Operational Guidance | OG 07-2026: NCWorks Career Center Memorandum of Understanding
- Date: September 3, 2026
- Subject: NCWorks Career Center Memorandum of Understanding
- From: Andrea L. DeSantis, Assistant Secretary for Workforce
Purpose:
To provide guidance on the required NCWorks Career Center Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
Background:
The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Section 121(c)(1) requires each Local Area Workforce Development Board (WDB), with the agreement of the Chief Local Elected Official (CLEO), to develop and enter into an MOU between the Local Area WDB and the One-Stop partners, consistent with WIOA Section 121(c)(2), concerning the operation of the One-Stop delivery system in a local workforce area. This requirement is further described in the WIOA Joint Rule for Unified and Combined State Plans, Performance Accountability, and the One-Stop System Joint Provisions: Final Rule at 20 CFR 678.500, 34 CFR 361.500, and 34 CFR 463.500, and in federal guidance.
Action:
The WDBs must use the attached template for MOU submissions, as it contains all required elements. In order to sync all boards to a three-year cycle, prevent a lapse in coverage, and ensure a fully executed MOU is always in place, beginning with Program Year 2026, all boards must submit an updated MOU with effective dates of July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2029.
It is the expectation that Local Area WDBs will begin the process to review and renew the MOU before the expiration date to ensure an MOU is always in effect. To assist with this, it is anticipated that the Division of Workforce Solutions (DWS) will issue a new form MOU in January 2029 so that WDBs have approximately six months prior to the expiration of current MOUs to execute the new MOU. An outdated MOU results in WIOA non-compliance and also may result in a DWS monitoring finding. It is anticipated that beginning July 1, 2029, all WDBs have in place an MOU with effective dates of July 1, 2029 – June 30, 2032.
Local Area WDBs are not required to resubmit their MOUs prior to the end of the third program year unless it is revised. Revisions must be submitted for review and approval as soon as practical. Revised MOUs must have effective dates that fall within the original three-year period.
The WDBs must electronically submit the MOU documents (signed by all parties except the Department of Commerce) to the assigned DWS Planner. The MOU for the current program year must be submitted no later than the close of business on November 30, 2026. Department of Commerce (Commerce) leadership will sign for the DWS once all other signatures have been secured. Regional Operations Directors and other DWS staff members cannot sign MOUs. The WDBs must send their MOU to their Planner after all other parties have signed them, at which point, the MOU will be circulated within Commerce for verification and signature.
Effective Date:
Immediately
Expiration:
June 30, 2029
Contact:
DWS Planner
Attachments:
- NCWorks Career Center MOU
- NC WIOA One-Stop Required Partners MOU Designated Signatories