Privacy Act of 1974; Matching Program, 17836-17837 [2021-07044]

Download as PDF 17836 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 64 / Tuesday, April 6, 2021 / Notices Participating Non-Federal Agencies Iowa Department of Human Services (Department). individual is enrolled in an EBBPqualifying assistance program: State of Iowa’s SNAP. Authority for Conducting the Matching Program Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, Public Law 116–260, 134 Stat. 1182; 47 CFR part 54. System(s) of Records The USAC records shared as part of this matching program reside in the EBBP system of records, FCC/WCB–3, Emergency Broadband Benefit Program, which was published in the Federal Register at 86 FR 11523 (Feb. 25, 2021). Purpose(s) In the 2016 Lifeline Modernization Order, the FCC required USAC to develop and operate the National Verifier to improve efficiency and reduce waste, fraud, and abuse in the Lifeline program. The stated purpose of the National Verifier is ‘‘to increase the integrity and improve the performance of the Lifeline program for the benefit of a variety of Lifeline participants, including Lifeline providers, subscribers, states, community-based organizations, USAC, and the Commission.’’ 31 FCC Rcd 3962, 4006, para. 126. To help determine whether Lifeline applicants and subscribers are eligible for Lifeline benefits, the Order contemplates that the USAC-operated LED will communicate with information systems and databases operated by other Federal and State agencies. Id. at 4011– 2, paras. 135–7. The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 directs the FCC to leverage the National Verifier to verify applicants’ eligibility for EBBP. The purpose of this matching program is to verify the eligibility of EBBP applicants and subscribers by determining whether they receive SNAP benefits administered by the Iowa Department. Under FCC rules, consumers receiving these benefits qualify for Lifeline discounts and also for EBBP benefits. khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with NOTICES Categories of Individuals The categories of individuals whose information is involved in the matching program include, but are not limited to, those individuals who have applied for EBBP benefits; are currently receiving benefits; are individuals who enable another individual in their household to qualify for EBBP benefits; are minors whose status qualifies a parent or guardian for EBBP benefits; or are individuals who have received EBBP benefits. Categories of Records The categories of records involved in the matching program include, but are not limited to last name, date of birth and the last four digits of the applicant’s Social Security Number. The National Verifier will transfer these data elements to the Iowa Department, which will respond either ‘‘yes’’ or ‘‘no’’ that the VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:34 Apr 05, 2021 Jkt 253001 Federal Communications Commission. Marlene Dortch, Secretary. [FR Doc. 2021–07045 Filed 4–2–21; 4:15 pm] BILLING CODE 6712–01–P FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION [FR ID: 19554] Privacy Act of 1974; Matching Program Federal Communications Commission. ACTION: Notice of a new matching program. AGENCY: In accordance with the Privacy Act of 1974, as amended (‘‘Privacy Act’’), this document announces the establishment of a computer matching program the Federal Communications Commission (‘‘FCC’’ or ‘‘Commission’’ or ‘‘Agency’’) and the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) will conduct with the Colorado Governor’s Office of Information Technology (OIT). The purpose of this matching program is to verify the eligibility of applicants to and subscribers of the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program, which is administered by USAC under the direction of the FCC, or other federal programs that use qualification for the FCC’s Lifeline Program as an eligibility criterion. More information about this program is provided in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section below. DATES: Written comments are due on or before May 6, 2021. This computer matching program will commence on May 6, 2021, and will conclude 18 months after becoming effective. ADDRESSES: Send comments to Margaret Drake, FCC, 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC 20554, or to Privacy@fcc.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Margaret Drake at 202–417–1707 or Privacy@fcc.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Emergency Broadband Benefit Program (EBBP) was established by Congress in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, Public Law 116–260, 134 Stat. 1182. EBBP is a program that will help SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00070 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 low-income Americans obtain discounted broadband service and onetime co-pay for a connected device (laptop, desktop computer or tablet). This program was created specifically to assist American families’ access to broadband, which has proven to be essential for work, school, and healthcare during the public health emergency that exists as a result of COVID–19. A household may qualify for the EBBP benefit under various criteria, including an individual qualifying for the FCC’s Lifeline program. In a Report and Order adopted on March 31, 2016, the Commission ordered USAC to create a National Lifeline Eligibility Verifier (‘‘National Verifier’’), including the National Lifeline Eligibility Database (LED), that would match data about Lifeline applicants and subscribers with other data sources to verify the eligibility of an applicant or subscriber. The Commission found that the National Verifier would reduce compliance costs for Lifeline service providers, improve service for Lifeline subscribers, and reduce waste, fraud, and abuse in the program. The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 directs the FCC to leverage the National Verifier to verify applicants’ eligibility for EBBP. The purpose of this matching program is to verify the eligibility of EBBP applicants and subscribers by determining whether they receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and/or Medicaid benefits administered by Colorado OIT. Under FCC rules, consumers receiving these benefits qualify for Lifeline discounts and also for EBBP benefits. Participating Non-Federal Agencies Colorado Governor’s Office of Information Technology (OIT). Authority for Conducting the Matching Program Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, Public Law 116–260, 134 Stat. 1182; 47 CFR part 54. Purpose(s) In the 2016 Lifeline Modernization Order, the FCC required USAC to develop and operate the National Verifier to improve efficiency and reduce waste, fraud, and abuse in the Lifeline program. The stated purpose of the National Verifier is ‘‘to increase the integrity and improve the performance of the Lifeline program for the benefit of a variety of Lifeline participants, including Lifeline providers, subscribers, states, community-based organizations, USAC, and the Commission.’’ 31 FCC Rcd 3962, 4006, E:\FR\FM\06APN1.SGM 06APN1 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 64 / Tuesday, April 6, 2021 / Notices para. 126. To help determine whether Lifeline applicants and subscribers are eligible for Lifeline benefits, the Order contemplates that the USAC-operated LED will communicate with information systems and databases operated by other Federal and State agencies. Id. at 4011– 2, paras. 135–7. The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 directs the FCC to leverage the National Verifier to verify applicants’ eligibility for EBBP. The purpose of this matching program is to verify the eligibility of EBBP applicants and subscribers by determining whether they receive SNAP and/or Medicaid benefits administered by Colorado OIT. Under FCC rules, consumers receiving these benefits qualify for Lifeline discounts and also for EBBP benefits. Categories of Individuals The categories of individuals whose information is involved in the matching program include, but are not limited to, those individuals who have applied for EBBP benefits; are currently receiving benefits; are individuals who enable another individual in their household to qualify for EBBP benefits; are minors whose status qualifies a parent or guardian for EBBP benefits; or are individuals who have received EBBP benefits. Categories of Records The categories of records involved in the matching program include, but are not limited to first name, last name, date of birth and the last four digits of the applicant’s Social Security Number. The National Verifier will transfer these data elements to Colorado OIT, which will respond either ‘‘yes’’ or ‘‘no’’ that the individual is enrolled in an EBBPqualifying assistance program: State of Colorado’s SNAP and/or Medicaid. System(s) of Records khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with NOTICES The USAC records shared as part of this matching program reside in the EBBP system of records, FCC/WCB–3, Emergency Broadband Benefit Program, which was published in the Federal Register at 86 FR 11523 (Feb. 25, 2021). Federal Communications Commission. Marlene Dortch, Secretary. [FR Doc. 2021–07044 Filed 4–2–21; 4:15 pm] BILLING CODE 6712–01–P VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:34 Apr 05, 2021 Jkt 253001 FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION [FR ID: 19621] Privacy Act of 1974; Matching Program Federal Communications Commission. ACTION: Notice of a new matching program. AGENCY: In accordance with the Privacy Act of 1974, as amended (‘‘Privacy Act’’), this document announces the modification of a computer matching program the Federal Communications Commission (‘‘FCC’’ or ‘‘Commission’’ or ‘‘Agency’’) and the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) will conduct with the Puerto Rico Department of the Family (Puerto Rico). The purpose of this matching program is to verify the eligibility of applicants to and subscribers of Lifeline (existing purpose) and the new Emergency Broadband Benefit Program, both of which are administered by USAC under the direction of the FCC. More information about these programs is provided in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section below. DATES: Written comments are due on or before May 6, 2021. This computer matching program will commence on May 6, 2021, and will conclude 18 months after the effective date. ADDRESSES: Send comments to Margaret Drake, FCC, 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC 20554, or to Privacy@fcc.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Margaret Drake at 202–418–1707 or Privacy@fcc.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Lifeline program provides support for discounted broadband and voice services to low-income consumers. Lifeline is administered by the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) under FCC direction. Consumers qualify for Lifeline through proof of income or participation in a qualifying program, such as Medicaid, the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP), Federal Public Housing Assistance, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit, or various Tribal-specific federal assistance programs. The Emergency Broadband Benefit Program (EBBP) was established by Congress in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, Public Law 116–260, 134 Stat. 1182. EBBP is a program that will help low-income Americans obtain discounted broadband service and one-time co-pay for a SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00071 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 17837 connected device (laptop, desktop computer or tablet). This program was created specifically to assist American families’ access to broadband, which has proven to be essential for work, school, and healthcare during the public health emergency that exists as a result of COVID–19. A household may qualify for the EBBP benefit under various criteria, including an individual qualifying for the FCC’s Lifeline program. In a Report and Order adopted on March 31, 2016, the Commission ordered USAC to create a National Lifeline Eligibility Verifier (‘‘National Verifier’’), including the National Lifeline Eligibility Database (LED), that would match data about Lifeline applicants and subscribers with other data sources to verify the eligibility of an applicant or subscriber. The Commission found that the National Verifier would reduce compliance costs for Lifeline service providers, improve service for Lifeline subscribers, and reduce waste, fraud, and abuse in the program. The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 directs the FCC to leverage the National Verifier to verify applicants’ eligibility for EBBP. The purpose of this matching program is to verify the eligibility of Lifeline and EBBP applicants and subscribers by determining whether they Nutrition Assistance Program benefits administered by Puerto Rico. Under FCC rules, consumers receiving these benefits qualify for Lifeline discounts and also for EBBP benefits. Participating Non-Federal Agencies Puerto Rico Department of the Family. Authority for Conducting the Matching Program The authority for the FCC’s EBBP is Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, Public Law 116–260, 134 Stat. 1182; 47 CFR part 54. The authority for the FCC’s Lifeline program is 47 U.S.C. 254; 47 CFR 54.400 et seq.; Lifeline and Link Up Reform and Modernization, et al., Third Report and Order, Further Report and Order, and Order on Reconsideration, 31 FCC Rcd 3962, 4006–21, paras. 126–66 (2016) (2016 Lifeline Modernization Order). Purpose(s) In the 2016 Lifeline Modernization Order, the FCC required USAC to develop and operate the National Verifier to improve efficiency and reduce waste, fraud, and abuse in the Lifeline program. The stated purpose of the National Verifier is ‘‘to increase the integrity and improve the performance E:\FR\FM\06APN1.SGM 06APN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 64 (Tuesday, April 6, 2021)]
[Notices]
[Pages 17836-17837]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-07044]


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FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION

[FR ID: 19554]


Privacy Act of 1974; Matching Program

AGENCY: Federal Communications Commission.

ACTION: Notice of a new matching program.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: In accordance with the Privacy Act of 1974, as amended 
(``Privacy Act''), this document announces the establishment of a 
computer matching program the Federal Communications Commission 
(``FCC'' or ``Commission'' or ``Agency'') and the Universal Service 
Administrative Company (USAC) will conduct with the Colorado Governor's 
Office of Information Technology (OIT). The purpose of this matching 
program is to verify the eligibility of applicants to and subscribers 
of the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program, which is administered by 
USAC under the direction of the FCC, or other federal programs that use 
qualification for the FCC's Lifeline Program as an eligibility 
criterion. More information about this program is provided in the 
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section below.

DATES: Written comments are due on or before May 6, 2021. This computer 
matching program will commence on May 6, 2021, and will conclude 18 
months after becoming effective.

ADDRESSES: Send comments to Margaret Drake, FCC, 45 L Street NE, 
Washington, DC 20554, or to [email protected].

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Margaret Drake at 202-417-1707 or 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Emergency Broadband Benefit Program 
(EBBP) was established by Congress in the Consolidated Appropriations 
Act of 2021, Public Law 116-260, 134 Stat. 1182. EBBP is a program that 
will help low-income Americans obtain discounted broadband service and 
one-time co-pay for a connected device (laptop, desktop computer or 
tablet). This program was created specifically to assist American 
families' access to broadband, which has proven to be essential for 
work, school, and healthcare during the public health emergency that 
exists as a result of COVID-19. A household may qualify for the EBBP 
benefit under various criteria, including an individual qualifying for 
the FCC's Lifeline program.
    In a Report and Order adopted on March 31, 2016, the Commission 
ordered USAC to create a National Lifeline Eligibility Verifier 
(``National Verifier''), including the National Lifeline Eligibility 
Database (LED), that would match data about Lifeline applicants and 
subscribers with other data sources to verify the eligibility of an 
applicant or subscriber. The Commission found that the National 
Verifier would reduce compliance costs for Lifeline service providers, 
improve service for Lifeline subscribers, and reduce waste, fraud, and 
abuse in the program. The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 
directs the FCC to leverage the National Verifier to verify applicants' 
eligibility for EBBP. The purpose of this matching program is to verify 
the eligibility of EBBP applicants and subscribers by determining 
whether they receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) 
and/or Medicaid benefits administered by Colorado OIT. Under FCC rules, 
consumers receiving these benefits qualify for Lifeline discounts and 
also for EBBP benefits.

Participating Non-Federal Agencies

    Colorado Governor's Office of Information Technology (OIT).

Authority for Conducting the Matching Program

    Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, Public Law 116-260, 134 
Stat. 1182; 47 CFR part 54.

Purpose(s)

    In the 2016 Lifeline Modernization Order, the FCC required USAC to 
develop and operate the National Verifier to improve efficiency and 
reduce waste, fraud, and abuse in the Lifeline program. The stated 
purpose of the National Verifier is ``to increase the integrity and 
improve the performance of the Lifeline program for the benefit of a 
variety of Lifeline participants, including Lifeline providers, 
subscribers, states, community-based organizations, USAC, and the 
Commission.'' 31 FCC Rcd 3962, 4006,

[[Page 17837]]

para. 126. To help determine whether Lifeline applicants and 
subscribers are eligible for Lifeline benefits, the Order contemplates 
that the USAC-operated LED will communicate with information systems 
and databases operated by other Federal and State agencies. Id. at 
4011-2, paras. 135-7.
    The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 directs the FCC to 
leverage the National Verifier to verify applicants' eligibility for 
EBBP. The purpose of this matching program is to verify the eligibility 
of EBBP applicants and subscribers by determining whether they receive 
SNAP and/or Medicaid benefits administered by Colorado OIT. Under FCC 
rules, consumers receiving these benefits qualify for Lifeline 
discounts and also for EBBP benefits.

Categories of Individuals

    The categories of individuals whose information is involved in the 
matching program include, but are not limited to, those individuals who 
have applied for EBBP benefits; are currently receiving benefits; are 
individuals who enable another individual in their household to qualify 
for EBBP benefits; are minors whose status qualifies a parent or 
guardian for EBBP benefits; or are individuals who have received EBBP 
benefits.

Categories of Records

    The categories of records involved in the matching program include, 
but are not limited to first name, last name, date of birth and the 
last four digits of the applicant's Social Security Number. The 
National Verifier will transfer these data elements to Colorado OIT, 
which will respond either ``yes'' or ``no'' that the individual is 
enrolled in an EBBP-qualifying assistance program: State of Colorado's 
SNAP and/or Medicaid.

System(s) of Records

    The USAC records shared as part of this matching program reside in 
the EBBP system of records, FCC/WCB-3, Emergency Broadband Benefit 
Program, which was published in the Federal Register at 86 FR 11523 
(Feb. 25, 2021).

Federal Communications Commission.
Marlene Dortch,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2021-07044 Filed 4-2-21; 4:15 pm]
BILLING CODE 6712-01-P
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