UI Integrity Center of Excellence Operations
Description
The Employment and Training Administration (ETA) intends to award a cooperative agreement to the National Association of State Workforce Agencies' Center for Employment Security Education and Research (NASWA/CESER) for continued operations of the Unemployment Insurance (UI) Integrity Center of Excellence (Integrity Center). The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026 (Public Law 119-75) provides Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 funding for federal agencies and provides "... $9,000,000 for continued support of the Unemployment Insurance Integrity Center of Excellence... ." as part of the Department of Labor's appropriation for State Unemployment Insurance and Employment Service Operations. The UI Integrity Center has been operated by the NASWA/CESER since FY 2017. NASWA/CESER is a 501(c)(3) entity incorporated in August 1994 as an education and research arm of the NASWA, which is a national organization of state administrators of the publicly-funded state workforce system and is a leading provider of information technology, education, and research support focused exclusively on UI and workforce development initiatives and activities. The primary mission of the UI Integrity Center is to provide training and technical assistance to states to improve UI program integrity; develop and disseminate UI program integrity resources and promote innovative new tools and products that are transferable and scalable for all states to prevent UI improper payments and enhance fraud prevention solutions; and enable rapid alerts to states on new improper payment practices and fraud schemes as they are identified.
Eligibility
See official grant page for eligibility requirements
Industry Tags
About This Grant
The Employment and Training Administration (ETA) intends to award a cooperative agreement to the National Association of State Workforce Agencies' Center for Employment Security Education and Research (NASWA/CESER) for continued operations of the Unemployment Insurance (UI) Integrity Center of Excellence (Integrity Center). The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026 (Public Law 119-75) provides Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 funding for federal agencies and provides "... $9,000,000 for continued support of the Unemployment Insurance Integrity Center of Excellence... ." as part of the Department of Labor's appropriation for State Unemployment Insurance and Employment Service Operations. The UI Integrity Center has been operated by the NASWA/CESER since FY 2017. NASWA/CESER is a 501(c)(3) entity incorporated in August 1994 as an education and research arm of the NASWA, which is a national organization of state administrators of the publicly-funded state workforce system and is a leading provider of information technology, education, and research support focused exclusively on UI and workforce development initiatives and activities. The primary mission of the UI Integrity Center is to provide training and technical assistance to states to improve UI program integrity; develop and disseminate UI program integrity resources and promote innovative new tools and products that are transferable and scalable for all states to prevent UI improper payments and enhance fraud prevention solutions; and enable rapid alerts to states on new improper payment practices and fraud schemes as they are identified.
Funding Information
- Award Ceiling
- $9,000,000
- Estimated Total Program Funding
- $9,000,000
- Expected Number of Awards
- 1
Eligibility Overview
This opportunity from Employment and Training Administration is open to eligible applicants nationwide. Organizations working in Federal are especially encouraged to review the requirements.
Federal grant opportunities like this one are typically open to a range of applicant types. Common eligible organizations include:
- Nonprofits and 501(c)(3) organizations
- Small businesses and startups (especially for SBIR/STTR programs)
- State, local, and tribal governments
- Colleges, universities, and research institutions
- Individuals (for select programs in education, arts, and research)
Eligibility requirements vary by opportunity. Always review the official listing before investing time in an application.
How to Apply
- 1
Review the full opportunity
Read the complete Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for this Employment and Training Administration program on its official page (https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/363864).
- 2
Confirm eligibility
Check that your organization meets every requirement set by Employment and Training Administration — applicant type, location, registration status, and any prior-award restrictions.
- 3
Prepare required documents
Gather your budget narrative, needs statement, organizational details, SAM.gov registration, and any required certifications.
- 4
Submit before the deadline
This opportunity closes on September 25, 2026. Submit at least 48 hours early — portal systems are often slow near closing time.
Grant Writing Tips
Proposals for federal programs such as those from Employment and Training Administration are competitive — these tips can strengthen your application:
- ✓Start your application at least 4 weeks before the deadline — rushed proposals score lower.
- ✓Tailor your needs statement to match the funder's stated priorities, using their exact language where possible.
- ✓Have a colleague outside your team review your budget narrative before submitting — fresh eyes catch errors reviewers penalize.
More Grants from Employment and Training Administration
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for UI Integrity Center of Excellence Operations?
This opportunity from Employment and Training Administration is open to eligible applicants nationwide. Organizations working in Federal are especially encouraged to review the requirements. Always confirm the full eligibility criteria on the official listing before applying.
How much funding does UI Integrity Center of Excellence Operations provide?
UI Integrity Center of Excellence Operations provides awards of up to $9,000,000.
When is the deadline for UI Integrity Center of Excellence Operations?
The application deadline for UI Integrity Center of Excellence Operations is September 25, 2026. Submit at least 48 hours early to avoid last-minute portal issues.
How do I apply for UI Integrity Center of Excellence Operations?
Apply for UI Integrity Center of Excellence Operations through the official grant page (https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/363864). Confirm your eligibility and prepare your application materials before the deadline.
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