UIA begins search process to upgrade operating system

The Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency will issue a Request for Information through the Department of Technology, Management and Budget as the agency looks at options to replace its unemployment benefits and employer tax system that has been in use since 2012.

The RFI is intended to get an understanding of the products that are available in the market for a system capable of handling the complexity of the unemployment insurance program, and is robust, secure and protects sensitive claimant and employer information. It will ultimately help create the necessary requirements that will be included in the future request for proposals.

"It's been nearly 10 years since we first started using our current system and we want to provide a better, more agile user experience for both our claimant and employer users," said Liza Estlund Olson, acting UIA director. "This will be a lengthy process with our partners at DTMB to make sure it's done well and is a smooth transition for all the residents of Michigan who rely on us."

Concurrent with the RFI and vendor search process, FAST Enterprises, UIA's current vendor, will continue to maintain and upgrade the UIA's system to provide uninterrupted service to claimants and businesses. The upgrade is expected to offer a more intuitive process.

Interested vendors have five weeks from next week's posting date to submit answers to the questions in the RFI. Key objectives in the RFI are Usability and Accessibility; Program Integrity and Security; Business Process Improvements; Accounting, Analytics and Reporting; Fraud Detection and Analytics and Reporting; Fraud Detection and Analytics; Eligibility and Timeliness of Payments; Maintenance and Support; and Compliance.