SSA runs the Ticket to Work program with the assistance of two contractors: MAXIMUS, Inc. and Cherry Engineering Support Services, Inc. (CESSI).

MAXIMUS’ Role:
On September 29, 2005, MAXIMUS, Inc. of Reston, Virginia, was awarded a five-year contract to serve as the Ticket Program Operations Support Manager (OSM), as well as a one-year contract for Ticket Program Data Operations Center Management (TPDOCM).

Under the OSM contract, MAXIMUS administers a call center and electronic mail response capability to answer questions about the Ticket to Work program. These questions often come from program participants and the general public. Depending on the issue MAXIMUS may make appropriate referrals to ENs.

MAXIMUS also supports day-to-day Ticket program operations including facilitating Ticket assignments by beneficiaries to Employment Networks (ENs) and processing EN payment requests.

As the TPDOCM, MAXIMUS maintains all electronic systems supporting daily Ticket program operations and provides system support services and management information to SSA.

CESSI’s Role:
On November 30, 2005, CESSI of McClean, Virginia was awarded a five-year contract to serve as the Ticket to Work Program Manager for Recruitment and Outreach (PMRO).
As the PMRO, CESSI designs, implements and supports the marketing of SSA’s Ticket to Work program and work incentives to beneficiaries and service providers.

CESSI is responsible for recruiting new ENs as well as working with existing ENs to increase participation in the Ticket to Work program.  

CESSI staff also develop tools, resources and models to encourage EN and beneficiary participation, coordinates with SSA to create local venues to promote the Ticket, and facilitates partnerships among ENs, local organizations, and beneficiaries to increase program outcomes and work opportunities for beneficiaries.