About the Study

The Chief Evaluation Office (CEO) partnered with the Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (VETS) and commissioned contractor ICF Incorporated to conduct the Transition Assistance Program (TAP) Impact Evaluation and TAP Employment Navigator and Partnership Pilot (ENPP) Formative Evaluation.

The Evaluation of the Transition Assistance Program (TAP) Impact Study Report describes the quasi-experimental study using administrative data from the U.S. Army and the National Directory of New Hires that examined the impact of TAP on the employment and wages of recently separated Veterans. The study used a matched comparison group design to compare the outcomes of Veterans who participated in TAP to similar Veterans who did not participate. It presents the estimated impacts of participating in TAP up to 36 months post-separation. The study also explored TAP components and how they relate to employment and wage outcomes. Additional information about the analyses is in the Evaluation of the Transition Assistance Program (TAP) Technical Supplement for the Impact Study.

The Transition Assistance Program (TAP) Employment Navigator and Partnership Pilot (ENPP) Formative Study Report examines the early implementation of the ENPP, which launched April 1, 2021, and variations in implementation by site. Data collection for this study includes interviews and focus groups with pilot staff and transitioning Service members at the 13 pilot sites, as well as with national Veteran employment partners. Interim findings were shared with VETS leadership to inform pilot enhancement and expansion. The findings can inform future implementation and outcomes studies of the ENPP.

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) and its federal partners established the Transition Assistance Program (TAP) to help prepare separating and retiring Service members to successfully transition to civilian life. TAP prepares Service members for post-separation employment by helping them translate their military skills to the needs of civilian employers. The Employment Navigator and Partnership Pilot (ENPP) provides individualized career services outside the traditional TAP workshops to prepare transitioning Service members (TSMs) and spouses for post-service employment.

This Department of Labor-funded study was a result of the DOL Evaluation Plan. It contributes to the labor evidence-base to inform employment and training programs and policies and addresses Departmental strategic goals and priorities.

Project Duration: 36 Months

Contract End Date: August 2023

Contractor: ICF International

For More Information: ChiefEvaluationOffice@dol.gov

The Department of Labor’s (DOL) Chief Evaluation Office (CEO) sponsors independent evaluations and research, primarily conducted by external, third-party contractors in accordance with the Department of Labor Evaluation Policy and CEO’s research development process.