Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comment RequestThe Assessment of Computer Matching in the Food Stamp Program

[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 245 (Wednesday, December 22, 1999)]
[Notices]
[Page 71724]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-33190]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Food and Nutrition Service


Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; 
Comment Request--The Assessment of Computer Matching in the Food Stamp 
Program

AGENCY: Food and Nutrition Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this 
notice announces the Food and Nutrition Service's intention to request 
Office of Management and Budget approval of data collection activities 
that will help to assess the effectiveness of computer matching in the 
Food Stamp Program.

DATES: Written comments on this notice must be received by February 22, 
2000.

ADDRESSES: 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 will 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 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 through the use of appropriate automated, 
electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or 
other forms of information technology. Comments may be sent to: Alberta 
C. Frost, Director, Office of Analysis, Nutrition and Evaluation, Food 
and Nutrition Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 3101 Park Center 
Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302.
    All responses to this notice will be summarized and included in the 
request for Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval. All 
comments will also become a matter of public record.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information or 
copies of the proposed information collection forms should be directed 
to Alberta C. Frost, (703) 305-2017.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    Title: The Assessment of Computer Matching in the Food Stamp 
Program.
    OMB Number: Not yet assigned.
    Expiration Date: N/A.
    Type of Request: New collection of information.
    Abstract: The project entitled ``Assessment of Computer Matching in 
the Food Stamp Program'' will examine how States are currently using or 
planning to use computer matching strategies to reduce fraud and abuse 
in the Food Stamp Program (FSP). Computer matching is most frequently 
used in the FSP to verify the eligibility of new applicants (intake) or 
to verify the continuing eligibility of current recipients 
(recertification). It is a powerful management tool which has increased 
program integrity and efficiency.
    State program waivers and welfare reform legislation have 
substantially increased States' discretion and authority for making 
operational choices. As a result, the States vary considerably on many 
aspects of program operations, their costs, and their effectiveness. By 
collecting and disseminating information on computer matching, this 
project will help States improve program integrity and support FNS 
oversight to ensure that States manage the FSP as efficiently as 
possible.
    Telephone interviews with appropriate staff in each State will be 
conducted to determine how they are currently using or planning to use 
computer matching. To reduce the respondent burden, interview protocols 
will be customized to include State specific items and exclude non-
relevant items for each State.
    Estimate of Burden: Public reporting burden is estimated to range 
between 1 and 2 hours for each respondent.
    Respondents: Interviews will be conducted with State staff 
knowledgeable about food stamp computer matching activities and 
operations.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: An average of 2 respondents for 
each State or a total of 100.
    Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent: 1.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 200 hours.

    Dated: December 16, 1999.
Samuel Chambers, Jr.,
Administrator, Food and Nutrition Service.
[FR Doc. 99-33190 Filed 12-21-99; 8:45 am]
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