[Federal Register: November 5, 2002 (Volume 67, Number 214)]
[Notices]
[Page 67424-67425]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr05no02-88]
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OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT
Privacy Act of 1974: Computer Matching Programs--OPM/Social
Security Administration
AGENCY: Office of Personnel Management.
ACTION: Publication of notice of computer matching to comply with
Public Law 100-503, the Computer Matching and Privacy Protection Act of
1988.
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SUMMARY: OPM is publishing notice of its computer matching program with
the Social Security Administration (SSA) to meet the reporting
requirements of Pub. L. 100-503. The purpose of this match is for SSA
to disclose benefit information to OPM to offset specific benefits.
DATES: The matching program will begin in December 2002, or 40 days
after agreements by the parties participating in the match have been
submitted to Congress and the Office of Management and Budget,
whichever is later. Any public comment on this matching program must be
submitted within the 30 day public notice period, which begins on the
publication date of this notice. The matching program will continue for
18 months from the beginning date and may be extended an additional 12
months thereafter. The data exchange will begin at a date mutually
agreeable between OPM and SSA on or after December 1, 2002, unless
comments are received which will result in a contrary determination.
Subsequent matches will take place on a recurring basis until one of
the parties advises the other, in writing, of its intention to
reevaluate, modify and/or terminate the agreement.
ADDRESSES: Send comments to William J. Washington, Assistant Director
for Systems, Finance and Administration, 1900 E. Street NW., Room 4312,
Washington, DC 20415.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Marc Flaster, (202) 606-2115.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: OPM and SSA intend to conduct a computer
matching program. The purpose of this agreement is to establish the
conditions under which SSA agrees to the disclosure of benefit
information to OPM. The SSA records will be used in a matching program
with OPM's records on surviving spouses who may be eligible to receive
a Supplementary Annuity, disability retirees, and child survivor
annuitants, under the Federal Employees' Retirement System (FERS). The
benefits payable to these recipients
[[Page 67425]]
are offset if paid while also in receipt of SSA benefits.
Office of Personnel Management.
Kay Coles James,
Director.
Report of Computer Matching Program Between the Office of Personnel
Management and Social Security Administration
A. Participating Agencies
OPM and SSA.
B. Purpose of the Matching Program
Chapter 84 of title 5, United States Code (U.S.C.), requires OPM to
offset specific benefits by a percentage of benefits payable under
Title II of the Social Security Act. The matching will enable OPM to
compute benefits at the correct rate and determine eligibility for
benefits.
C. Authority for Conducting the Matching Program
Chapter 84, title 5, United States Code.
D. Categories of Records and Individuals Covered by the Match
The two SSA records systems involved in the match are (1) Master
Files of Social Security Number (SSN) Holders and SSN Applications, 60-
0058 (SSA/OSR) last published on March 24, 1998 at 63 FR14165 and (2)
the Master Beneficiary Record, 60-0090 (SSA/OSR) last published
February 21, 2001 at 66 FR 11079. The OPM records consist of annuity
data from its system of records entitled OPM/Central 1-Civil Service
Retirement and Insurance Records, last published on October 8, 1999 at
64 FR 54930, and as amended at 65 FR 25775, May 3, 2000.
E. Description of Matching Program
As frequently as daily, OPM will provide SSA with an extract from
the annuity master file and from pending claims snapshot records via
the File Transfer Management System (FTMS). The extracted file will
contain identifying information concerning the disability annuitant,
child survivor, or surviving spouse who may be eligible for an annuity
under FERS. Each record will be matched to SSA's records and requested
information transmitted back to OPM.
F. Privacy Safeguards and Security
The personal privacy of the individuals whose names are included in
the files transmitted are protected by strict adherence to the
provisions of the Privacy Act of 1974 and OMB's ``Guidance Interpreting
the Provisions of Public Law 100-503, the Computer Matching and Privacy
Protection Act of 1988''. Access to the records used in the data
exchange is restricted to only those authorized employees and officials
who need it to perform their official duties. Records matched or
created will be stored in an area that is physically safe. Records used
during this exchange and any records created by this exchange will be
processed under the immediate supervision and control of authorized
personnel in a manner which will protect the confidentiality of the
records. The records matched and records created by the match will be
transported under appropriate safeguards. Both SSA and OPM have the
right to make onsite inspection or make other provisions to ensure that
adequate safeguards are being maintained by the other agency.
G. Inclusive Dates of the Matching Program
This computer matching program is subject to review by the Office
of Management and Budget and the Congress. OPM's report to these
parties must be received at least 40 days prior to the initiation of
any matching activity. If no objections are raised by either, and the
mandatory 30-day public notice period for comments has expired for this
Federal Register notice with no significant adverse public comments in
receipt resulting in a contrary determination, then this computer
matching program becomes effective on the date specified above. By
agreement between OPM and SSA, the matching program will be in effect
and continue for 18 months with an option to renew for 12 additional
months under the terms set forth in 5 U.S.C. 552a(o)(2)(D).
[FR Doc. 02-28105 Filed 10-31-02; 4:35 pm]
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