The SMIPD is responsible for state plan review and approval, and for monitoring seven RSA formula grant programs to ensure consistency with federal requirements and to ensure that states continue to implement programs designed to improve results for individuals with disabilities, including youth with disabilities.

The SMPID is divided into functional units and state teams. Each person in the division participates on both.

Functional Units

The functional units carry out activities that enable the state teams to monitor and assist states to improve their programs.

Each functional unit has a unit chief with supervisory responsibilities over persons who serve in the unit.

Each functional unit chief is an expert in the functional area and is responsible for not only accomplishing the purpose of the unit, but also developing skills and expertise in each of the unit members.

Each staff person in the division is assigned to one of five functional units and works with the unit to carry out the purposes of the unit.

The functional units are as follows:

• Data Collection and Analysis
  
  
• Fiscal
  
  
• Vocational Rehabilitation (VR)
  
  
• Independent Living (IL)
  
  
• Technical Assistance (TA)

State Teams

There is a state team assigned to every state and that state team is responsible for all of the SMPID's formula and Centers for Independent Living discretionary program grantees that operate in that state.

A designated state team member (state liaison) who does not have supervisory responsibility chairs the work of the state team.

Each state is assigned a state team and each state team is made up of one or more persons from each of the five functional units.

The state liaison leads and organizes the activities of the state team and includes representatives from consumers, providers, state agency personnel, and other interested parties.

A state teams coordinator with non-supervisory responsibility with the state team assists and coordinates the activities of all the state team.

With the exception of the last item, the state teams work collaboratively with consumers, providers, state agencies, and any other interested parties to carry out the following activities:

• implement a continuous process of performance-based program and fiscal monitoring to identify areas of improvement as well as areas of noncompliance that require corrective action by the grantee;

• develop and issue annual reports, carry out periodic on-site reviews and other monitoring activities required by statute;

• provide technical assistance to all grantees to assist them to make the improvements and take corrective actions identified in the monitoring process;

• review and approve VR and IL state plans including preparing state plan approval letters, providing appropriate technical assistance to states to ensure consistency with federal requirements and a timely release of federal funds;

• provide policy guidance to grantees;

• review and approve CAP, PAIR and PAAT state assurances; and

• carry out audit resolution activities including single audits, Inspector General audits, grantbacks, primary and collateral determinations.

See also the list of designated State Liaisons for each state and territory.

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