Data and Technical Assistance (DATA) Grants Program

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The purpose of the SNAP E&T Data and Technical Assistance (DATA) Grants is to support the development of State SNAP E&T data collection and reporting systems. FNS is interested in funding projects that improve States’ ability to use administrative data, such as Quarterly Wage Record (QWR) information, as the source for employment and earnings of E&T participants and former participants, because it is the preferred and most reliable and efficient method to meet reporting requirements. States using random sampling to gather information are doing so as an interim approach until systems to use administrative data are in place. Therefore, proposals that include random sampling of participants or former participants as a long term strategy will not be considered. These grants are intended to help States better report outcome measures for SNAP E&T participants, meet reporting expectations, and, thereby, support improved, data driven programs. Proposed projects must: have a direct impact on State capacity to accurately and efficiently track outcomes for SNAP E&T participants; increase understanding of effective strategies to improve employment and earnings outcomes for SNAP E&T participants; and/or increase a State’s ability to use outcomes data to continuously improve its SNAP E&T programs. Funds from this RFA shall not be used for the ongoing cost of carrying out existing operations. The SNAP E&T DATA grants are intended to support the full range of needs States may have related to the development, collection, reporting, analysis and use of SNAP E&T participant outcomes data. The use of funds should be for one or more of the following purposes: 1) training and capacity building, including efforts to improve E&T data quality; 2) information technology (IT) systems development to support the collection, reporting, and analysis of SNAP E&T data; and/or 3) continuous program improvement of SNAP E&T programs, including the provision of effective and efficient services that move SNAP participants toward stable, good jobs. Funds can be used for more than one purpose, but applicants should clearly state the purpose(s) for which the funds will be used.

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