Workforce Development System Bulletin 1-99
TO: Chief Elected Officials
Local Workforce Investment Board Chairs
One-Stop Partners
SUBJECT: Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Template for the One-Stop Delivery System
Purpose: To transmit a template for Local Workforce Investment Boards to use in negotiating Memorandums of Understanding with One-Stop Partners for the One-Stop Delivery System required under the Workforce Investment Act (WIA).
Reference: USDOL Regional Information Bulletin No. 10-99
Background: In accordance with WIA, Section 121(c)(1) and (2) and WIA Regulations, Part 662-Subpart C, each Local Workforce Investment Board (LWIB), with the agreement of the chief elected official, will develop and enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (between the LWIB and the One-Stop partners) concerning the operation of the One-Stop delivery system in the local area. Each MOU shall contain provisions describing:
1) the services to be provided through the One-Stop delivery system;
2) how the costs of such services and the operating costs of the system will be funded;
3) methods for referral of individuals between the One -Stop operator and the One-Stop partners, for the appropriate services and activities; and
4) the duration of the memorandum and the procedures for amending the memorandum during the term of the memorandum; and
5) such other provisions, consistent with the requirements of Title I of WIA, as the parties to the agreement determine to be appropriate.
WIA, Section 118(b)(2)(B) requires that a copy of each MOU be attached to the local plan.
Based upon a review of existing MOUs and guidance prepared by a USDOL-sponsored national workgroup on MOUs, NYSDOL has identified the essential components for a One-Stop delivery system MOU and created a user-friendly template for LWIBs to use in developing their MOUs. The draft MOU Template and Guidelines have been revised in accordance with comments received. A separate document containing MOU comments and the Department's recommended actions is also included. While this template provides for the development of a comprehensive agreement between the board and its One-Stop partners, the Department recognizes that MOUs are living documents that will need to be updated as local systems adapt to meet local economic and workforce development needs. In particular, resource sharing agreements will probably need to be updated annually.
Action: To ensure the development of comprehensive, high-quality agreements, NYSDOL is requiring LWIBs to use the attached template as a guideline for developing their MOUs. Crafting local MOUs using this format will also result in a more efficient local plan review and approval process.