 
participants.
What is meant by unsubsidized employment?
    Unsubsidized employment means the E&T participant does not receive 
wages subsidized by a Federal, State or local government program, such 
as the TANF subsidized employment program or a SNAP work 
supplementation program. This is consistent with the definition of 
unsubsidized employment used by other Federal work programs. 
Participants who enter unsubsidized employment may still be receiving 
job retention services such as transportation reimbursements and 
dependent care.
    The definition of unsubsidized employment is not limited to jobs 
with paid benefits, such as health care coverage. Although the 
Department recognizes the value of such benefits for SNAP households, 
it would add complexity to data collection and the Department believes 
it is not an essential reporting requirement for the purpose of the 
interim rule.
What is meant by ``median'' quarterly earnings?
    This rule requires that State agencies report the median average 
quarterly earnings for all E&T participants who had earnings from 
unsubsidized employment in the second quarter following completion of 
E&T. Median earnings will capture wage levels, and is consistent with 
the similar DOL reporting measure under WIOA. The ``median'' is 
determined by ranking participants' incomes from lowest to highest and 
identifying the middle income amount so that there are an equal number 
of incomes higher and lower. The median income is the amount in the 
middle--half the income amounts are higher, and half are lower. For 
example, for three participants earning $1,000, $1,500 and $3,500, the 
median income is $1,500 even though the average (or mean) would be 
$2,000. Using the median income can provide a more meaningful measure 
since it shows the halfway point, rather than the average, which can be 
significantly influenced by the larger incomes at the top or very small 
incomes at the bottom of the scale.
Will E&T 100 percent grants be affected by the reported measures data?
    No. Outcome data will not affect Federal 100 percent grant funding 
for E&T programs. However, the Department retains the authority at 
Sec.  273.7(d)(1)(i)(D) to consider outcome data as part of the scope 
of impact for a State's E&T program when evaluating requests for 
additional 100 percent funds.

[[Page 15618]]

How may States fund the collection and reporting of outcome data?
    State agencies may use E&T administrative funds provided by Sec.  
273.7(d)(1) and (2) to pay for development of reporting systems as 
necessary. E&T administrative funds may also be used to meet staffing 
requirements that result from reporting measure tracking, the cost of 
follow-up with E&T participants and other aspects of the measures.
Will the Department consider unemployment rates when evaluating outcome 
data?
    The Department will not factor unemployment rates into the raw 
outcome data. Reporting measures are meant to reflect whether E&T 
programs are effective in moving participants toward employment and 
self-sufficiency. However, the Department will consider unemployment 
rates together with other important factors when looking at the unique 
challenges SNAP E&T participants face.
Should State agencies count workfare and work experience as 
unsubsidized employment?
    No. Workfare and work experience are defined as E&T components at 
section 6(d)(4) of the FNA, and participation in these components is 
captured in the FNS-583. Currently, many State agencies offer workfare 
and work experience as E&T components to provide participants with 
experience or training that will move them promptly into employment. As 
State agencies already report these activities on the FNS-583 as E&T 
components, the Department will not consider placement in such 
activities as unsubsidized employment to be included in the reporting 
measures.
Will the Department verify this data?
    The Department will not verify this information on a regular basis. 
However, FNS will review data collection methods and verify data as 
part of the ME review of States' E&T programs. This will help to ensure 
that reported data is accurate.

Procedural Matters

Executive Orders 12866 and 13563

    Executive Orders 12866 and 13563 direct agencies to assess all 
costs and benefits of available regulatory alternatives and, if 
regulation is necessary, to select regulatory approaches that maximize 
net benefits (including potential economic, environmental, public 
health and safety effects, distributive impacts, and equity). Executive 
Order 13563 emphasizes the importance of quantifying both costs and 
benefits, of reducing costs, of harmonizing rules, and of promoting 
flexibility.
    This interim rule has been designated a ``significant regulatory 
action,'' although not economically significant, under section 3(f) of 
Executive Order 12866. Accordingly, the rule has been reviewed by the 
Office of Management and Budget (OMB). Consistent with the requirements 
of Executive Orders 12866 and 13563, a Regulatory Impact Analysis (RIA) 
was developed for this interim rule.

Regulatory Impact Analysis

    As required for all rules that have been designated as significant 
by OMB, a RIA was developed for this interim rule. The RIA for this 
rule was published as part of the docket to this rule on 
www.regulations.gov. The following summarizes the conclusions of the 
regulatory impact analysis.
    Need for Action: This interim rule implements requirements for 
State agencies to report outcome data for SNAP E&T programs as mandated 
by Section 4022(a)(2) of the Agricultural Act of 2014. The interim rule 
establishes five separate reporting measures and requires State 
agencies to report annually outcome data to monitor the effectiveness 
of E&T programs.
    State agencies are also required to identify appropriate reporting 
measures for each proposed component that serves a threshold number of 
participants of at least 100 a year. The reporting measures for these 
components will be identified in State agencies' E&T plans and the 
outcome data will be reported to FNS in State agencies' annual reports.
    Benefits: Benefits of this action include better data to inform 
policy makers regarding means to improve E&T effectiveness, ultimately 
benefiting SNAP E&T participants. National reporting measures will 
allow State and Federal program managers and policy makers to 
strategically plan on program tactics that will result in improved 
employment outcomes. Uniform reporting measures for E&T programs will 
potentially benefit SNAP applicants and recipients by providing data to 
help evaluate what works in SNAP E&T and share best practices from 
those programs.
    Costs: FNS estimates that the costs will include one-time capital 
costs for developing new or modifying existing data collection systems 
for E&T programs, additional reporting burden for collecting and 
reporting data for the required reporting measures, and, for those 
States that need to develop new systems, annual operating and 
maintenance costs for those systems. FNS anticipates minimal burden to 
a small number of low-income families and minimal, if any, impact on 
program participation. FNS anticipates that some costs will be paid for 
using the existing federal grant money States receive to operate E&T. 
State funds spent in excess of the grant are reimbursed at a 50 percent 
rate by the Federal government.
    Effect on State Agencies: The Department has estimated that the 
effect on State agencies will be two-fold: First, a one-time capital 
cost for developing new or modifying existing data collection systems 
for E&T programs; and second, a reporting burden for collecting and 
reporting data for the required outcome measures. Those States that 
need to develop new systems may also incur annual operating and 
maintenance costs.
    Thirty-six State agencies currently have reporting measures and 
collect outcome data. However, the interim rule requires the addition 
of several data elements that none of these States are currently 
collecting.
    While it is expected that, in the first-year, State agencies will 
expend time and effort to establish reporting systems, the ongoing 
burden as shown below in the Paperwork Reduction Act section of the 
preamble is relatively moderate--about one and one-half staff-month per 
State.
    Effect on Low-Income Families: Establishing reporting requirements 
that measure E&T outcomes will ultimately allow State agencies to 
better serve low-income populations by providing them with E&T services 
that lead to longer-term unsubsidized employment opportunities. In 
addition, the Department estimates that the burden of the rule on low-
income families will be minimal. A small number of E&T participants may 
face additional reporting burden due to the need to contact these 
individuals to track outcomes that are not available through existing 
data sources.
    Participation Impacts: The Department estimates that the impact on 
SNAP participation will be minimal. Establishing reporting requirements 
that measure E&T outcomes will allow State agencies to better serve 
low-income populations by providing them with E&T services that lead to 
longer-term unsubsidized employment opportunities.

Civil Rights Impact Analysis

    The Department has reviewed this interim rule in accordance with 
Departmental Regulation 4300-4, ``Civil

[[Page 15619]]

Rights Impact Analysis,'' to identify any requirements that may have 
the purpose or effect of excluding, limiting, or otherwise 
disadvantaging any group or class of persons on one or more prohibited 
bases. After careful review of the rule's intent and provisions, and 
the characteristics of SNAP households and individual participants, the 
Department has determined that this rule will not have a disparate 
impact on any group or class of persons. The interim rule will require 
State agencies to collect and report outcome data on SNAP E&T programs 
and will not change work requirements or impact the population subject 
to work requirements. The Department specifically prohibits the State 
and local government agencies that administer the Program from engaging 
in actions that discriminate based on race, color, national origin, 
sex, religious creed, age, disability, and political beliefs. SNAP's 
nondiscrimination policy can be found at 7 CFR 272.6(a). The interim 
rule does not change these requirements.

Regulatory Flexibility Act

    The Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601-612) requires agencies 
to analyze the impact of rulemaking on small entities and consider 
alternatives that will minimize any significant impacts on small 
entities. Pursuant to that review, it is certified that this interim 
rule will not have a significant impact on small entities. The 
provisions of this interim rule apply to State agencies, which are not 
small entities as defined by the Regulatory Flexibility Act.

Unfunded Mandates Reform Act

    Title II of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (UMRA), Public 
Law 104-4, establishes requirements for Federal agencies to assess the 
effects of their regulatory actions on State, local, tribal governments 
and the private sector. Under Section 202 of the UMRA, the Department 
generally must prepare a written statement, including a cost/benefit 
analysis, for rules with Federal mandates that may result in 
expenditures to State, local, or tribal governments in the aggregate, 
or to the private sector, of $100 million or more in any one year. When 
such a statement is needed for a rule, Section 205 of the UMRA 
generally requires the Department to identify and consider a reasonable 
number of regulatory alternatives and adopt the least costly, more 
cost-effective or least burdensome alternative that achieves the 
objectives of the rule.
    This interim rule contains no Federal mandates (under the 
regulatory provisions of Title II of the UMRA) for State, local and 
tribal governments or the private sector of $100 million or more in any 
one year. Thus, the rule is not subject to the requirements of sections 
202 and 205 of the UMRA.

Executive Order 12372

    SNAP is listed in the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance under 
No. 10.551. For the reasons set forth in the final rule in 7 CFR 3015, 
Subpart V and related Notice (48 FR 29115), the Program is included in 
the scope of Executive Order 12372, which requires intergovernmental 
consultation with State and local officials.

Federalism Impact Statement

    Executive Order 13132, requires Federal agencies to consider the 
impact of their regulatory actions. Where such actions have federalism 
implications, agencies are directed to provide a statement for 
inclusion in the preamble to the regulations describing the agency's 
considerations in terms of the three categories called for under 
section (6)(b)(2)(B) of the Executive Order 13132. This rule does not 
have Federalism impacts.
Prior Consultation With State Officials
    Currently, the Department, through FNS, has encouraged State 
agencies to establish reporting measures and to report outcome data in 
their State E&T plans. FNS informally consulted with State agencies to 
identify what E&T reporting measures and outcome data they collect in 
the absence of required reporting measures. An informal review of State 
agencies in FY 2007 showed that twenty-three State agencies had 
reporting measures and gathered outcome data on the number of E&T 
participants who entered employment. This review revealed wide 
variability in how State agencies' aggregate data, how employment was 
defined, and whether a direct link to participation in E&T was 
established. FNS reviewed FY 2013 State agency E&T plans and found that 
thirty-six State agencies track the number of E&T participants that 
enter employment. The interim rule will standardize the reporting 
measures that State agencies use and what outcome data State agencies 
report.
Nature of Concerns and the Need To Issue This Rule
    As modified by the Agricultural Act of 2014, section 16(h)(5) of 
the FNA requires that the Department monitor SNAP E&T programs and 
measure their effectiveness. In addition, the Government Performance 
and Results Act of 1993 (GPRA) requires that performance indicators be 
used to measure the outcome of government programs. Finally, a 2008 
audit by the USDA Office of Inspector General (OIG) found that FNS had 
sufficient systems in place to monitor State agency compliance and 
administration with laws and regulations, but recommended FNS establish 
reporting measures for the SNAP E&T program and require State agencies 
to submit outcome data to determine the Program's effectiveness.
    This rule establishes standardized reporting measures and requires 
State agencies to report outcome data for the SNAP E&T program. The 
Department published a proposed rule establishing performance measures 
in 1991 (FR 43152, August 30, 1991). At that time, many State agencies 
and advocates responded that the rule would impose an unreasonable 
burden on State agencies. The Department did not codify that proposed 
rule. While State agencies may have similar concerns today, other 
Federal work programs, such as the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity 
Act (WIOA) and the Wagner-Peyser Act (WPA), have established 
standardized performance indicators and State workforce investment 
boards have more experience tracking entered employment, retention and 
earnings. By implementing Section 16(h)(5) of the FNA, the Department 
is following the lead of other Federal agencies and establishing 
standardized reporting measures and requiring State agencies to report 
outcome data in order to evaluate the effectiveness of E&T programs.
Extent to Which We Met Those Concerns
    The Department has considered the impact of the interim rule on 
State and local agencies. This rule will implement reporting measures 
that are required by law and require the reporting of outcome data. The 
provisions in this rule are similar to the current practice of at least 
thirty-six State agencies. FNS will work with the remaining State 
agencies to provide guidance and technical assistance in meeting the 
requirements of this rule.

Executive Order 13175--Consultation and Coordination With Indian Tribal 
Governments

    This rule has been reviewed in accordance with the requirements of 
Executive Order 13175, ``Consultation and Coordination with Indian 
Tribal Governments.'' Executive Order 13175 requires Federal agencies 
to consult and coordinate with tribes on a government-to-government 
basis on policies that have tribal implications, including regulations, 
legislative comments or

[[Page 15620]]

proposed legislation, and other policy statements or actions that have 
substantial direct effects on one or more Indian tribes, on the 
relationship between the Federal Government and Indian tribes or on the 
distribution of power and responsibilities between the Federal 
Government and Indian tribes.
    Currently, only two State SNAP E&T programs include partnerships or 
activities with Tribal organizations. On February 29, 2012, during a 
Tribal consultation, the Department explained the existing section 
16(h)(5) of the FNA which required the Department to monitor and 
measure the effectiveness of E&T programs, and FNS's intention to write 
a proposed rule on E&T reporting measures and the reporting of outcome 
data. The Department invited Tribal officials or their designees to ask 
questions about the impact of a proposed rule on Tribal governments, 
communities, and individuals. The Department did not receive any 
comments or questions on its intention to write that rule. 
(Subsequently, the Agricultural Act of 2014 passed, which expanded the 
requirements and authority under section 16(h)(5) of the FNA, and 
included a requirement that the Department publish an interim rule 
identifying national reporting measures.) This session established a 
baseline of consultation for future actions, should any be necessary, 
regarding this rule. Reports from the Tribal consultation session will 
be made part of the Department's annual reporting on Tribal 
Consultation and Collaboration. The Department will provide additional 
venues, such as webinars and teleconferences, to periodically host 
collaborative conversations with Tribal leaders and their 
representatives concerning ways to improve this rule in Indian country. 
FNS has assessed the impact of this rule on Indian tribes and 
determined that this rule has tribal implications that require tribal 
consultation under E.O. 13175 and has consulted with Tribes as 
described above. If a Tribe requests consultation, FNS will work with 
the Office of Tribal Relations to ensure meaningful consultation is 
provided where changes, additions and modifications identified herein 
are not expressly mandated by Congress.

Executive Order 12988

    This rule has been reviewed under Executive Order 12988, Civil 
Justice Reform. This rule is intended to have preemptive effect with 
respect to any State or local laws, regulations or policies that 
conflict with its provisions or that will otherwise impede its full 
implementation. This rule is not intended to have retroactive effect 
unless so specified in the ``Effective Date'' paragraph of this rule. 
Prior to any judicial challenge to the provisions of this rule or the 
application of its provisions, all applicable administrative procedures 
must be exhausted.

E-Government Act Compliance

    The Department is committed to complying with the E-Government Act, 
to promote the use of the Internet and other information technologies 
to provide increased opportunities for citizen access to Government 
information and services, and for other purposes.

Paperwork Reduction Act

    The Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35; see 5 
CFR part 1320) requires that OMB approve all collections of information 
by a Federal agency from the public before they can be implemented. 
Respondents are not required to respond to any collection of 
information unless it displays a current valid OMB control number. This 
interim rule contains new provisions that will affect reporting and 
recordkeeping burdens. Section 271.8 has been amended to reflect the 
new reporting requirements. The changes in burden that will result from 
the provisions in the interim rule are described below, and are subject 
to review and approval by OMB. When the information collection 
requirements have been approved, the Department will publish a separate 
action in the Federal Register announcing OMB's approval.
    Written comments on the information collection in this interim rule 
must be received by May 23, 2016. Comments are invited on: (1) Whether 
the collection of information is necessary for the proper performance 
of the Agency's functions, including whether the information will have 
practical utility; (2) the accuracy of the Agency's estimate of the 
information collection burden, including the validity of the 
methodology and assumptions used; (3) ways to enhance the quality, 
utility and clarity of the information to be collected; and (4) ways to 
minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are 
to respond, including use of appropriate automated, electronic, 
mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms 
of information technology.
    Comments may be sent to Moira Johnston, at the address listed in 
the ADDRESSES section of this preamble. Comments will also be accepted 
through the Federal eRulemaking Portal. Go to http://www.regulations.gov, and follow the online instructions for submitting 
comments electronically. For further information, or for copies of the 
information collection requirements, please contact Ms. Johnston.
    All responses to this request for comments will be summarized and 
included in the request for OMB approval. All comments will also become 
a matter of public record.
    Title: SNAP: Employment and Training Program Monitoring, Oversight 
and Reporting Measures.
    OMB Number: [0584--NEW].
    Expiration Date: Not Yet Determined.
    Type of Request: New Collection.
    Abstract: As required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 
U.S.C. 3507(d)), FNS is submitting this information collection to OMB 
for its review. The interim rule will require State agencies to collect 
and report information on: (1) The number and percentage of E&T 
participants who are in unsubsidized employment during the second 
quarter after completion of participation in E&T (2) The number and 
percentage of E&T participants who are in unsubsidized employment 
during the fourth quarter after completion of participation in E&T (3) 
Median quarterly earnings of all E&T participants who worked in 
unsubsidized employment during the second quarter after completion of 
participation in E&T (4) The total number and percentage of 
participants that complete a training, educational, work experience or 
an on-the-job training component; and (5) certain unique 
characteristics of SNAP E&T participants that will provide information 
on the challenges they face in obtaining employment.
    The rule also requires State agencies to identify appropriate 
reporting measures for each proposed component that serves a threshold 
number of participants of at least 100 a year. The reporting measures 
for each component will be identified in States' E&T plans and the 
outcome data will be reported to FNS in their annual reports. 
Additionally, the rule requires that State agencies that have committed 
to offering all ABAWDs at risk of losing eligibility due to time-
limited participation a slot in a qualifying activity and have received 
an additional allocation of funds, to report information regarding the 
use of those funds.
    Respondents: The 53 State agencies that administer the SNAP E&T 
program.
    Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent: One response per year 
for each State agency that administers the SNAP E&T program. States 
agencies will be required to report their outcome data annually.

[[Page 15621]]

    Current status: Thirty-six State agencies currently identify 
reporting measures and collect outcome data. However, the interim rule 
requires the addition of several data elements that these State 
agencies are not currently collecting. While the Department believes 
that some of these State agencies may continue to use the systems they 
already have in place with modifications to meet the provisions of this 
rule, others may decide to implement new systems to meet the increase 
in data that is required to be reported to FNS. The remaining 17 State 
agencies that do not have reporting measures in place will all need to 
develop systems to collect and report the required data. In the first 
year that the rule is published, State agencies will need to develop 
E&T data collection systems, reprogram existing systems, build 
interfaces between SNAP eligibility and SNAP E&T data collection 
systems and decide what data will be collected manually.
    Effect on State Agencies: The Department has estimated that the 
effect on State Agencies will be two-fold: First, a one-time capital 
cost for developing new or modifying existing data collection systems 
for E&T programs; and second, a reporting burden for collecting and 
reporting data for the required reporting measures. Those States that 
need to develop new systems may also incur annual operating and 
maintenance costs.
    Prior to implementation: In the first year that the rule is 
published, States may develop new SNAP E&T systems, reprogram existing 
systems, build interfaces between SNAP eligibility and SNAP E&T 
systems, and/or decide what data will be collected manually. For 
several of the measures (e.g., employment, earnings, characteristics of 
E&T participants) State agencies' could use a variety of sources to 
obtain administrative data, such as SNAP automated eligibility systems. 
The Department anticipates that some State agencies will rely on 
government entities with which they already have agreements and will 
need to renegotiate those agreements.
    Given the different size and complexity of States' E&T programs, 
variations in their E&T data systems, capabilities of their SNAP 
eligibility systems, and experience with reporting measures, it is not 
possible to develop a reliable estimate of the burden this rule places 
on State agencies to implement. Because of the uncertainties 
surrounding the exact methods States will use to collect and submit 
outcome data, we are requesting that States comment specifically on 
their potential capital start-up and operating and maintenance costs 
based upon consultation with potential data sources. After internal 
discussions with FNS regional office and State systems staff, FNS 
assumes an estimate of three staff-months (520 hours) per State to 
establish data collection and reporting systems to implement this rule, 
at a cost of approximately $1.2 million. This estimate of initial 
burden is a placeholder until FNS receives comments from States on 
their estimate of the time it will take to implement.

                           Estimated Initial Reporting and Recordkeeping Burden Hours
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                   Number of
           Description of activity               Number of       Total annual     burden hours     Total burden
                                                respondents       responses       per response        hours
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
One-time capital start-up and operating and               53               53              520           27,560
 maintenance costs..........................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Annual ongoing burden from rule: While it is expected that in the 
first year State agencies will expend more time and effort to establish 
reporting systems, the ongoing burden as shown below is relatively 
moderate--about one and one half staff-month per State. The following 
estimates assume that State agencies will use a combination of methods 
to collect the data including existing automated systems data, new data 
collection, and some contact with SNAP E&T participants. In the 
regulatory impact analysis accompanying this rule, FNS estimates that 
the ongoing additional time burden will average no more than about 231 
hours annually per State (about one and a half staff-months) on average 
(12,233 hours per year for all States), or less than $1 million in 
total. The breakdown of the 231 hours is itemized in the table below. 
FNS believes this estimate may be somewhat high since data that can be 
collected through automated data systems is expected to require less 
time than data collected through direct contact with SNAP E&T 
participants.

                                               Estimated Ongoing Reporting and Recordkeeping Burden Hours
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                          Average burden
            Regulation section                 Description of activity       Number of    Annual report/   Total annual      hours per     Total burden
                                                                            respondents    record filed      responses       response          hours
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
272.1(f) Recordkeeping....................  ............................              53               1              53               1              53
273.7(c)(17)(i) Reporting.................  E&T participants who have                 53               1              53              40           2,120
                                             earnings in the second
                                             quarter after completion of
                                             E&T.
273.7(c)(17)(ii) Reporting................  E&T participants who have                 53               1              53              40           2,120
                                             earnings in the fourth
                                             quarter after completion of
                                             E&T.
273.7(c)(17)(iii) Reporting...............  Median quarterly earnings...              53               1              53              40           2,120
273.7(c)(17)(iv) Reporting................  E&T participants that                     45               1              45              80           3,600
                                             completed a training,
                                             educational, work
                                             experience or an on-the-job
                                             training component within 6
                                             months after completion of
                                             participation in E&T.

[[Page 15622]]

 
273.7(c)(17)(v) & (vi) Reporting..........  Characteristics of E&T                    53               1              53              20           1,060
                                             participants, some broken
                                             out by 4 above measures.
273.7(c)(17)(vii) Reporting...............  Measures in a State                       53               1              53              20           1,060
                                             agencies' E&T plan for
                                             components that are
                                             designed to serve at least
                                             100 E&T participants a year.
273.7(c)(17)(viii) Reporting..............  Information about ABAWDs                  10               1              10              10             100
                                             from State agencies that
                                             have committed to offering
                                             them participation in a
                                             qualifying activity.
                                                                         -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Total Reporting.......................  ............................              53               7             320              38          12,180
                                                                         -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Total Recordkeeping...................  ............................              53               1              53               1              53
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


   Summary of Ongoing Burden (In Addition to OMB #0584--New) 7 CFR 273
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total No. Respondents..........................................       53
Average No. Responses per Respondent...........................        7
Total Annual Responses.........................................      373
Average Hours per Response.....................................     32.8
Total Burden Hours for Part 273 With Interim Rule..............   12,233
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In addition to potential capital start-up and operating and 
maintenance costs, we are requesting that States comment specifically 
on our burden estimates.

List of Subjects

7 CFR Part 271

    Food stamps, Grant programs--social programs, Reporting and 
recordkeeping requirements.

7 CFR Part 273

    Administrative practice and procedure, Aliens, Claims, Education 
and employment, Fraud, Grant programs--social programs, Reporting and 
recordkeeping requirements, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

    For reasons set forth in the preamble, 7 CFR parts 271 and 273 are 
amended as follows:

0
1. The authority citation for 7 CFR parts 271 and 273 continues to read 
as follows:

    Authority: 7 U.S.C. 2011-2036.

PART 271--GENERAL INFORMATION AND DEFINITIONS

0
2. In Sec.  271.8, amend the table by adding an entry for Sec.  
273.7(c)(16) in alphanumeric order to read as follows:


Sec.  271.8  Information collection/recordkeeping--OMB assigned control 
numbers.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
   7 CFR section where requirements are
                 described                     Current OMB Control No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                * * * * *
273.7(c)(16)..............................  0584--New.
 
                                * * * * *
------------------------------------------------------------------------

PART 273--CERTIFICATION OF ELIGIBLE HOUSEHOLDS

0
3. Amend Sec.  273.7 as follows:
0
a. Add paragraph (c)(6)(xvii); and
0
b. Add paragraphs (c)(16) and (17).
    The additions read as follows:


Sec.  273.7  Work provisions.

* * * * *
    (c) * * *
    (6) * * *
    (xvii) For each component that is expected to include 100 or more 
participants, reporting measures that the State will collect and 
include in the annual report in paragraph (c)(17) of this section. Such 
measures may include:
    (A) The percentage and number of program participants who received 
E&T services and are in unsubsidized employment subsequent to the 
receipt of those services;
    (B) The percentage and number of participants who obtain a 
recognized credential, a registered apprenticeship, or a regular 
secondary school diploma (or its recognized equivalent), while 
participating in, or within 1 year after receiving E&T services;
    (C) The percentage and number of participants who are in an 
education or training program that is intended to lead to a recognized 
credential, a registered apprenticeship an on-the-job training program, 
a regular secondary school diploma (or its recognized equivalent), or 
unsubsidized employment;
    (D) Measures developed to assess the skills acquisition of E&T 
program participants that reflect the goals of the specific components 
including the percentage and number of participants who are meeting 
program requirements or are gaining skills likely to lead to 
employment; and
    (E) Other indicators approved by FNS in the E&T State plan.
* * * * *
    (16) FNS may require a State agency to make modifications to its 
SNAP E&T plan to improve outcomes if FNS determines that the E&T 
outcomes are inadequate.
    (17) The State agency shall submit an annual E&T report by January 
1 each year that contains the following information for the Federal 
fiscal year ending the preceding September 30.
    (i) The number and percentage of E&T participants and former 
participants who are in unsubsidized employment during the second 
quarter after completion of participation in E&T.
    (ii) The number and percentage of E&T participants and former 
participants who are in unsubsidized employment during the fourth 
quarter after completion of participation in E&T.
    (iii) Median average quarterly earnings of the E&T participants and 
former participants who are in unsubsidized employment during the 
second quarter after completion of participation in E&T.
    (iv) The total number and percentage of participants that completed 
an educational, training work experience or an on-the-job training 
component.

[[Page 15623]]

    (v) The number and percentage of E&T participants who:
    (A) Are voluntary vs. mandatory participants;
    (B) Have received a high school degree (or GED) prior to being 
provided with E&T services;
    (C) Are ABAWDs;
    (D) Speak English as a second language;
    (E) Are male vs. female
    (F) Are within each of the following age ranges: 16-17, 18-35, 36-
49, 50-59, 60 or older.
    (vi) Of the number and percentage of E&T participants reported in 
paragraphs (c)(17)(i) through (iv) of this section, a disaggregation of 
the number and percentage of those participants and former participants 
by the characteristics listed in paragraphs (c)(17)(v)(A), (B), and (C) 
of this section.
    (vii) Reports for the measures identified in a State's E&T plan 
related to components that are designed to serve at least 100 
participants a year; and
    (viii) States that have committed to offering all at-risk ABAWDs 
participation in a qualifying activity and have received an additional 
allocation of funds as specified in Sec.  273.7(d)(3) shall include:
    (A) The monthly average number of individuals in the State who meet 
the conditions of Sec.  273.7(d)(3)(i);
    (B) The monthly average number of individuals to whom the State 
offers a position in a program described in Sec.  273.24(a)(3) and (4);
    (C) The monthly average number of individuals who participate in 
such programs; and
    (D) A description of the types of employment and training programs 
the State agency offered to at risk ABAWDs and the availability of 
those programs throughout the State.
    (ix) States may be required to submit the annual report in a 
standardized format based upon guidance issued by FNS.
* * * * *

    Dated: March 18, 2016.
Kevin Concannon,
Under Secretary, Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services.
[FR Doc. 2016-06549 Filed 3-23-16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-30-P