The Center for Accountability, Modernization and Innovation (CAMI) has published Simon&Co. research on the early results from states that have used new, temporary flexibilities to hire contractors in order to support overwhelmed unemployment insurance (UI) programs. These flexibilities were provided in Section 2106 of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, also known as the CARES Act, which was enacted on March 18, 2020.
Large numbers of states, led by both Democratic and Republican governors, have opted to use the flexibility; the first survey found 37 states plus the District of Columbia. The association of all 50 state workforce agencies, the National Association of State Workforce Agencies, reports there are 41 states using the flexibility. Both surveys detail some of the specific work of the contractors as well as the accomplishments in terms of improved service to UI claimants.
The two reports may be viewed here: