Wisconsin’s Department of Workforce Development (DWD) has selected Flexion to identify and implement technology solutions for modernizing the states’ unemployment insurance (UI) system.
“Flexion brings a unique combination of programming expertise and user-experience insight to power our unemployment insurance system modernization efforts,” said DWD Secretary-Designee Amy Pechacek. “Through this partnership, DWD intends to deliver industry-leading results for the benefit of employees and employers throughout Wisconsin.”
According to a press release, this project is focusing on the introduction of phased software solutions. Madison-based Flexion will “involve integration of additional off-the-shelf software and cloud-based solutions along with significant custom software development, as determined through discovery.”
The total cost for the contract will be approximately $16.5 million for the term of the contract – or $4 million per year over four years – excluding all the hardware and software necessary to support the new system.
“Most of the recently contracted work, including the agreement with Flexion, is being paid for with Federal funds from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and previously, the Federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act as directed by Governor Tony Evers,” the press release said. “The selection of Flexion came through a highly competitive RFP process that drew 18 submissions.”
Including call center modernization, efforts to address support outside of business hours, IT infrastructure costs, licensing to support the effort, change management efforts, and other resources, the anticipated costs are projected around $80 million, paid for by Federal funds.
Between March 15, 2020 through Sept. 18, 2021, DWD has paid out a total of $7 billion UI benefits to 665,000 claimants.
