83 FR 36515 - Agency Information Collection Activities: Evaluation of Technology Modernization for SNAP Benefit Redemption Through Online Transactions for the USDA Food and Nutrition Service
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Food and Nutrition Service Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 146 (July 30, 2018)
Food and Nutrition Service
Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 146 (July 30, 2018)
| Page Range | 36515-36516 | |
| FR Document | 2018-16220 |
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 146 (Monday, July 30, 2018)] [Notices] [Pages 36515-36516] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2018-16220] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Food and Nutrition Service Agency Information Collection Activities: Evaluation of Technology Modernization for SNAP Benefit Redemption Through Online Transactions for the USDA Food and Nutrition Service AGENCY: Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), USDA. ACTION: Notice and request for comments. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice invites the general public and other public agencies to comment on this proposed information collection. This collection is a new collection to test the feasibility of online purchasing for SNAP through Evaluation of Technology Modernization for SNAP Benefit Redemption through Online Transactions for the USDA. The final report will synthesize findings across pilots and detailed appendix chapters will integrate implementation and integrity evaluation findings for each pilot. This collection includes in-depth interviews with key informants, including SNAP online retailers and their web service providers, the designated third-party processor for the pilots, EBT processors, and State Agency EBT coordinators; and preparation and transmission of data from retailers and their web service providers, EBT processors, the third-party processor, and state SNAP agencies. DATES: Written comments must be received on or before September 28, 2018. ADDRESSES: Comments may be sent to: Eric Williams, Food and Nutrition Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 3101 Park Center Drive, Room 1014, Alexandria, VA 22302. Comments may also be submitted via fax to the attention of Eric Williams at 703-305-2576 or via email to [email protected]. Comments will also be accepted through the Federal eRulemaking Portal. Go to http://www.regulations.gov, and follow the online instructions for submitting comments electronically. All responses to this notice will be summarized and included in the request for Office of Management and Budget approval. All comments will be a matter of public record. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information or copies of this information collection should be directed to Eric Williams at 703-305-2576. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information shall have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions that were used; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Title: Evaluation of Technology Modernization for SNAP Benefit Redemption through Online Transactions for the USDA Food and Nutrition Service. OMB Number: Not Yet Assigned. Expiration Date: Not Yet Determined. Type of Request: New collection. Abstract: The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) offers nutrition assistance to low-income individuals and families and provides economic benefits to communities. The Agricultural Act of 2014 (Farm Bill) mandated the Online Purchasing Pilots to test the feasibility and implications of allowing retail food stores to accept SNAP benefits through online transactions. Prior to the pilots, SNAP benefits could only be redeemed in person. The Farm Bill provided FNS and its stakeholders an opportunity to begin modernizing benefit redemption through online purchasing for SNAP. For customers using SNAP, online shopping may increase access to healthy and affordable foods, save time, and reduce other barriers to better nutrition. Current participating retailers can offer online shopping, and online merchants can gain the opportunity to serve SNAP customers. For program integrity, online shopping represents opportunities to identify suspicious behavior, but also new ways that benefit misuse and fraud may occur. To test the feasibility of online purchasing for SNAP, FNS established eight online purchasing pilots and requested volunteers on September 15, 2016 (OMB Control No.: 0584-0606, expiration date 3/31/ 2019) for the Evaluation of Technology Modernization for SNAP Benefit Redemption through Online Transactions (Evaluation of Online Purchasing Pilots). Through this evaluation, FNS seeks to learn how the pilots operate, the implementation challenges and lessons learned, the characteristics of SNAP online customers, the risks and benefits of online purchasing for the integrity of SNAP, and the requirements for expansion. Through the Evaluation of Online Purchasing Pilots, the research team will address FNS' two interrelated objectives: the analyses of the pilots' (1) implementation and (2) integrity. Implementation study questions relate to: The SNAP online transaction approaches; the process, challenges, and lessons of implementation; the characteristics of SNAP households that shop online; and the level of effort for stakeholders (e.g., retailers, states, EBT processors). Integrity study questions focus on: Delivery patterns and their relationship to customer addresses and retailer locations; customer profiles and their relationship to EBT cards and SNAP households; customer shopping patterns; and problems such as refunds and cart abandonment. To meet these two overarching objectives, the research team will collect and analyze qualitative data from key informants and quantitative administrative data about online transactions, retailers, and SNAP households that will be provided by FNS, retailers, and state SNAP agencies. The implementation and integrity analyses will inform FNS' decisions about whether and how to make SNAP online purchases more widely available, and how to ensure that protections against abuse remain strong or grow stronger. Eight retailers in eight states are participating in the pilot, we anticipate 100 percent participation. Affected Public: State, Local and Tribal Agencies; Business-for- profit. Respondent Types: The study includes in-depth interviews with a total of four respondent groups. Three are business respondents: (1) Personnel from online retailers, including project managers, customer service managers, [[Page 36516]] staff who handle fulfillment of orders, IT personnel or third-party web service providers; (2) EBT processor staff; and (3) third-party processor staff. The fourth state SNAP agency staff, including State Agency EBT coordinators. Staff from two of these respondent groups (retailers or their third-party web service providers and state SNAP agencies) will also provide data files for the quantitative analysis. Estimated Number of Respondents: The total estimated number of respondents is 177. This includes: 24 retailer staff who handle the fulfillment, shipping, and delivery of EBT customer orders; 24 retailer customer service managers; 16 retailer IT personnel or third-party web service providers; 32 retailer project managers; 16 retailer personnel who completed the pilot application; 8 retailer/web provider data managers; 8 retailer/web provider staff who will prepare and transfer the detailed transaction file; 8 retailer/web provider staff who will prepare and transfer the aggregated file; 6 EBT processor managers; 3 third-party processor personnel; 16 State agency EBT coordinators; 8 State Agency SNAP program or data staff. Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent: The total estimated number of responses is 2.232 responses per respondent. Retailer personnel (personnel who handle the fulfillment, shipping, and delivery of EBT customer orders, customer service managers, IT personnel or third-party web service providers, project managers, and personnel who completed the pilot application) will respond to one in-person interview or one telephone interview. Managers for two EBT processors will respond to one in-person interview and two telephone interviews for a total of three responses each. Third-party processor managers will respond to one in-person interview and two telephone interviews. State EBT coordinators will respond to one in-person interview. Retailer or web provider data managers will participate in three meetings to discuss the format and transfer of each of two types of files (detailed transaction file and aggregated file). These respondents will transmit detailed and aggregated data files nine times. State agency SNAP program or data staff will each participate in discussion and initial programming of the SNAP case record file data transfer once and provide eight update files. Estimated Total Annual Responses: 395. Estimated Time per Response: 1.6 hours is the average estimated time per participant. However, response times varies from 1 hour to 21 hours per response and depending on respondent group, as shown in the table below. Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 37,800 minutes (630 hours). See the table below for estimated total annual burden for each type of respondent. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Estimated Estimated Responses Total annual average number Estimated Respondent number annually per responses of hours per total hours respondent respondent response ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Retailer personnel who handle 24 1.00 24.00 1.00000 24.000 the fulfillment, shipping, and delivery of EBT customer orders Retailer customer service 24 1.00 24.00 1.00000 24.000 managers....................... Retailer IT personnel or third- 16 1.00 16.00 1.00000 16.000 party web service provider personnel...................... Retailer project managers....... 32 1.00 32.00 1.50000 48.000 Retailer personnel who completed 16 1.00 16.00 1.00000 16.000 the pilot application.......... Retailer/web provider data 8 3.00 24.00 2.00000 48.000 managers who will participate in file transfer discussion.... Retailer/web provider staff who 8 9.00 72.00 1.00000 72.000 will prepare and transfer the detailed transaction file...... Retailer/web provider staff who 8 9.00 72.00 1.00000 72.000 will prepare and transfer the aggregated file................ Third-Party processor personnel. 3 3.00 9.00 2.00000 18.000 EBT processor managers.......... 6 3.00 18.00 2.00000 36.000 State agency EBT coordinators... 16 1.00 16.00 1.00000 16.000 State agency SNAP program/data 8 1.00 8.00 21.00000 168.000 staff who will participate in file transfer discussion and initial programming............ State agency SNAP program/data 8 8.00 64.00 1.00000 64.000 staff.......................... ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total Reporting Burden...... 177 .............. 395 .............. 622 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dated: July 19, 2018. Brandon Lipps, Administrator, Food and Nutrition Service. [FR Doc. 2018-16220 Filed 7-27-18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410-30-P
![Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 146 / Monday, July 30, 2018 / Notices 36515
Independence Avenue SW, Washington, of Eric Williams at 703–305–2576 or via can gain the opportunity to serve SNAP
DC 20250–9410. email to Eric.Williams@fns.usda.gov. customers. For program integrity, online
Fax: (202) 690–7442. Comments will also be accepted through shopping represents opportunities to
Email: program.intake@usda.gov. the Federal eRulemaking Portal. Go to identify suspicious behavior, but also
Persons with disabilities who require http://www.regulations.gov, and follow new ways that benefit misuse and fraud
alternative means for communication the online instructions for submitting may occur.
(Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.), comments electronically. To test the feasibility of online
should contact USDA’s TARGET Center All responses to this notice will be purchasing for SNAP, FNS established
at (202) 720–2600 (voice and TDD). summarized and included in the request eight online purchasing pilots and
Done at Washington, DC. for Office of Management and Budget requested volunteers on September 15,
approval. All comments will be a matter 2016 (OMB Control No.: 0584–0606,
Paul Kiecker,
of public record. expiration date 3/31/2019) for the
Acting Administrator.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Evaluation of Technology
[FR Doc. 2018–16197 Filed 7–27–18; 8:45 am] Modernization for SNAP Benefit
Requests for additional information or
BILLING CODE 3410–DM–P
copies of this information collection Redemption through Online
should be directed to Eric Williams at Transactions (Evaluation of Online
703–305–2576. Purchasing Pilots). Through this
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE evaluation, FNS seeks to learn how the
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Comments
pilots operate, the implementation
Food and Nutrition Service are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed challenges and lessons learned, the
collection of information is necessary characteristics of SNAP online
Agency Information Collection for the proper performance of the
Activities: Evaluation of Technology customers, the risks and benefits of
functions of the agency, including online purchasing for the integrity of
Modernization for SNAP Benefit whether the information shall have
Redemption Through Online SNAP, and the requirements for
practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the expansion.
Transactions for the USDA Food and agency’s estimate of the burden of the
Nutrition Service Through the Evaluation of Online
proposed collection of information, Purchasing Pilots, the research team
AGENCY: Food and Nutrition Service including the validity of the will address FNS’ two interrelated
(FNS), USDA. methodology and assumptions that were objectives: the analyses of the pilots’ (1)
used; (c) ways to enhance the quality, implementation and (2) integrity.
ACTION: Notice and request for
utility, and clarity of the information to Implementation study questions relate
comments.
be collected; and (d) ways to minimize to: The SNAP online transaction
SUMMARY: In accordance with the the burden of the collection of approaches; the process, challenges, and
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this information on those who are to lessons of implementation; the
notice invites the general public and respond, including use of appropriate characteristics of SNAP households that
other public agencies to comment on automated, electronic, mechanical, or shop online; and the level of effort for
this proposed information collection. other technological collection stakeholders (e.g., retailers, states, EBT
This collection is a new collection to techniques or other forms of information processors). Integrity study questions
test the feasibility of online purchasing technology. focus on: Delivery patterns and their
for SNAP through Evaluation of Title: Evaluation of Technology relationship to customer addresses and
Technology Modernization for SNAP Modernization for SNAP Benefit retailer locations; customer profiles and
Benefit Redemption through Online Redemption through Online their relationship to EBT cards and
Transactions for the USDA. The final Transactions for the USDA Food and SNAP households; customer shopping
report will synthesize findings across Nutrition Service. patterns; and problems such as refunds
pilots and detailed appendix chapters OMB Number: Not Yet Assigned. and cart abandonment. To meet these
will integrate implementation and Expiration Date: Not Yet Determined. two overarching objectives, the research
integrity evaluation findings for each Type of Request: New collection. team will collect and analyze qualitative
pilot. This collection includes in-depth Abstract: The Supplemental Nutrition data from key informants and
interviews with key informants, Assistance Program (SNAP) offers quantitative administrative data about
including SNAP online retailers and nutrition assistance to low-income online transactions, retailers, and SNAP
their web service providers, the individuals and families and provides households that will be provided by
designated third-party processor for the economic benefits to communities. The FNS, retailers, and state SNAP agencies.
pilots, EBT processors, and State Agricultural Act of 2014 (Farm Bill) The implementation and integrity
Agency EBT coordinators; and mandated the Online Purchasing Pilots analyses will inform FNS’ decisions
preparation and transmission of data to test the feasibility and implications of about whether and how to make SNAP
from retailers and their web service allowing retail food stores to accept online purchases more widely available,
providers, EBT processors, the third- SNAP benefits through online and how to ensure that protections
party processor, and state SNAP transactions. Prior to the pilots, SNAP against abuse remain strong or grow
agencies. benefits could only be redeemed in stronger. Eight retailers in eight states
person. The Farm Bill provided FNS are participating in the pilot, we
DATES: Written comments must be and its stakeholders an opportunity to anticipate 100 percent participation.
received on or before September 28, begin modernizing benefit redemption Affected Public: State, Local and
daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with NOTICES
2018. through online purchasing for SNAP. Tribal Agencies; Business-for-profit.
ADDRESSES: Comments may be sent to: For customers using SNAP, online Respondent Types: The study
Eric Williams, Food and Nutrition shopping may increase access to healthy includes in-depth interviews with a
Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and affordable foods, save time, and total of four respondent groups. Three
3101 Park Center Drive, Room 1014, reduce other barriers to better nutrition. are business respondents: (1) Personnel
Alexandria, VA 22302. Comments may Current participating retailers can offer from online retailers, including project
also be submitted via fax to the attention online shopping, and online merchants managers, customer service managers,
VerDate Sep<11>2014 20:33 Jul 27, 2018 Jkt 244001 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\30JYN1.SGM 30JYN1](https://thefederalregister.org/doc/83_FR_36661/page/1.svg)
![36516 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 146 / Monday, July 30, 2018 / Notices
staff who handle fulfillment of orders, transfer the aggregated file; 6 EBT provider data managers will participate
IT personnel or third-party web service processor managers; 3 third-party in three meetings to discuss the format
providers; (2) EBT processor staff; and processor personnel; 16 State agency and transfer of each of two types of files
(3) third-party processor staff. The EBT coordinators; 8 State Agency SNAP (detailed transaction file and aggregated
fourth state SNAP agency staff, program or data staff. file). These respondents will transmit
including State Agency EBT Estimated Number of Responses per detailed and aggregated data files nine
coordinators. Staff from two of these Respondent: The total estimated number times. State agency SNAP program or
respondent groups (retailers or their of responses is 2.232 responses per data staff will each participate in
third-party web service providers and respondent. Retailer personnel
discussion and initial programming of
state SNAP agencies) will also provide (personnel who handle the fulfillment,
the SNAP case record file data transfer
data files for the quantitative analysis. shipping, and delivery of EBT customer
Estimated Number of Respondents: orders, customer service managers, IT once and provide eight update files.
The total estimated number of personnel or third-party web service Estimated Total Annual Responses:
respondents is 177. This includes: 24 providers, project managers, and 395.
retailer staff who handle the fulfillment, personnel who completed the pilot Estimated Time per Response: 1.6
shipping, and delivery of EBT customer application) will respond to one in- hours is the average estimated time per
orders; 24 retailer customer service person interview or one telephone participant. However, response times
managers; 16 retailer IT personnel or interview. Managers for two EBT varies from 1 hour to 21 hours per
third-party web service providers; 32 processors will respond to one in-
response and depending on respondent
retailer project managers; 16 retailer person interview and two telephone
group, as shown in the table below.
personnel who completed the pilot interviews for a total of three responses
application; 8 retailer/web provider data each. Third-party processor managers Estimated Total Annual Burden on
managers; 8 retailer/web provider staff will respond to one in-person interview Respondents: 37,800 minutes (630
who will prepare and transfer the and two telephone interviews. State hours). See the table below for estimated
detailed transaction file; 8 retailer/web EBT coordinators will respond to one total annual burden for each type of
provider staff who will prepare and in-person interview. Retailer or web respondent.
Estimated
Estimated Responses Total annual average num- Estimated total
Respondent number re- annually per responses ber of hours hours
spondent respondent per response
Retailer personnel who handle the fulfillment, shipping, and delivery of EBT
customer orders ................................................................................................. 24 1.00 24.00 1.00000 24.000
Retailer customer service managers .................................................................... 24 1.00 24.00 1.00000 24.000
Retailer IT personnel or third-party web service provider personnel ................... 16 1.00 16.00 1.00000 16.000
Retailer project managers ..................................................................................... 32 1.00 32.00 1.50000 48.000
Retailer personnel who completed the pilot application ....................................... 16 1.00 16.00 1.00000 16.000
Retailer/web provider data managers who will participate in file transfer discus-
sion .................................................................................................................... 8 3.00 24.00 2.00000 48.000
Retailer/web provider staff who will prepare and transfer the detailed trans-
action file ........................................................................................................... 8 9.00 72.00 1.00000 72.000
Retailer/web provider staff who will prepare and transfer the aggregated file ..... 8 9.00 72.00 1.00000 72.000
Third-Party processor personnel ........................................................................... 3 3.00 9.00 2.00000 18.000
EBT processor managers ..................................................................................... 6 3.00 18.00 2.00000 36.000
State agency EBT coordinators ............................................................................ 16 1.00 16.00 1.00000 16.000
State agency SNAP program/data staff who will participate in file transfer dis-
cussion and initial programming ........................................................................ 8 1.00 8.00 21.00000 168.000
State agency SNAP program/data staff ................................................................ 8 8.00 64.00 1.00000 64.000
Total Reporting Burden .................................................................................. 177 ........................ 395 ........................ 622
Dated: July 19, 2018. SUMMARY: This is a request for allocation formula for the Department’s
Brandon Lipps, information from State agencies oversight and management of Child
Administrator, Food and Nutrition Service. administering Child Nutrition programs Nutrition Programs (CNP), specifically
[FR Doc. 2018–16220 Filed 7–27–18; 8:45 am] and State distributing agencies to learn the National School Lunch Program
BILLING CODE 3410–30–P
about the successes, challenges, and (NSLP), School Breakfast Program
needs for the State Administrative (SBP), Child and Adult Care Food
Expense (hereafter referred to as ‘‘SAE’’) Program (CACFP), Special Milk Program
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE allocation formula. It is not a request for (SMP) and the Food Distribution
proposal and does not commit the Program for schools (FDP). To better
Food and Nutrition Service Government to issue a solicitation, make understand the availability and use of
an award, or pay any costs associated SAE funds, FNS is requesting
Request for Information: State with responding to this announcement. information from CNP State
daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with NOTICES
Administrative Expense Allocation All submitted information shall remain administering agencies, State
Formula for Child Nutrition Programs with the Government and will not be distributing agencies, and CNP affiliate
returned. All responses will become associations about SAE allocation,
AGENCY: Food and Nutrition Service part of the public record and will not be reallocation, fund uses, and fund
(FNS), USDA. held confidential. restrictions at the State level.
The Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) The objectives of this request for
ACTION: Notice; request for information.
is seeking information on the SAE information are to:
VerDate Sep<11>2014 20:33 Jul 27, 2018 Jkt 244001 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\30JYN1.SGM 30JYN1](https://thefederalregister.org/doc/83_FR_36661/page/2.svg)
Document Created: 2018-07-28 01:44:03
Document Modified: 2018-07-28 01:44:03
| Category | Regulatory Information | |
| Collection | Federal Register | |
| sudoc Class | AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106: | |
| Publisher | Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration | |
| Section | Notices | |
| Action | Notice and request for comments. | |
| Dates | Written comments must be received on or before September 28, 2018. | |
| Contact | Requests for additional information or copies of this information collection should be directed to Eric Williams at 703-305-2576. | |
| FR Citation | 83 FR 36515 |
2025 Federal Register | Disclaimer | Privacy Policy
USC | CFR | eCFR