Agency information collection activities: Proposed collection; comment request,

[Federal Register: December 22, 1999 (Volume 64, Number 245)]

[Notices]

[Page 71724]

From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

[DOCID:fr22de99-54]

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.

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. 99-33190Filed12-21-99; 8:45 am]

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