§ 20-76-109 - Use of contracts. - Arkansas Statutes

20-76-109. Use of contracts.

The Department of Workforce Services, as appropriate, should provide work activities, training, and other services through contracts. In contracting for work activities, training, or services, the following apply:

(1) (A) A contract shall be performance-based.

(B) Whenever possible, payment shall be tied to performance outcomes that include factors such as, but not limited to, job entry, job entry at a target wage, and job retention, rather than tied to completion of training or education or any other phase of the program participation process;

(2) (A) A contract may include performance-based incentive payments that may vary according to the extent to which the recipient is more difficult to place.

(B) (i) Contract payments may be weighted proportionally to reflect the extent to which the recipient has limitations associated with the long-term receipt of welfare and difficulty in sustaining employment.

(ii) The factors may include the extent of the recipient's prior receipt of welfare, lack of employment experience, lack of education, lack of job skills, and other factors determined appropriate by the department;

(3) Each contract awarded under the Transitional Employment Assistance Program shall be awarded in accordance with state procurement and contract laws; and

(4) (A) The department may contract with commercial, charitable, or faith-based organizations.

(B) A contract must comply with federal requirements with respect to nondiscrimination and other requirements that safeguard the rights of participants.

(C) Services may be provided under contract, certificate, voucher, or other form of disbursement.