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.

SUMMARY:

OPM is publishing notice of its computer matching program with the Social Security Administration (SSA) to meet the reporting requirements of Public Law 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 March 2000, 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 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 after March 1, 2000, 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, Acting 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 are offset if paid while also in receipt of SSA benefits. OPM will use the SSA data to verify the earnings information provided directly to OPM by the recipients.

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 Match 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, 09-60-0058 (SSA/OSR) last published on March 24, 1998 at 63 FR 14165 and (2) the Master Beneficiary Record, 09-60-0090 (SSA/OSR) last published January 6, 1995 at 60 FR 2144. 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.

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. 552(a)(o)(2)(D).