[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 53 (Wednesday, March 19, 1997)]
[Notices]
[Pages 12986-12987]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-6853]


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 Notices
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 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains documents other than rules 
 or proposed rules that are applicable to the public. Notices of hearings 
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  Federal Register / Vol. 62, No. 53 / Wednesday, March 19, 1997 / 
Notices  

[[Page 12986]]



DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Office of the Secretary


Privacy Act of 1974; Notice of a Computer Matching Program for 
Identification of Food Stamp Program Participants Who Are Receiving 
Benefits in More Than One State

AGENCY: Office of the Secretary, USDA.

ACTION: Notice of computer matching program between the Office of 
Inspector General (OIG), United States Department of Agriculture 
(USDA), the Iowa Department of Human Services, Nebraska Department of 
Social Services, Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation 
Services, Missouri Department of Social Services, Illinois Department 
of Public Aid, Indiana Family and Social Services Administration, and 
Wisconsin Department of Health and Social Services.

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SUMMARY: OIG, USDA, is giving notice that it intends to conduct a 
computer matching program with the seven above-mentioned State Agencies 
in order to identify Food Stamp Program (FSP) participants in 
metropolitan areas spanning two or more States who are receiving 
program benefits in more than one State. The computer match will match 
information from the State Agency monthly participation tapes. This 
match will determine the universe of FSP participants who have received 
program benefits in more than one State. This information will assist 
the Food and Consumer Service in avoiding future double payments, 
strengthen current controls and prevent participants from receiving 
dual or unauthorized FSP benefits.

DATES: Computer matching is expected to begin April 1997 and, unless 
comments are received which will result in a contrary determination, 
will be completed 18 months from the beginning date. Comments must be 
received within the 30-day comment period to be considered.
    The computer matching described in this notice may begin after 
compliance with the reporting requirements cited in section 4 of 
Appendix 1 to Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circular No. A-
130--Federal Agency Responsibilities for Maintaining Records About 
Individuals (59 FR 37916; July 25, 1994). That section requires that 
Federal agencies provide the Chair of the House Committee on Government 
Operations, the Chair of the Senate Committee on Governmental Affairs, 
and OMB with notice of the matching program and computer matching 
agreements 40 days before operating the program.

ADDRESSES: Comments should be addressed to Paula Hayes, Assistant 
Inspector General, Policy Development and Resources Management, Office 
of Inspector General, USDA Stop 2310, Washington, DC 20250-2310, 
telephone (202) 720-6979. Comments can be reviewed at that address 
during normal business hours.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In accordance with subsection (o) of the 
Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. 552a), as amended, and applicable OMB 
guidance, USDA is issuing a public notice of its intent to conduct a 
computer matching program using data from the Iowa Department of Human 
Services, Nebraska Department of Social Services, Kansas Department of 
Social and Rehabilitation Services, Missouri Department of Social 
Services, Illinois Department of Public Aid, Indiana Family and Social 
Services Administration, and Wisconsin Department of Health and Social 
Services.
    The following information is provided as required by paragraph 
(b)(3) of Appendix I to OMB Circular No. A-130 (July 25, 1994):
    1. Participating agencies: The recipient agency is OIG. The source 
agencies are the Iowa Department of Human Services, Nebraska Department 
of Social Services, Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation 
Services, Missouri Department of Social Services, Illinois Department 
of Public Aid, Indiana Family and Social Services Administration, and 
Wisconsin Department of Health and Social Services.
    2. Beginning and ending dates: Matching will begin at least 40 days 
from the date copies of the signed computer matching agreement are sent 
to both Houses of Congress or at least 30 days from the date this 
Notice is published in the Federal Register, whichever is later, 
providing no comments are received which would result in a contrary 
determination. The matching agreement will continue in effect no longer 
than 18 months.
    3. Purpose of the match: This computer matching program will allow 
OIG to review the internal controls over benefits paid to program 
participants in the seven States. As part of all USDA financial audits, 
the effectiveness of internal controls is reviewed in determining the 
type of opinion that can be rendered. This match will assist in making 
that overall determination. The review would allow USDA managers to 
assess the effectiveness of controls over payments to employees and 
help alleviate public concerns over the FSP.
    4. Description of the match: OIG will compare data received from 
the seven State Agencies to determine program benefits paid to 
participants as of March 1997. Individuals common to one or more of the 
files will be extracted to form a separate data base of FSP 
participants who are receiving program benefits in more than one State. 
This information will be used as a basis for a random sample for audit.
    5. Legal authority: Section 6(a)(1) of the Inspector General Act of 
1978, as amended, 5 U.S.C. App. 3, and section 11(e)(8) of the Food 
Stamp Act of 1977, as amended.
    6. Categories of Individuals Involved. The match will identify FSP 
participants who have received food stamps in more than one State 
during the same month.
    7. Records Systems Used: The seven State Agencies will provide the 
following information extracted from their monthly participation tapes 
for March 1997: Name, social security number, address, city, county, 
state and ZIP code of each participant's residence. The OIG will in 
turn move this information into its Consolidated Assignments Personnel 
Tracking Administrative Information Network (CAPTAIN) system of records 
where the computer matches will be conducted.
    8. Agency Contact: Inquiries about this matching program should be

[[Page 12987]]

directed to Paula Hayes, Assistant Inspector General, Policy 
Development and Resources Management, Office of the Inspector General, 
USDA Stop 2310, Washington, DC 20250-2310, telephone (202) 720-6979.

    Dated: March 10, 1997.
Dan Glickman,
Secretary of Agriculture.
[FR Doc. 97-6853 Filed 3-18-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-23-M