The guidance provided herein is based on the lessons learned from SAMHSA-supported projects that have included a data-integration component. Additionally, input from the technical advisory group and site-visit work with various Single State Authorities (SSAs) by the PM TACC have provided insight into the various concerns, capabilities, and practices with respect to current State data-integration efforts. Guidance is provided in two parts: (1) A brief discussion (in the body of this document) of administrative and resource considerations surrounding dataintegration efforts, primarily intended for SSA administrators and agency managers; and (2) A detailed technical appendix (appendix I) that includes a description of start-up resources and practical guidance for implementing data-integration strategies, primarily intended for research and analytic personnel at the State agency.