22098 Federal Register / Vol. 60, No. 86 / Thursday, May 4, 1995 / Notices

SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION

Statement of Organization, Functions

and Delegations of Authority

This statement amends part S of the

Statement of the Organization,

Functions and Delegations of Authority

which covers the Social Security

Administration (SSA). Notice is given of

the complete revision of existing Part S

and the establishment of Part T as SSA

becomes an independent agency. Notice

is further given that Chapter SA for the

Office of the Commissioner; Chapter S1

for the Office of the Deputy

Commissioner for Finance, Assessment

and Management; Chapter S2 for the

Office of the Deputy Commissioner for

Operations; Chapter S4 for the Office of

the Deputy Commissioner for Systems;

and Chapter S7 for the Office of the

Deputy Commissioner for Human

Resources are being amended to reflect

internal organizational realignments and

the deletion of all references to the

Department of Health and Human

Services as the parent agency of SSA.

Chapter S3 for the Office of the Deputy

Commissioner for Policy and Chapter S5

for the Office of the Deputy

Commissioner for Policy and External

Affairs are being deleted in their

entirety. Notice is further given of the

establishment of Chapter S8 for the SSA

Office of Inspector General; Chapter S9

for the SSA Office of General Counsel;

Chapter TA for the Office of the Deputy

Commissioner for Programs, Policy,

Evaluation and Communications; and

Chapter TB for the Office of the Deputy

Commissioner for Legislation and

Congressional Affairs. The Deputy

Commissioners for Finance, Assessment

and Management (S1); Operations (S2);

Systems (S4); Human Resources (S7);

Programs, Policy, Evaluation and

Communications (TA); Legislation and

Congressional Affairs (TB); the SSA

Inspector General (S8); and the SSA

General Counsel (S9) are all line

officials responsible for directing major

organizational components. The

following chapters reflect these changes.

Chapter S—Social Security Administration

S.00 Mission

S.10 Organization

S.20 Functions

S.30 Order of Succession

Section S.00 The Social Security

Administration—(Mission): The Social

Security Administration is the Nation’s

primary income security Agency. It

administers the Federal retirement,

survivors and disability insurance

programs, as well as the program of

supplemental security income (SSI) for

the aged, blind and disabled, and

performs certain functions with respect

to the black lung benefits program. SSA

also directs the aid to the aged, blind

and disabled in Guam, Puerto Rico and

the Virgin Islands.

Section S.10 The Social Security

Administration—(Organization):

The Social Security Administration,

under the supervision and direction of

the Commissioner of Social Security

(the Commissioner), includes:

A. The Office of the Commissioner of

Social Security (SA).

B. The Office of the Deputy

Commissioner of Social Security (SA).

C. The Office of the Deputy

Commissioner, Finance, Assessment

and Management (S1).

D. The Office of the Deputy

Commissioner, Operations (S2).

E. The Office of the Deputy

Commissioner, Systems (S4).

F. The Office of the Deputy

Commissioner, Human Resources (S7).

G. The Office of the SSA Inspector

General (S8).

H. The Office of the SSA General

Counsel (S9).

I. The Office of the Deputy

Commissioner, Programs, Policy,

Evaluation and Communications (TA).

H. The Office of the Deputy

Commissioner, Legislation and

Congressional Affairs (TB).

Section S.20 The Social Security

Administration—(Functions): The

Social Security Administration performs

all functions necessary to accomplish

the Agency’s mission. These are

specified in more detail in the sections

which follow Section S.30.

Section S.30 The Social Security

Administration—(Order of Succession):

A. 1. In the event of the absence or

disability of the Commissioner, the

Deputy Commissioner shall serve as

Acting Commissioner.

2. In the event of the absence or

disability of both the Commissioner and

Deputy Commissioner of Social Security

or vacancies in the positions, one of the

Deputy Commissioners or another

Executive Level official, will be

designated to serve as Acting

Commissioner.

3. In the event of the absence of the

Commissioner and the Deputy

Commissioners, an SSA official

designated by the Commissioner shall

serve as Acting Commissioner.

4. Should the positions of

Commissioner and Deputy

Commissioner of Social Security and

the Deputy Commissioners become

vacant, or these officials become

disabled, an official will be designated

to serve as Acting Commissioner.

B. 1. Where an Associate

Commissioner has two deputies, one of

the deputies shall be designated by the

Associate Commissioner to serve as

Acting Associate Commissioner during

his/her absence. In the event of a

disability of the Associate

Commissioner, the Commissioner shall

designate one of the Deputy Associate

Commissioners to serve as Acting

Associate Commissioner.

2. In the event of the absence of both

an Associate Commissioner and his/her

Deputy or deputies, an executive

designated by the Associate

Commissioner shall serve as Acting

Associate Commissioner.

3. Should an Associate Commissioner

or his/her Deputy Associate

Commissioner become disabled, an SSA

official designated by the Commissioner

shall serve as Acting Associate

Commissioner.

C. 1. During the absence or disability

of a Regional Commissioner, the Deputy

Regional Commissioner shall serve as

Acting Regional Commissioner.

2. In the event of the absence of both

a Regional Commissioner and his/her

Deputy, an SSA regional office official

designated by the particular Regional

Commissioner shall serve as Acting

Regional Commissioner.

3. Should both the Regional

Commissioner and Deputy Regional

Commissioner become disabled, an SSA

official designated by the Commissioner

shall serve as Acting Regional

Commissioner.

Delete: Existing Chapter S3, the Office

of Policy and Chapter S5, the Office of

Policy and External Affairs in their

entirety.

This statement amends part S of the

Statement of the Organization,

Functions and Delegations of Authority

which covers the Social Security

Administration (SSA). Notice is given of

the revision of Chapter SA for the Office

of the Commissioner of SSA to reflect

changes as SSA becomes an

independent agency. The changes are as

follows:

Section SA.10 The Office of the

Commissioner—(Organization):

Retitle:

B. The Office of the Principal Deputy

Commissioner (SA) to the Office of the

Deputy Commissioner of Social Security

(SA).

Establish:

D. The Office of the Chief of Staff

(SAN).

Section SA.20 The Office of the

Commissioner—(Functions) Retitle and

revise to read as follows:

B. The Deputy Commissioner of

Social Security (SA) assists the

Commissioner in carrying out his/her

responsibilities and performs other
Federal Register / Vol. 60, No. 86 / Thursday, May 4, 1995 / Notices 22099

duties as the Commissioner may

prescribe.

Delete all references to HHS:

C. The Immediate Office of the

Commissioner (SA).

Establish:

D. The Chief of Staff (SAN) provides

day-to-day support to the Commissioner

and Deputy Commissioner in matters

relating to program policy,

administration, communications and

external liaison.

This statement amends part S of the

Statement of the Organization,

Functions and Delegations of Authority

which covers the Social Security

Administration (SSA). Notice is given

that Chapter S1 for the Office of the

Deputy Commissioner, Finance,

Assessment and Management is being

amended to reflect internal

organizational realignments and the

deletion of all references to the

Department of Health and Human

Services as the parent agency of SSA.

The following material replaces Chapter

S1 in its entirety.

Chapter S1—The Office of the Deputy

Commissioner, Finance, Assessment and

Management

S1.00 Mission

S1.10 Organization

S1.20 Functions

Section S1.00 The Office of the

Deputy Commissioner, Finance,

Assessment and Management—

(Mission): The Office of the Deputy

Commissioner Finance, Assessment and

Management (ODCFAM) directs the

administration of comprehensive SSA

management programs including

budget, acquisition and grants, facilities

management and publications and

logistics. The Office directs the

development of Agency policies and

procedures as well as the management

of the Agency financial management

systems. It directs the activities of the

Systems Review Board (SRB) and the

systems procurement review function. It

directs the evaluation of programs

operations quality and the management

of Agency quality assurance,

management integrity and systems

security programs and the oversight of

SSA’s matching operations.

Section S1.10 The Office of the

Deputy Commissioner, Management,

Budget and Assessment—

(Organization): The Office of the Deputy

Commissioner, Finance, Assessment

and Management under the leadership

of the Deputy Commissioner, Finance,

Assessment and Management, includes:

A. The Deputy Commissioner,

Finance, Assessment and Management

(S1).

B. The Assistant Deputy

Commissioner, Finance, Assessment

and Management (S1).

C. The Immediate Office of the

Deputy Commissioner, Finance,

Assessment and Management (S1J),

which includes:

1. The SSA Senior Financial

Executive (S1J–1).

2. The Information Technology

Systems Review Staff (S1J–2).

3. The Management Analysis and

Audit Program Support Staff (S1J–3).

D. The Office of Program and Integrity

Reviews (S1K).

E. The Office of Financial Policy and

Operations (S1N).

F. The Office of Budget (S1P).

G. The Office of Acquisition and

Grants (S1Q).

H. The Office of Facilities

Management (S1R).

I. The Office of Publications and

Logistics Management (S1S).

Section S1.20 The Office of the

Deputy Commissioner, Finance,

Assessment and Management—

(Functions):

A. The Deputy Commissioner,

Finance, Assessment and Management

(S1) is directly responsible to the

Commissioner for carrying out the

ODCFAM mission and providing

general supervision to the major

components of ODCFAM. The Deputy

Commissioner also is the SSA Chief

Financial Officer (SSACFO) and is

directly responsible to the

Commissioner for carrying out the

SSACFO mission.

B. The Assistant Deputy

Commissioner, Finance, Assessment

and Management (S1) assists the Deputy

Commissioner in carrying out his/her

responsibilities and performs other

duties as the Deputy Commissioner may

assign.

C. The Immediate Office of the

Deputy Commissioner, Finance,

Assessment and Management (S1J)

provides the Deputy Commissioner with

staff assistance on the full range of his/

her responsibilities. It reviews and

analyzes existing and proposed formal

delegations of program and

administrative decisionmaking

authorities within SSA. It includes:

1. The SSA Senior Financial

Executive (S1J–1) provides financial

management expertise, advice and

support to the Deputy Commissioner,

Finance, Assessment and Management

(DCFAM) in his/her role as the Chief

Financial Officer; serves as a high-level

Agency focal point for financial

management matters and on selected

issues, acts as liaison with the

Department of the Treasury and the

Internal Revenue Service; monitors

Agency activities to improve financial

management and management integrity

weaknesses to assure Agency

commitment and followthrough. The

Senior Financial Executive is the focal

point for Agency combined annual wage

reporting/wage reconciliation

improvement efforts; prepares progress

reports and recommends corrective

action as required.

2. The Information Technology

Systems Review Staff (S1J–2) serves as

the principal independent source of

advice to the SRB, the SSACFO and the

Commissioner on the feasibility,

suitability and conformance to

regulations of proposed systems plans

and acquisitions; on proposed systems

design and requirement specifications;

and on all other systems strategies and

related issues. It reviews the proposed

Information Technology Systems (ITS)

budget and Agency Procurement

Requests for adequacy, clarity, costeffectiveness, achievability, consistency

with Agency plans, and to ensure that

project objectives are realistic and

complete. It conducts technical reviews

of the functional requirements and

design specifications of all ITS

hardware and software systems to

ensure their sufficiency and compliance

with applicable policies, procedures

and Agency plans. The Staff conducts

in-process reviews of systems, planned

implementation strategies, contracts,

interagency agreements and other

ongoing work in the systems area to

determine compliance with Agency

decisions and plans and monitors

significant ITS projects to ensure the

Agency objectives and timeframes are

met. The Staff conducts

postimplementation reviews of Agency

systems and ITS acquisitions to

determine if Agency investments

provide the expected returns and

whether the Agency objectives are being

met with timely and cost-effective

methods. The Staff conducts

Information Resources Management

reviews, maintains the Agency ITS

budget project accounting data base and

provides the DCFAM and the

Commissioner with regular status

reports on the execution of the Agency’s

ITS budget.

3. The Management Analysis and

Audit Program Support Staff (S1J–3)

provides analytical staff support for a

wide range of Agencywide and/or

Office-wide administrative program

activities related to program

administration, operations and policy;

plans and directs SSA’s participation in

the audit programs conducted by the

U.S. Government Accounting Office

(GAO), the Office of Inspector General

(OIG) and other external organizations;
22100 Federal Register / Vol. 60, No. 86 / Thursday, May 4, 1995 / Notices

develops Agency position on issues

presented in the audits; reviews and

evaluates audit reports and monitors

and evaluates the implementation of

GAO and OIG audit reports and internal

survey recommendations.

D. The Office of Program and Integrity

Reviews (S1K) reviews, evaluates and

assesses the integrity and quality of the

administration of Social Security

programs in headquarters and in the

field. It recommends corrective changes

in programs, policies, procedures or

legislation aimed at quality and

productivity improvement and/or

program simplification. It evaluates the

quality of SSA operations with

emphasis on the prevention of program

and systems abuse, the elimination of

waste and the increase of efficiency. It

also has responsibility for overseeing

SSA’s computer matching operations.

E. The Office of Financial Policy and

Operations (S1N) has operational

responsibility for SSA’s accounting and

payment operations and establishes

requirements for all SSA financial

systems and processes to ensure Agency

compliance with accounting principles

and standards as prescribed by the

Comptroller General and Chief

Financial Officer of the United States;

fiscal policies and procedures

prescribed by the Secretary of the

Treasury; and management integrity and

control standards prescribed by the

Office of Management and Budget under

the Federal Managers’ Financial

Integrity Act.

F. The Office of Budget (S1P) provides

overall management of the planning,

development and execution of the SSA

budget. The Office develops policies

and guidelines for the exercise of SSAwide budget responsibility and

evaluates and appraises the manner in

which this responsibility is carried out.

G. The Office of Acquisition and

Grants (S1Q) directs the business

management aspects of SSA’s

procurement program and grants

management program by awarding and

administering contracts, preparing

purchase orders or other contractual

instruments, and awarding and

administering grants. It develops and

implements policies, procedures and

directives for SSA procurement and

grants activities.

H. The Office of Facilities

Management (S1R) directs the national

SSA real property program including

short- and long-range facilities planning:

design, construction and leasing of

central office and large field facilities

and maintenance, repair and

construction projects and policy

development related to these operations

and facilities. It acquires, utilizes and

manages space at SSA headquarters and

develops a comprehensive space

inventory and utilization system. The

Office of Facilities Management

develops, implements and evaluates

SSA’s environmental protection, safety

and protective services programs. It

ensures that these programs are

responsive to the needs of the Agency

and serves as a focal point for inquiries

and guidance concerning these

programs.

I. The Office of Publications and

Logistics Management (S1S) directs a

comprehensive SSA printing,

publications and distribution

management program and develops

pertinent policies, standards, and

procedures for SSA’s forms and

publications management, printing,

reprographics and distribution

programs. It directs the administration

and maintenance of the SSA library, the

SSA History Room, the historical

research program and records

management program. It administers the

SSA logistics management program,

directs the SSA property and supply

management programs and manages the

operation of SSA warehousing facilities

including receipt, storage and issuance

of forms publications, supplies and

equipment for SSA-wide use. The Office

directs activities related to employee

transportation including providing

headquarters passenger, mail and freight

transportation services. The Office

directs the SSA mail management

program.

Subchapter S1K—Office of Program and

Integrity Reviews

S1K.00 Mission

S1K.10 Organization

S1K.20 Functions

Section S1K.00 The Office of

Program and Integrity Reviews—

(Mission): The Office of Program and

Integrity Reviews (OPIR) reviews,

evaluates and assesses the integrity and

quality of the administration of Social

Security programs in headquarters and

in the field. It recommends corrective

changes in programs, policies,

procedures or legislation aimed at

quality and productivity improvement

and/or program simplification. It

evaluates the quality of SSA operations

with emphasis on the prevention of

program and systems abuse, the

elimination of waste and the increase of

efficiency. It also oversees SSA’s

computer matching operations.

Section S1K.10 The Office of

Program and Integrity Reviews—

(Organization): The Office of Program

and Integrity Reviews, under the

leadership of the Associate

Commissioner for Program and Integrity

Reviews, includes:

A. The Associate Commissioner for

Program and Integrity Reviews (S1K).

B. The Deputy Associate

Commissioner for Program and Integrity

Reviews (S1K).

C. The Immediate Office of the

Associate Commissioner for Program

and Integrity Reviews (S1K).

1. The Administration, Matching and

Data Management Staff (S1K–1).

D. The Office of Statistics and Special

Area Studies (S1KE).

1. The Division of Statistics (S1KE1).

2. The Division of Special Studies and

Analysis (S1KE2).

3. The Division of Public Service

Evaluation (S1KE3).

E. The Office of Disability Program

Quality (S1KC).

1. The Division of Disability Quality

Policy, Evaluation and Analysis

(S1KC1).

2. The Division of Disability Quality

Operations (S1KC2).

3. The Division of Disability Hearings

Quality (S1KC3).

F. The Offices of Regional Program

and Integrity Reviews (S1K–F1—S1K–

FX).

G. The Office of Assistance and

Insurance Program Quality (S1KG).

1. The Division of Insurance Program

Entitlement Quality (S1KG1).

2. The Division of Insurance Program

Postentitlement Quality (S1KG2).

3. The Division of Assistance Program

Eligibility Quality (S1KG3).

4. The Division of Assistance Program

Posteligibility Quality (S1KG4).

Section S1K.20 The Office of

Program and Integrity Reviews—

(Functions):

A. The Associate Commissioner for

Program and Integrity Reviews (S1K) is

directly responsible to the Deputy

Commissioner, Finance, Assessment

and Management for carrying out OPIR’s

mission and providing general

supervision to the major components of

OPIR.

B. The Deputy Associate

Commissioner for Program and Integrity

Reviews (S1K) assists the Associate

Commissioner in carrying out his/her

responsibilities and performs other

duties as the Associate Commissioner

may prescribe.

C. The Immediate Office of the

Associate Commissioner for Program

and Integrity Reviews (S1K) provides

the Associate Commissioner and Deputy

Associate Commissioner with staff

assistance on the full range of their

responsibilities.

1. The Administration, Matching and

Data Management Staff (S1K–1)

consolidates and focuses on a number of
Federal Register / Vol. 60, No. 86 / Thursday, May 4, 1995 / Notices 22101

functions previously spread throughout

the organization. It conducts a variety of

activities that cross component lines

and impact the organization as a whole.

The staff provides support on all budget,

personnel and staffing issues; oversees

the implementation of the provisions of

the Computer Matching and Privacy

Protection Act of 1988 for the Agency;

and supports OPIR components,

including the Office of Regional

Program Integrity Reviews (ORPIR), by

planning, developing, maintaining and

improving OPIR’s communications and

data processing systems and the quality

review data bases for SSA programs.

D. The Office of Statistics and Special

Area Studies (S1KE) has the

responsibility for conducting broadbased studies and analyses of SSA’s

Retirement and Survivors Insurance

(RSI), Supplemental Security Income

(SSI), Disability Insurance (DI) and 800

Number operations and policies. It

surveys SSA’s customers to determine

their satisfaction with field office (FO)

services and whether their expectations

were met; i.e., customer satisfaction.

This effort supports the Agency

initiative to improve the quality of

services provided. The Office provides

statistical advice and assistance to OPIR

components. Operations research

studies of SSA programs and

management issues, designed to

improve the efficiency of SSA’s

operational workloads, are also

conducted in this office.

1. The Division of Statistics (S1KE1).

a. Provides statistical advice and

support to OPIR components on study

design, sample selection, variance

calculations, hypothesis testing and data

analysis.

b. Develops and applies statistical

profiling techniques to operational

workloads to improve targeting of

resources and/or quality of operations.

2. The Division of Special Studies and

Analysis (S1KE2).

a. Designs, coordinates and conducts

ad hoc studies and analyses of the RSI,

SSI and DI programs’ policies and

procedures.

b. Develops recommendations to

improve quality and/or costeffectiveness of SSA operations.

3. The Division of Public Service

Evaluation (S1KE3).

a. Designs, directs and coordinates the

nationwide system and procedures for

evaluating SSA’s 800 Number service.

b. Designs, directs and coordinates the

evaluation of SSA’s delivery of services

to our customers by obtaining feedback

of their expectations for, and

perceptions of, SSA’s service.

c. Plans, coordinates and conducts

focus group discussions on various

issues/policies/concerns with general

public and beneficiary/recipient

populations.

E. The Office of Disability Program

Quality (S1KC) plans, designs and

maintains a quality review system for

the Title II and Title XVI disability

programs to ensure quality in

adjudication and payment. It designs

sampling methods and techniques, and

issues policies and procedures for

reviews. It analyzes review data and

prepares reports on findings, including

recommendations for corrective action

or changes in disability program

policies, procedures or legislation. The

Office plans and designs special reviews

of problem areas and plans and utilizes

an automated data base of findings in

current and longitudinal analyses so

that policy and operational managers

can improve the operation of the

disability program. The Office provides

technical support and guidance to

program and integrity field staff in the

disability quality review program and

conducts reviews of ORPIR adherence to

OPIR review policies and procedures.

I111. The Division of Disability Quality

Policy, Evaluation and Analysis

(S1KC1):

a. Develops disability quality review

policy, procedures, forms and

instructions for use by State and Federal

components in payment and

adjudicative process consistency and

preeffectuation reviews.

b. Identifies error-prone and usersupport type case review workloads,

and plans targeted sampling procedures

to produce appropriate quality review

data. Verifies production of sample

levels for targeted reviews. Provides

sampling intervals for use by State

agencies in their quality review

operations.

c. Studies the adjudication and

payment quality review programs, and

modifies them to accommodate new

workloads or to improve quality of the

data.

d. Develops sampling techniques for

adjudication and payment process

quality reviews. Modifies sampling to

insure validity of data and to respond to

disability program and quality review

program changes.

e. Provides technical guidance and

support to the ORPIR in regard to

disability quality review operations.

Develops technical training package and

programs for workload, policy or

procedural changes.

f. Plans and issues periodic reports

related to the quality of disability

payment and eligibility processes for the

Title II and Title XVI disability

programs.

g. Analyzes data to identify repetitive

and significant errors to determine their

causes and costs, and to target areas

needing study to determine corrective

action.

h. Determines the need for, and

designs, special studies to supplement

regular reports of disability quality

reviews. Coordinates, reviews and

evaluates these studies, and helps field

offices develop field-initiated studies.

i. Works with program components to

identify user requirements for various

profiles and to implement and evaluate

profiles.

2. The Division of Disability Quality

Operations (S1KC2):

a. Conducts consistency quality

reviews of samples of QA or

preeffectuation reviews by Disability

Quality Branches in the ORPIR. These

cases include initial claims,

reconsideration and continuing

disability investigations.

b. Conducts consistency quality

reviews of the substantive and technical

aspects of samples of continuing

disability reviews completed by the

Office of Disability Operations and the

Disability Review Sections of the

Processing Centers.

c. Conducts quality reviews of the

substantive and technical aspects of

samples of uneffectuated claims

adjudicated by the Federal Disability

Determination Services and the Office of

International Operations.

d. Reviews samples of types of

disability cases that have been

identified as error-prone or which

involve policy, procedural or

operational problems. Prepares

evaluative reports of the findings

derived from such reviews, including

recommendations for corrective actions.

e. Designs and conducts special

studies of problem areas and prepares

reports indicating trends and

recommendations for improvements in

policy and procedure.

3. The Division of Disability Hearings

Quality (S1KC3).

a. Plans, designs and maintains a

quality assurance (QA) review system to

assess quality in adjudication of

disability claims in which a hearing

before an administrative law judge (ALJ)

has been requested.

b. Conducts QA reviews of the

disability and procedural aspects of a

sample of claims decided by the ALJ

including State Agency reconsideration

determinations that have been appealed

by an ALJ hearing.

c. Plans and issues periodic reports

related to the QA reviews of ALJ

decisions.
22102 Federal Register / Vol. 60, No. 86 / Thursday, May 4, 1995 / Notices

d. Designs and conducts special

studies of significant issues that are

identified during the QA review.

F. The Offices of Regional Program

and Integrity Reviews (ORPIR) (S1K–

F1—S1K–FX) manage quality assurance

and evaluation activities in the field.

They conduct independent reviews to

determine payment and eligibility error

rates in Social Security programs,

including errors in Federallyadministered State supplementary

payments. The ORPIR conduct

independent reviews to determine the

quality of adjudication processes of

Social Security programs. They

implement study reviews as formulated

by the Office of Program and Integrity

Reviews and provide reports, data and

analyses. They assist in identifying error

trends and sources and recommend

corrective actions. They also perform

special assessment surveys and

analyses.

G. The Office of Assistance and

Insurance Program Quality (S1KG) is

responsible for quality reviews, special

studies and analyses of the full range of

legal requirements, policies, procedures,

systems and operations for the RSI and

SSI programs, for the nonmedical

aspects of disability in both programs,

and for issues common to both

programs.

1. The Division of Insurance Program

Entitlement Quality (S1KG1).

a. Is the principal SSA source for

quality measurement and data for

preclaims (enumeration and earnings

maintenance) and RSI claims actions

and for the level of service rendered to

the public with such actions.

b. Designs, develops and conducts

ongoing RSI quality reviews, special

studies and analyses of entitlement.

Special studies and targeted analyses

are requested by Congress, higher

monitoring authorities, the SSA

Executive Staff, as well as being

Division-initiated in response to

identified error issues.

c. Maintains, analyzes and reports

quality data and develops and promotes

recommendations to improve the

accuracy and cost-effectiveness of RSI

entitlement, to improve productivity in

processing entitlement workloads, and

to improve entitlement policies and

procedures.

d. Conducts research in the areas of

RSI entitlement and serves as SSA

liaison with other Federal entities, State

and local governments, and the private

sector.

2. The Division of Insurance Program

Postentitlement Quality (S1KG2).

a. Is the principal SSA source for

quality measurement and data for RSI

postentitlement actions, including

Stewardship studies, and for the level of

service rendered to the public with such

actions.

b. Designs, develops and conducts

ongoing RSI quality reviews, special

studies and analyses of postentitlement.

Special studies and targeted analyses

are requested by Congress, higher

monitoring authorities, the SSA

Executive Staff, as well as being

Division-initiated in response to

identified error issues.

c. Maintains, analyzes and reports

quality data and develops and promotes

recommendations to improve the

accuracy and cost-effectiveness of RSI

postentitlement, to improve

productivity in processing

postentitlement workloads, and to

improve postentitlement policies and

procedures.

d. Conducts research in the areas of

RSI postentitlement and serves as SSA

liaison with other Federal entities, State

and local governments, and the private

sector.

3. The Division of Assistance Program

Eligibility Quality (S1KG3).

a. Is the principal SSA source for

quality measurement and data for SSI

claims and subsequent determination

actions and for the level of service

rendered to the public with such

actions.

b. Designs, develops and conducts

ongoing SSI quality reviews, special

studies, and analyses of eligibility and

subsequent determinations of eligibility.

Conducts special studies and targeted

analyses in response to identified error

issues whether requested by Congress,

higher monitoring authorities, the SSA

Executive Staff or Division-initiated.

c. Maintains, analyzes and reports

quality data and develops and promotes

recommendations to improve the

accuracy and cost-effectiveness of SSI

eligibility and subsequent

determinations of eligibility, to improve

productivity in processing such

workloads, and to improve such policies

and procedures.

d. Conducts research in the areas of

SSI eligibility and subsequent eligibility

and serves as SSA liaison with other

Federal entities, State and local

governments, and the private sector.

e. Designs automation-enhanced

quality review processes.

4. The Division of Assistance Program

Posteligibility Quality (S1KG4).

a. Is the principal SSA source for

quality measurement and data for SSI

posteligibility actions, including

Stewardship studies, and for the level of

service rendered to the public with such

actions.

b. Designs, develops and conducts

ongoing SSI quality reviews, special

studies, and analyses of posteligibility

decisions. Special studies and targeted

analyses are requested by Congress,

higher monitoring authorities, the SSA

Executive Staff, as well as being

Division-initiated in response to

identified error issues.

c. Maintains, analyzes and reports

quality data, performs consistency

reviews, and develops, promotes and

tracks recommendations to improve the

accuracy of SSI posteligibility, to

improve productivity in processing

posteligibility workloads, and to

improve posteligibility policies and

procedures.

d. Conducts research in the areas of

SSI posteligibility and serves as SSA

liaison with other Federal entities, State

and local governments, and the private

sector.

Subchapter S1N—Office of Financial Policy

and Operations

S1N.00 Mission

S1N.10 Organization

S1N.20 Functions

Section S1N.00 The Office of

Financial Policy and Operations—

(Mission): The Office of Financial Policy

and Operations (OFPO) has operational

responsibility for SSA’s accounting and

payment operations and establishes

requirements for all SSA financial

systems and processes to ensure Agency

compliance with accounting principles

and standards prescribed by the

Comptroller General and Chief

Financial Officer of the United States;

fiscal policies and procedures

prescribed by the Secretary of the

Treasury; and management integrity and

control standards prescribed by the

Office of Management and Budget under

the Federal Managers’ Financial

Integrity Act.

Section S1N.10 The Office of

Financial Policy and Operations—

(Organization): The Office of Financial

Policy and Operations, under the

leadership of the Associate

Commissioner for Financial Policy and

Operations, includes:

A. The Associate Commissioner for

Financial Policy and Operations (S1N).

B. The Deputy Associate

Commissioner for Financial Policy and

Operations (S1N).

C. The Immediate Office of the

Associate Commissioner for Financial

Policy and Operations (S1N).

D. The Office of Financial Policy and

Systems Design (S1NA).

1. The Division of Financial Policy

and Standards (S1NA1).

2. The Division of Financial/

Administrative Systems (S1NA2).

3. The Division of Systems Security

(S1NA6).
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4. The Division of Program Systems

Requirements (S1NA7).

E. The Office of Finance (S1NC).

1. The Division of Central Accounting

Operations (S1NC1).

2. The Division of Administrative

Payments and Recovery (S1NC2).

3. The Division of Travel Management

(S1NC3).

F. The Office of Program Accounting

Operations (S1NE).

1. The Division of Benefit

Certification and Accounting (S1NE1).

2. The Division of Cost Analysis

(S1NE2).

Section S1N.20 The Office of

Financial Policy and Operations—

(Functions):

A. The Associate Commissioner for

Financial Policy and Operations (S1N)

is directly responsible to the Deputy

Commissioner, Finance, Assessment

and Management for carrying out

OFPO’s mission and provides general

supervision to the major components of

OFPO.

B. The Deputy Associate

Commissioner for Financial Policy and

Operations (S1N) assists the Associate

Commissioner in carrying out his/her

responsibilities and performs other

duties as the Associate Commissioner

may prescribe.

C. The Immediate Office of the

Associate Commissioner for Financial

Policy and Operations (S1N) provides

the Associate Commissioner and the

Deputy Associate Commissioner with

staff assistance on the full range of their

responsibilities.

D. The Office of Financial Policy and

Systems Design (S1NA) develops

financial accounting policies,

procedures and requirements for all

SSA financial management systems:

program benefits, debt management and

financial/administrative systems. It

directs the preparation and publication

of SSA’s annual financial statement,

plans and directs the analysis of SSA’s

integrated financial/administrative

systems and develops and executes

Agency policies and procedures for

system security, management integrity,

cash management, administrative

control and use of Agency funds and

performance measurement including

analysis of program outcomes, program

financing adequacy, operational

efficiency and service delivery.

1. The Division of Financial Policy

and Standards (S1NA1) directs the

development of financial accounting

policies and procedures for all SSA

financial management systems in

compliance with accounting principles

and standards prescribed by the

Comptroller General and Chief

Financial Officer of the United States

and fiscal policies prescribed by the

Secretary of the Treasury. It administers

SSA’s Federal Managers’ Financial

Integrity Act reporting and monitoring

program (sections 2 and 4) including a

risk analysis/vulnerability assessment

program to ensure the accuracy and

accountability of SSA’s operational and

administrative processes. It manages the

preparation of SSA’s audited annual

financial statement and reports required

by the Government Performance and

Results Act.

2. The Division of Financial/

Administrative Systems (S1NA2)

provides systems analysis and support

for the design, development and

implementation of SSA’s financial

management systems and their

integration with related administrative

processes including applications to

support core accounting functions of

fund control, general ledger and

reporting to higher monitoring

authorities; accounts payable functions

with connectivity to Treasury

disbursing centers, Agency cashier and

electronic commerce operations; cost

analysis functions with determinations

for Agency production, productivity and

costs of workloads, business processes,

programs and projects; travel

management functions including

document preparation, authorization

and management information; payroll

management functions, including fulltime equivalency, workyear and dollar

tracking at all organizational levels;

budget formulation and execution

functions of the Office of Budget; and

related functions of managers SSAwide.

3. The Division of Systems Security

(S1NA6) directs, coordinates and

manages SSA’s overall information

systems security program. This includes

the development of SSA’s security

policy requirements and procedures, the

effective implementation of other

governing directives in the area of

security, the administration of an

effective access control program and an

onsite review program. It provides

educational training and awareness

programs to management and

employees on security policy/

requirements; serves as the Agency focal

point for day-to-day contact with the

Office of Inspector General on matters of

fraud, waste and abuse; and provides

direction and guidance to the Agency’s

component and regional security

officers.

4. The Division of Program Systems

Requirements (S1NA7) directs the

development of financial and

accounting requirements for SSA’s

programmatic systems; reviews and

negotiates modifications to Agency’s

functional requirements for adherence

to the SSACFO requirements;

participates in software validation/

testing to ensure its effectiveness,

reliability and conformance; and

negotiates scope and timing for software

releases especially to ensure prompt

correction of material nonconformances

with accounting principles and

standards prescribed by the Comptroller

General and the Chief Financial Officer

of the United States.

E. The Office of Finance (S1NC)

directs SSA’s central accounting and

financial reporting activities and

provides financial, fund control, cash

management services that include

administrative payments, administrative

debt collection and travel management.

It plans and directs the development of

operating policies and procedures

related to financial operations and

evaluates these activities to ensure they

are responsive to the needs of the

Agency.

1. The Division of Central Accounting

Operations (S1NC1) directs SSA’s

central accounting and reporting

operations and develops related Agency

operating procedures. It monitors and

reports on the status of Agency

spending and maintains control over

Agency assets, liabilities and

appropriations; manages the Agency’s

cash position and flow including

coordination with trust fund investment

activities and with fund balances at the

U.S. Treasury; manages SSA’s financial

reporting activities, including

preparation of all Agency financial

reports to higher monitoring authorities;

and serves as the Agency’s obligations

control point assuring and certifying the

legality and propriety of proposed and

incurred obligations.

2. The Division of Administrative

Payments and Recovery (S1NC2) directs

SSA’s administrative payment and

collection operations and develops

related operating policies and

procedures. It examines and certifies

SSA’s administrative payments;

administers SSA’s third party draft

program, providing both administrative

and benefit payment delivery service to

SSA FOs nationwide; adjudicates claims

submitted to the Agency under the

Federal Tort Claims and Military

Personnel and Civilian Employees’

Claims Act; and serves as the Agency’s

focal point for administrative debt

management ensuring the billing and

collection of fees charged by SSA for

reimbursable services.

3. The Division of Travel Management

(S1NC3) directs SSA’s travel

management operations and develops

related operating policies and

procedures. It serves as the Agency’s
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focal point for travel management,

ensuring the propriety of travel

payments; examines and certifies SSA’s

travel payments; administers

commercial travel agent, charge card,

traveler’s checks and automated teller

machine services; and manages SSA’s

nationwide relocation services program.

F. The Office of Program Accounting

Operations (S1NE) directs SSA’s

program accounting operations

including the processes which

determine trust fund revenues,

authorize recurring and daily benefit

payments and determine the

administrative expenses to be borne by

each trust fund and the general fund for

administration of Titles II, XVI and

XVIII of the Social Security Act and

other Federal programs. It also plans

and directs the formulation of SSA’s

operating policies and procedures in

these areas and provides a wide range

of management information and

analysis of SSA workloads, workyears,

productivity and costs.

1. The Division of Benefit

Certification and Accounting (S1NE1)

directs SSA’s benefit payment and

earnings certification operations and

develops related operating policies and

procedures. It certifies and accounts for

all benefit payments authorized under

the Social Security Act; interacts with

the Department of the Treasury to

ensure accurate and timely issuance of

benefit entitlements and accounting for

all related cash activity, including

proper charges and credits to the

Agency’s trust funds and general fund

appropriations and master beneficiary

records. As necessary, directs parallel

actions by SSA’s FOs and processing

centers. Oversees the Agency’s earnings

records maintenance operation and

maintains accounting controls necessary

for interim and final certifications to the

Secretary of the Treasury which

determine revenues paid to the Social

Security and Medicare trust funds.

2. The Division of Cost Analysis

(S1NE2) directs SSA’s cost accounting

and analysis operations and the

development of related Agency

operating procedures; develops Agency

workload measurement policy and labor

distribution requirements; manages

SSA’s Cost Analysis System which

supports the Agency’s budget

formulation and execution processes;

and satisfies the statutory requirements

for attribution of costs to all Agency

workloads, functions, business

processes and programs. Provides a

wide range of management information

and analysis on the Agency’s

administrative costs, workloads, labor

utilization and productivity.

Chapter S1P—Office of Budget

S1P.00 Mission

S1P.10 Organization

S1P.20 Functions

Section S1P.00 The Office of

Budget—(Mission): The Office of Budget

(OB) provides overall management of

the planning, development and

execution of the SSA budget. The Office

develops policies and guidelines for the

exercise of SSA-wide budget

responsibility and evaluates and

appraises the manner in which this

responsibility is carried out.

Section S1P.10 The Office of Budget—

(Organization): The Office of Budget,

under the leadership of the Associate

Commissioner, Office of Budget,

includes:

A. The Associate Commissioner,

Office of Budget (S1P).

B. The Deputy Associate

Commissioner, Office of Budget (S1P).

C. The Immediate Office of the

Associate Commissioner, Office of

Budget (S1P).

D. The Office of Administrative

Budget (S1PA).

E. The Office of Program Budget

(S1PB).

F. The Office of Administrative

Budget Coordination and Analysis

(S1PC).

Section S1P.20 The Office of

Budget—(Functions):

A. The Associate Commissioner,

Office of Budget (S1P) is directly

responsible to the Deputy

Commissioner, Finance, Assessment

and Management for carrying out OB’s

mission and providing general

supervision to the major components of

OB.

B. The Deputy Associate

Commissioner, Office of Budget (S1P)

assists the Associate Commissioner in

carrying out his/her responsibilities and

performs other duties as the Associate

Commissioner may prescribe.

C. The Immediate Office of the

Associate Commissioner, Office of

Budget (S1P) provides the Associate

Commissioner and Deputy Associate

Commissioner with staff assistance on

the full range of their responsibilities.

D. The Office of Administrative

Budget (S1PA).

1. Interprets and applies SSA policies

and guidelines on budget formulation

and execution in the review and

analysis of SSA component budget

requests.

2. Formulates the operational

workload portion of SSA’s

administrative budget based on SSA

plans, policies, and operational data.

3. Monitors and analyzes component

spending as part of SSA level budget

execution policies.

E. The Office of Program Budget

(S1PB).

1. Reviews and consolidates present

statutory program cost estimates for

trust fund and other Federal fund

programs administered by SSA

(Retirement, Survivors and Disability

Insurance, Black Lung Benefits and

Supplemental Security Income).

Formulates a unified Agency budget

through consolidation of program and

administrative budgets, coordinating

with OB’s other offices as necessary.

2. Coordinates presentation of the

SSA budget in total and by account;

presents the proposed budget to the

Commissioner; and develops budget

documents and briefing material for the

Commissioner’s budget presentation to

the Office of Management and Budget

(OMB) and Congress.

3. Reviews, coordinates and presents

program cost estimates for proposed

legislative, operational policy and

regulatory changes. Formulates or

directs the formulation of administrative

cost estimates for proposed legislative,

operational policy and regulatory

changes, coordinating with OB’s other

offices and other SSA components, as

necessary. Provides financial

management advice to the

Commissioner and other SSA officials

in the policy development process.

4. Serves as the SSA focal point for

budget information provided to OMB,

congressional appropriations and

budget staffs and, as requested, by

representatives of the media.

F. The Office of Administrative

Budget Coordination and Analysis

(S1PC).

1. Interprets administrative budgetary

policies and limitations, and develops

and issues guidelines and instructions

to SSA components for budget

formulation and execution.

2. Executes the total administrative

and program budgets for SSA through

issuance of workyear and dollar

controls, budgetary allotments/

allowances for administrative and

program expenditures and employment

ceilings to SSA components,

coordinating with OB’s Office of

Administrative Budget and the Office of

Program Budget as appropriate.

3. Coordinates and analyzes SSA

administrative budget totals including

the Information Technology Systems

Budget.

4. Provides direct budget support for

ODCFAM.

5. Develops and implements a

program to evaluate Agency operations
Federal Register / Vol. 60, No. 86 / Thursday, May 4, 1995 / Notices 22105

in accordance with the requirements of

A–76.

Subchapter S1Q—Office of Acquisition and

Grants

S1Q.00 Mission

S1Q.10 Organization

S1Q.20 Functions

Section S1Q.00 The Office of

Acquisition and Grants—(Mission): The

Office of Acquisition and Grants (OAG)

directs the business management

aspects of SSA’s procurement program

and grants management program by

awarding and administrating contracts,

preparing purchase orders or other

contractual instruments, and awarding

and administrating grants. It develops

and implements policies, procedures

and directives for SSA procurement and

grants activities.

Section S1Q.10 The Office of

Acquisition and Grants—(Organization):

The Office of Acquisition and Grants,

under the leadership of the Associate

Commissioner, Office of Acquisition

and Grants, includes:

A. The Associate Commissioner,

Office of Acquisition and Grants (S1Q).

B. The Deputy Associate

Commissioner, Office of Acquisition

and Grants (S1Q).

C. The Immediate Office of the

Associate Commissioner, Office of

Acquisition and Grants (S1Q).

D. The Office of Information

Resources and Programs Contracts

(S1QA).

E. The Office of Operations Contracts

and Grants (S1QB).

F. The Office of Acquisition Support

(S1QC).

Section S1Q.20 The Office of

Acquisition and Grants—(Functions):

A. The Associate Commissioner,

Office of Acquisition and Grants (S1Q)

is directly responsible to the Deputy

Commissioner, Finance, Assessment

and Management for carrying out OAG’s

mission and provides general

supervision to the major components of

OAG.

B. The Deputy Associate

Commissioner, Office of Acquisition

and Grants (S1Q) assists the Associate

Commissioner in carrying out his/her

responsibilities and performs other

duties as the Associate Commissioner

may prescribe.

C. The Immediate Office of the

Associate Commissioner, Office of

Acquisition and Grants (S1Q) provides

the Associate Commissioner and Deputy

Associate Commissioner with staff

assistance on the full range of their

responsibilities.

D. The Office of Information

Resources and Programs Contracts

(S1QA).

1. Responsible for planning,

solicitation, award and administration

of contracts, purchase orders, delivery

orders or other contractual instruments

for the entire range of automatic data

processing equipment, software and

services; voice-grade

telecommunications equipment and

services; and specialized training and

computer support equipment.

2. Provides coordination, assistance

and guidance in the development of

complex procurement requirements and

translates these needs into

comprehensive solicitation packages to

assure the maximum use of full and

open competition.

3. Provides procurement advice,

guidance and support for the

development of acquisition strategies,

evaluation techniques and negotiation

of business and technical terms and

conditions.

E. The Office of Operations Contracts

and Grants (S1QB).

1. Responsible for planning,

solicitation, award and administration

of contracts, purchase orders, delivery

orders or other contractual instruments

for specialized program needs (e.g.,

program research, development and

demonstration through studies and

surveys, consultants, systems designs

and evaluations and facilities

construction and alterations) and

procurement of administrative supplies,

equipment and services in support of

SSA’s overall operational mission (e.g.,

technical and professional services,

office equipment, moving services, film

processing, translations and

transcription services). Responsible for

contracts for construction and facilities

management and operations.

2. Provides coordination, assistance

and guidance in the development of

complex procurement requirements and

translates these needs into

comprehensive solicitation packages to

assure maximum use of full and open

competition.

3. Provides procurement advice,

guidance and support for the

development of acquisition strategies,

evaluation techniques and negotiation

of business and technical terms and

conditions.

4. Responsible for planning,

placement and administration of grants

under all SSA discretionary grants

programs (including guidance and

support in the selection strategy,

evaluation process, budget negotiation,

planning and development of policies,

procedures, regulations and directives).

F. The Office of Acquisition Support

(S1QC).

1. Responsible for the development,

evaluation and implementation of

comprehensive SSA-wide acquisition

policies, procedures, regulations and

directives.

2. Performs acquisition management

reviews of SSA activities with delegated

procurement authority.

3. Manages SSA’s acquisition

planning and tracking processes.

4. Responsible for SSA’s acquisition

information collection, analysis and

reporting activities.

5. Responsible for the planning,

designing, developing and

administering of automated systems to

support SSA’s acquisition and grant

processes.

6. Provides audit, accounting and

financial advisory services in support of

the negotiation, administration,

settlement and closeout of SSA

contracts.

Subchapter S1R—Office of Facilities

Management

S1R.00 Mission

S1R.10 Organization

S1R.20 Functions

Section S1R.00 The Office of

Facilities Management—(Mission): The

Office of Facilities Management (OFM)

manages SSA-wide materiel

management and facilities management

programs. It directs the SSA real

property program including short- and

long-range facilities planning: design,

construction and leasing of central

office facilities and maintenance, repair

and construction projects and policy

development related to these operations.

It acquires, utilizes and manages space

at SSA headquarters and develops a

comprehensive space inventory and

utilization system. OFM develops,

implements and evaluates SSA’s

environmental protection, safety and

protective services programs. It ensures

that these programs are responsive to

the needs of the Agency and serves as

a focal point for inquiries and guidance

concerning these programs.

Section S1R.10 The Office of

Facilities Management—(Organization):

The Office of Facilities Management,

under the leadership of the Associate

Commissioner for Facilities

Management, includes:

A. The Associate Commissioner for

Facilities Management (S1R).

B. The Deputy Associate

Commissioner for Facilities

Management (S1R).

C. The Immediate Office of the

Associate Commissioner for Facilities

Management (S1R).

D. The Office of Realty Management

(S1RE).

E. The Office of Environmental Policy

and Automation Resources (S1RG).

F. The Office of Main Complex

Management (S1RH).
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G. The Office of Outlying Buildings

Management (S1RJ).

H. The Office of Field Facilities

Management (S1RK).

I. The Office of Protective Security

Services (S1RL).

Section S1R.20 The Office of

Facilities Management—(Functions):

A. The Associate Commissioner for

Facilities Management (S1R) is directly

responsible to the Deputy Commissioner

for Finance, Assessment and

Management for carrying out OFM’s

mission and provides general

supervision to the major components of

OFM.

B. The Deputy Associate

Commissioner for Facilities

Management (S1R) assists the Associate

Commissioner in carrying out his/her

responsibilities and performs other

duties as the Associate Commissioner

may prescribe.

C. The Immediate Office of the

Associate Commissioner for Facilities

Management (S1R) provides the

Associate Commissioner with staff

assistance on the full range of his/her

responsibilities.

D. The Office of Realty Management

(S1RE) directs SSA’s national real

property program, including long- and

short-range planning, design,

construction and leasing of central

office and prospectus level field

facilities, renovation projects, energy

management, project management, and

the development and implementation of

policies, procedures and technical

assistance to support these programs.

The Office of Realty Management is

SSA’s representative to other agencies

in all these areas, and participates in the

development of governmentwide

policies and procedures.

E. The Office of Environmental Policy

and Automation Resources (S1RG)

directs SSA’s national security,

environmental, occupational health, and

safety programs, including long- and

short-range planning, management of

disparate contract guard forces,

automation efforts, the Agency’s

asbestos management program, national

testing programs for water and indoor

air quality, the Agency’s suitability

program, and the development and

implementation of policies, procedures

and technical assistance to support

these programs.

F. The Office of Main Complex

Management (S1RH) directs SSA’s

headquarters facilities, including the

East, Operations, Annex, West, Supply

and Altmeyer Buildings.

Responsibilities include long- and shortrange planning, maintenance, repair,

ongoing preventive maintenance, space

planning, execution of safety,

environmental health, and physical

security policies, and the development

and implementation of policies,

procedures and technical assistance to

support these programs.

G. The Office of Outlying Buildings

Management (S1RJ) directs operations at

the Metro West, Security West, the

National Computer Center, Hollings

Ferry, and Techwood Buildings,

including long- and short-range

planning, construction and lease

management, maintenance, repair,

ongoing preventive maintenance, space

planning, execution of safety,

environmental health, and physical

security policies, and the development

of the appropriate policies, procedures

and technical assistance to support

these programs.

H. The Office of Field Facilities

Management (S1RK) directs SSA’s space

management program for all field

facilities, including long- and shortrange planning, acquisition,

management, and utilization of space,

installation of IWS/LAN, modular

furniture installation, asbestos

management, and the execution of

safety, environmental health, and

physical security policies, and the

development of policies, procedures

and technical assistance to support

these programs.

I. The Office of Protective Security

Services (S1RL) directs the SSA’s

security program, including physical

security, criminal investigation, and

civil defense, designed to ensure the

physical security of life and property on

premises occupied by SSA personnel on

a nationwide basis. The office is the

SSA representative to other agencies in

all these areas and participates in the

development of governmentwide

policies and procedures.

Subchapter S1S—Office of Publications and

Logistics Management

S1S.00 Mission

S1S.10 Organization

S1S.20 Functions

Section S1S.00 The Office of

Publications and Logistics

Management—(Mission): The Office of

Publications and Logistics Management

(OPLM) provides overall management of

the SSA logistics and publications

programs. It directs a comprehensive

SSA printing, publications and

distribution management program and

develops pertinent policies, standards,

and procedures for SSA’s forms and

publications management, printing,

reprographics and distribution

programs. It directs the administration

and maintenance of the SSA library, the

SSA History Room, the historical

research program and records

management program. It administers the

SSA logistics management program,

directs the SSA property and supply

management program, manages the

operation of SSA warehousing facilities

including receipt, storage and issuance

of forms publications, supplies and

equipment for SSA-wide use. The Office

directs activities related to employee

transportation including providing

headquarters passenger, mail and freight

transportation services. It directs the

SSA mail management program.

Section S1S.10 The Office of

Publications and Logistics

Management—(Organization): The

Office of Publications and Logistics

Management, under the leadership of

the Associate Commissioner for

Publications and Logistics Management,

includes:

A. The Associate Commissioner for

Publications and Logistics Management

(S1S).

B. The Deputy Associate

Commissioner for Publications and

Logistics Management (S1S).

C. The Immediate Office of the

Associate Commissioner for

Publications and Logistics Management

(S1S).

D. The Office of Receiving, Storage

and Issue (S1SC).

E. The Office of Property Management

(S1SE).

F. The Office of Supply Management

(S1SG).

G. The Office of Logistics Planning

and Process Control (S1SH).

H. The Office of Publications

Management (S1SJ).

I. The Office of Library, Records and

Reprographics (S1SK).

J. The Office of Printing Operations

(S1SL).

K. The Office of Mail Management

(S1SM).

Section S1S.20 The Office of

Publications and Logistics

Management—(Functions):

A. The Associate Commissioner for

Publications and Logistics Management

(S1S) is directly responsible to the

Deputy Commissioner for Finance,

Assessment and Management for

carrying out OPLM’s mission and

provides general supervision to the

major components of OPLM.

B. The Deputy Associate

Commissioner for Publications and

Logistics Management (S1S) assists the

Associate Commissioner in carrying out

his/her responsibilities and performs

other duties as the Associate

Commissioner may prescribe.

C. The Immediate Office of the

Associate Commissioner for

Publications and Logistics Management

(S1S) provides the Associate
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Commissioner with staff assistance on

the full range of his/her responsibilities.

D. The Office of Receiving, Storage

and Issue (S1SC).

1. Directs the supply program

nationwide by managing the operations

of SSA warehousing facilities, including

the control and maintenance of stock,

the receipt, storage and issuance of

forms, publications, supplies and

equipment for use, and conducts

ongoing inventories and investigates

discrepancies at all sites.

2. Provides transportation services

including chauffeur service for the SSA

Executive Staff and shuttle service for

employees between SSA headquarters

and other buildings in the Washington/

Baltimore metropolitan areas.

3. Prepares and administers

maintenance contracts and services for

all SSA equipment and maintains

adequate stock of repair parts for inhouse emergency repair.

4. Performs all electrical preparations

for SSA ceremonies; provides carpentry

services for all SSA occupied buildings

in the Baltimore/Washington area;

exercises procurement authority to

provide parts, services and maintenance

for all SSA equipment; and maintains

all equipment inventory history and

records.

E. The Office of Property Management

(S1SE).

1. Oversees all policy and procedures

pertaining to the acquisition, utilization,

accountability, transfer and disposal of

SSA personal property. Manages and

maintains the SSA Property

Accountability System and the Property

Management Officer/Custodial Officer

network for the effective control of all

SSA sensitive, accountable, and

personalized personal property assets.

Provides SSA’s liaison for all personal

property activities with other Federal,

State and local agencies, as well as

commercial and civic organizations.

Represents SSA’s interest in the

acquisition, transfer and disposal of

personal property.

2. Oversees the acquisition and

installation of modular/systems

furniture in SSA offices nationwide;

acts as technical expert; plans,

coordinates and implements studies and

surveys related to providing necessary

ergonomic furniture and equipment to

support SSA employees; plans

coordinates and implements studies and

surveys to access the variety of

ergonomic furniture previously

purchased and new furniture available

to SSA offices; and provides expert

technical advice and consultative

services to the SSA Executive Staff and

to major headquarters and regional

components.

3. Responsible for all financial

management and contracting activities

performed within the scope of the

Interagency Agreement with the Federal

Prison Industries. Maintains audit trails

for all expenses incurred during and

after furniture installation.

F. The Office of Supply Management

(S1SG).

1. Responsible for the development of

policies, procedures and directives in

support of SSA supply management

program. Ensures that Agency’s printing

requests and justified requisitions are

processed timely for all necessary forms,

publications, office supplies and

instructional materials.

2. Monitors Agencywide stock items

usage for making proper stock

replenishment and to initiate scheduled

shipments timely through the Direct

Delivery Program, and oversees the

replenishment of warehouse stock for

headquarters’ use, emergencies, etc.

3. Manages the direct delivery

program of scheduled shipments to field

components of major use forms,

publications and supplies; evaluates all

supply proposals; monitors warehouse

availability of on-hand training

materials to accommodate periodic

changes to training schedules and

course material configurations; and

develops and oversees common expense

supply budget.

G. The Office of Logistics Planning

and Process Control (S1SH).

1. Responsible for the overall

management and control of automatic

data processing resources which

support SSA’s centralized Supply and

Property Accountability Systems;

coordinates with financial/

administrative components

governmentwide on major systems

management projects and studies; and is

the primary systems planning,

development, and execution component

within the Office of the Deputy

Commissioner.

2. Responsible for the collection,

validation, process, and control of SSAwide requisitions for expendable

supplies and supports special service

programs for processing field and

headquarters routine and emergency

supply requests and planned training

class orders.

H. The Office of Publications

Management (S1SJ).

1. Directs a comprehensive SSA-wide

forms control, publication and

distribution management program,

including forms and publications

design, photocomposition and

electronic information dissemination

(electronic publishing, on-line

publishing/services, electronic reference

materials and CD–ROM and multimedia production and delivery) and

provides SSA-wide special media

services for visually impaired

employees.

2. Responsible for administering the

regulatory and procedural requirements

governing SSA’s collection of

information from the public, stemming

from the Paperwork Reduction Act and

providing liaison services with the

Office of Management and Budget and

coordinates the Agency Administrative

Instructions Manual System for the

printing, clearance and issuance of

policy, standards and procedural

instructions.

3. Coordinates and directs a

comprehensive printing management

program and administers the

procurement of all SSA printing needs;

prepares the Agency’s Comprehensive

Printing Program Plan report for the

Joint Committee on Printing; and

provides liaison on policy and

procedures.

4. Plans, directs and administers the

SSA mail policy program, including

developing policy and procedures for

more efficient Agency mail processing

methodologies and administers

Agencywide mail management

contracts. Provides liaison with the

United States Postal Service in all

national level mail management and

operational policy negotiations and

activities.

I. The Office of Library, Records and

Reprographics (S1SK).

1. Directs, develops and maintains an

Agencywide library and information

service at SSA headquarters and

nationwide. Provides on-line

information on subjects relating to SSA

programs and their operations in a

variety of media.

2. Directs, develops and maintains a

records management program. Develops

policy and procedures regarding the

retention and disposition of SSA’s

program and administrative records,

administrative filing systems and

equipment utilization, administrative

correspondence, electronic records and

vital records. Coordinates records

storage and maintenance activities.

3. Directs, develops and maintains a

reprographics management program.

Develops Agencywide reprographic

policy and procedures, manages the

nationwide complement of SSA’s

reprographic equipment; and represents

SSA in activities and negotiations with

reprographic vendors and government

officials at the General Services

Administration.

J. The Office of Printing Operations

(S1SL).

1. Provides SSA in-house printing

services for short turnaround work
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which cannot be procured

commercially.

2. Provides coordination, technical

advice and guidance to Agency

components on SSA’s in-house printing

operation.

K. The Office of Mail Management

(S1SM).

1. Plans, directs and coordinates the

SSA mail handling program, including

the receipt, processing and dispatch of

all incoming and outgoing United States

Postal Service mail for SSA

headquarters. Provides inter-office mail

service for SSA headquarters and

priority delivery service in Washington,

D.C.

2. Administers oversight of necessary

contracts such as the internal mail

messenger service. Consolidates and

processes outgoing mail from

headquarters to district offices, branch

offices, program service centers and

regional offices.

3. Processes computer-generated

priority notices to SSA beneficiaries

nationwide, using high-speed

equipment to fold, insert and label

mailings.

This statement amends part S of the

Statement of the Organization,

Functions and Delegations of Authority

which covers the Social Security

Administration (SSA). Notice is given

that Chapter S2 for the Office of the

Deputy Commissioner for Operations is

being amended to reflect internal

organizational realignments and the

deletion of all references to the

Department of Health and Human

Services as the parent agency of SSA.

The following material replaces Chapter

S2 in its entirety.

Chapter S2—Office of the Deputy

Commissioner, Operations

S2.00 Mission

S2.10 Organization

S2.20 Functions

Section S2.00 The Office of the

Deputy Commissioner, Operations—

(Mission): The Office of the Deputy

Commissioner, Operations (ODCO)

directs and manages central office and

geographically dispersed operations

installations. It oversees regional

operating program, technical,

assessment and program management

activities. It directs studies and actions

to improve the operational effectiveness

and efficiency of its components. It

promotes systems and operational

integration and defines user needs in

the strategic planning process. It

determines automation support for

Operations components. This office

defines user concerns in the

development of operational and

programmatic specifications for new

and modified systems, evaluations and

implementation phases.

Section S2.10 The Office of the

Deputy Commissioner, Operations—

(Organization): The Office of the Deputy

Commissioner, Operations, under the

leadership of the Deputy Commissioner,

Operations, includes:

A. The Deputy Commissioner,

Operations (S2).

B. The Assistant Deputy

Commissioner, Operations (S2).

C. The Immediate Office of the

Deputy Commissioner, Operations

(S2A).

1. The Senior Advisor to the Deputy

Commissioner, Operations (S2A–2).

D. The Office of the Central Records

Operations (S2B).

E. The Office of Disability and

International Operations (S2H).

F. The Office of the Regional

Commissioner (S2D).

G. The Office of Public Service and

Operations Support (S2N).

H. The Office of Telephone Services

(S2Q).

I. The Office of Automation Support

(S2L).

Section S2.20 The Office of the

Deputy Commissioner, Operations—

(Functions):

A. The Deputy Commissioner,

Operations (S2) is directly responsible

to the Commissioner for carrying out the

ODCO mission and providing general

supervision to the major components of

ODCO.

B. The Assistant Deputy

Commissioner Operations (S2) assists

the Deputy Commissioner in carrying

out his/her responsibilities and

performs other duties as the Deputy

Commissioner may prescribe.

C. The Immediate Office of the

Deputy Commissioner, Operations

(S2A) provides the Deputy

Commissioner with staff assistance on

the full range of his/her responsibilities.

1. The Senior Advisor to the Deputy

Commissioner, Operations (S2A–2)

assists the Deputy Commissioner on a

wide variety of special management

issues affecting Agency operations and

the delivery of SSA programs to the

public.

D. The Office of Central Records

Operations (S2B) provides executive

direction and leadership for the

nationwide establishment and

maintenance of basic records supporting

Social Security programs. It manages

centralized records operations and a

stand alone data operations center

(DOC). The Office receives and

processes Social Security earnings

reports from private and governmental

employers and adjustments or

corrections to posted earnings items.

The Office maintains records of SSA

enumeration and earnings records in

microfilm, magnetic tape and disc form

and maintains an ongoing data exchange

activity with the Treasury Department

on the compilation and verification of

individual earnings data.

E. The Office of Disability and

International Operations (S2H) provides

executive direction and leadership to

centralized disability and foreign claims

operations. It directs the processing of

claims under disability and Black Lung

Benefits programs and maintains

beneficiary rolls. It directs the review of

initial and reconsidered determinations

of disability excluded from State agency

jurisdiction and directs the

authorization of disability claims not

authorized by District Offices (DOs) at

the initial, reconsideration and other

appeal levels. It directs the

development, adjudication,

authorization of payment or

disallowance of claims for Retirement,

Survivors and Disability Insurance

(RSDI) benefits filed by persons in

foreign countries; determines eligibility

for Medicare on related claims; and

determines entitlement to benefits based

on international Social Security

agreements. It determines whether and

when eligibility or payments should be

terminated, suspended, continued,

increased or reduced in amount.

Recovers or waives recovery of amounts

incorrectly paid to beneficiaries. It

serves as liaison on operational issues

which affect the administration of the

United States Social Security program

abroad, with the Department of State,

other Federal agencies, agencies of

foreign governments and private

organizations.

F. The Office of the Regional

Commissioner (S2D) serves as the

principal SSA component at the

regional level and ensures effective SSA

interaction with other Federal agencies

in the regions, State welfare agencies,

State Disability Determination Services

(DDS) and other regional and local

organizations. The Office provides

regional program leadership and

technical direction for the RSDI

programs, the Black Lung Benefits

program and the SSI program. It issues

regional operating policy and

procedures for these programs. It directs

a regionwide network of Field Offices

(FOs), Teleservice Centers (TSCs) and in

the regions where present, Program

Service Centers (PSCs). The Office

manages and coordinates SSA regional

operations. It provides overall

management direction for the provision

of personnel services and administrative

support to SSA regional components. It

establishes regional priorities and issues
Federal Register / Vol. 60, No. 86 / Thursday, May 4, 1995 / Notices 22109

policy directives consistent with

national program objectives, operational

requirements and systems; and

implements a regional SSA public

affairs program. The Office maintains a

broad overview of administrative

operations of the ROs of SSA, the Office

of Hearings and Appeals (OHA) and the

DOC to ensure effective coordination of

SSA activities at the regional level.

G. The Office of Public Service and

Operations Support (S2N) provides

operations analysis, program support,

service to the public and employee

services for the Deputy Commissioner,

Operations (DCO), and conducts studies

and analyses. Provides broad operations

support to FOs, TSCs, PSCs, the Office

of Disability and International

Operations (ODIO) and the Office of

Central Records Operations (OCRO).

OPSOS also integrates operational

delivery of public services under the

RSDI, SSI and health insurance (HI)

programs for domestic beneficiaries and

delivery of RSDI program services to

foreign beneficiaries. Provides broad

operations support to the maintenance

of the basic earnings data which support

the Social Security programs. Conducts

activities associated with the overall

effectiveness and efficiency of the DCO

components. Directs and coordinates

internal management support functions

to ensure effective position

management, workforce utilization and

management analysis and planning.

Directs the overall DCO budget process.

Plans, implements, manages and

assesses the interrelated duties of

delivering SSA program and related

services to the public.

H. The Office of Telephone Services

(S2Q) plans, implements, operates and

evaluates SSA’s telephone service to the

public delivered by the national 800

Number and SSA FOs. Plans and

conducts studies, pilots and analyses of

800 Number and FO telephone

operations to assess and improve the

service provided. Provides direct

support to 38 TSCs and approximately

1,300 FOs, including developing and

communicating uniform operating

policies and procedures. Maintains

close, effective working relationships

with SSA policy, program and

administrative components, with other

Federal agencies and with vendors

which have important roles in the

delivery and evaluation of SSA’s

telephone service to the public.

Manages SSA’s national 800 Number

network operation, designs and

administers call routing plans,

continuously monitors call handling

and adjusts routing to handle emergency

situations and to maximize call

answering effectiveness and efficiency.

I. The Office of Automation Support

(S2L) is responsible for integrating

service delivery and employee concerns

with modern technology. It determines

and defines DCO requirements for

software and hardware support. OAS

directs user evaluations of new

technology assuring that technology

meets DCO needs and coordinates all

implementation activities. OAS

develops, implements and administers

evaluative tools for hardware purchases

and software development. Assures that

the most recent technology is integrated

into the operations of all DCO

components.

Subchapter S2B—Office of Central Records

Operations

S2B.00 Mission

S2B.10 Organization

S2B.20 Functions

Section S2B.00 The Office of Central

Records Operations—(Mission): The

Office of Central Records Operations

(OCRO) provides executive direction

and leadership for the nationwide

establishment and maintenance of basic

records supporting Social Security

programs. It manages centralized

records operations and a stand alone

DOC. The Office receives and processes

Social Security earnings reports from

private and governmental employers

and adjustments or corrections to posted

earnings items. The Office maintains

records of SSA enumeration and

earnings records in microfilm, magnetic

tape and disc form and maintains an

ongoing data exchange activity with the

Treasury Department on the

compilation and verification of

individual earnings data.

Section S2B.10 The Office of Central

Records Operations—(Organization):

The Office of Central Records

Operations, under the leadership of the

Director, OCRO, includes:

A. The Director, Office of Central

Records Operations (S2B).

B. The Immediate Office of the

Director, Office of Central Records

Operations (S2B).

C. The Division of Certification and

Coverage (S2BA).

D. The Division of Earnings and

Adjustments (S2BC).

E. The Division of Operations Support

(S2BE).

F. The Data Operations Center (S2BF6).

Section S2B.20 The Office of Central

Records Operations—(Functions):

A. The Director, OCRO (S2B) is

directly responsible to the Deputy

Commissioner, Operations for carrying

out OCRO’s mission and managing its

respective components.

B. The Immediate Office of the

Director, OCRO (S2B) provides internal

operations and management analysis

staff support and assistance to the

Director and all OCRO components.

C. The Division of Certification and

Coverage (S2BA).

1. Answers inquiries about earnings

records, including earnings

discrepancies; investigates and adjusts

incorrectly reported earnings items; and

resolves discrepancies where SSA’s

records disagree with individual

allegations of services rendered or

remuneration received.

2. Certifies earnings record data to

DOs and PCs for use in the adjudication

of RSDI cases.

3. Reviews determinations on

correctness of earnings data, coverage,

increment years, total earnings, closing

dates, primary insurance amounts and,

in disability cases, determinations as to

whether work requirements are met.

Makes these determinations when

needed.

4. Makes determinations as to

coverage under the Social Security Act,

as amended, of services performed by

employees or self-employed individuals

in earnings disagreement cases if a

claim for benefits has not been filed.

5. Maintains files of microfilmed

employer wage reports, self-employed

income reports, detailed earnings

listings and a file of earnings reported

incorrectly or incompletely by

employers or by self-employed

individuals.

D. The Division of Earnings and

Adjustments (S2BC).

1. Corresponds with employers and

the Internal Revenue Service about the

correction and processing of employer

wage reports and self-employment

income reports.

2. Investigates and corrects, as

necessary, improperly reported earnings

items.

3. Investigates and resolves magnetic

media annual wage reporting (AWR)

exception output.

4. Maintains control of pre-tax year

1987 agreements with State and

interstate entities and modifications of

these agreements and reviews wage

statements submitted for State and

interstate entity employees.

5. Ensures that Supplemental Security

Income payments are interfaced with

various external payment programs such

as the Veterans Administration, the

Railroad Retirement Board, the Office of

Personnel Management and the

Department of Defense.

E. The Division of Operations Support

(S2BE).

1. Receives, converts and processes

AWR data submitted on magnetic media
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for input to the central computer

complex at SSA headquarters.

2. Provides programming, scheduling

and operating support for the automated

processing of operational,

administrative, management and

statistical computer programs for OCRO

and other SSA components. Develops

technical requirements for information

reporting systems. Maintains the OCRO

magnetic tape library.

3. Provides internal mail, central

microfilm storage and retrieval services

to OCRO.

4. Procures and maintains contracts

for microphotographic services for SSA.

Maintains master copies of basic

systems and microfilm records to ensure

continuous operations should records

be destroyed. Reproduces, on film,

records for current use and for

preservation of a variety of employee

and employer records.

F. The Data Operations Center (S2BF6)

1. Receives, examines and processes

annual wage reports and other SSA

program data through imaged-base data

capturing and telecommunications

systems for input to the central

computer complex at SSA headquarters.

2. Performs electronic editing,

validating and balancing functions

related to the processing of source data

and transmits products to the SSA

headquarters computer complex for

processing in a timely manner.

3. Contacts beneficiaries,

representative payees, district office and

program service center personnel to

resolve post-eligibility systems

exceptions output.

4. Serves as the central repository for

all SSI folders.

Subchapter S2D—Office of the Regional

Commissioner

S2D.00 Mission

S2D.10 Organization

S2D.20 Functions

Section S2D.00 The Office of the

Regional Commissioner—(Mission): The

Office of the Regional Commissioner

(ORC) serves as the principal SSA

component at the regional level and

assures effective SSA interaction with

other Federal agencies in the regions;

State welfare agencies; State Disability

Determination Services (DDSs); and

other regional and local organizations.

The Office provides regional program

leadership and technical direction for

the RSDI programs, the Black Lung

Benefits program and the SSI program.

It issues regional operating policy and

procedures for these programs and

evaluates program effectiveness. It

implements national operational and

management plans for providing SSA

service to the public, and directs a

regionwide network of FOs, TSCs and

where present, PSCs. The Office

manages and coordinates SSA regional

operations. It provides overall

management direction for the provision

of personnel services and administrative

support to SSA regional components. It

establishes regional priorities and issues

policy directives consistent with

national program objectives, operational

requirements and systems and

implements a regional SSA public

affairs program. The Office maintains a

broad overview of administrative

operations of the ROs of SSA’s OHA and

the DOC to ensure effective

coordination of SSA activities at the

regional level.

Section S2D.10 The Office of the

Regional Commissioner—

(Organization): The Office of the

Regional Commissioner, under the

leadership of the Regional

Commissioner, includes:

A. The Regional Commissioner

(S2D1–S2DX).

B. The Deputy Regional

Commissioner (S2D1–S2DX).

C. The Immediate Office of the

Regional Commissioner (S2DB–S2DX).

D. The Office of the Assistant

Regional Commissioner for Program

Operations and Systems (S2D1B–

S2DXB).

E. The Office of the Assistant Regional

Commissioner for Field Operations

(S2D14–S2DX4).

F. The Office of the Assistant Regional

Commissioner for Management and

Budget (S2D17–S2DX7).

G. The Office of the Assistant

Regional Commissioner for Processing

Center Operations

(S2D25,35,45,55,75,95).

Section S2D.20 The Office of the

Regional Commissioner—(Functions):

A. The Regional Commissioner

(S2D1–S2DX) is directly responsible to

the Deputy Commissioner, Operations,

for carrying out the Regional

Commissioner’s (RC) mission and

managing the respective SSA regional

organizations.

B. The Deputy Regional

Commissioner (S2D1–S2DX) assists the

Regional Commissioner in carrying out

his/her responsibilities, and performs

other duties as the Regional

Commissioner may prescribe.

C. The Immediate Office of the

Regional Commissioner (S2D1–S2DX)

provides the Regional Commissioner

with high-level staff assistance on the

full range of his/her responsibilities. It

also furnishes staff support for the civil

rights, equal opportunity and external

affairs functions.

D. The Office of the Assistant

Regional Commissioner for Program

Operations and Systems (S2D1B–

S2DXB).

1. Provides program leadership and

technical direction for the RSDI, SSI and

Black Lung Benefits programs in the

region. Issues regional operating

policies and procedures necessary to

ensure implementation of national

policies for these programs. Establishes

and maintains a field visit program

covering DDSs, FOs, TSCs and PSCs to

determine the effectiveness of RSDI, SSI

and Black Lung Benefits program

policies and procedures, and to provide

technical assistance in the resolution of

operational problems relating to these

programs. Evaluates RSDI, SSI and the

Black Lung Benefits program

effectiveness in the region.

2. Assists DDSs in developing their

operating budgets, reviews these

budgets with the Assistant Regional

Commissioner for Management and

Budget and submits recommendations

on the acceptability of DDS budgets to

the RC. Manages a comprehensive

review and analysis program covering

DDS operations.

3. Plans, directs and coordinates

regional activities concerning Social

Security coverage agreements between

SSA and State or interstate entities;

carries out negotiations with State or

interstate authorities on the content of

these agreements; makes

recommendations to final approving

officials regarding the execution of new

coverage agreements, modifications in

existing agreements, or the termination

of agreements; and processes requests

for further extensions, or extensions for

more than 1 year, of time limits for

assessments, credits or refunds of

amounts due.

4. Negotiates and maintains

agreements with States covering the

administration of optional State SSI

supplementation, mandatory minimum

State SSI supplementation and

Medicaid eligibility determinations.

Evaluates and monitors State budgets

necessary to carry out these agreements

and maintains ongoing dialogues with

States on SSI program issues in such

areas as adjustment levels, hold

harmless provisions, operational aspects

of the Food Stamp program, social

service referral practices, etc. Directs the

preparation of regional operations

instructional material necessary to

implement agreements negotiated with

the States.

5. Oversees SSA regional automated

data processing (ADP) systems and

automated processing operations,

ensures their effectiveness and carries

out an ongoing regional systems
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planning program to ensure effective

integration of regional operating and

management systems. Coordinates and

monitors regional implementation of

major changes to national systems on

behalf of SSA’s Central Office

components dealing with systems

activities.

6. Conducts operational analyses and

provides support to regional operations

management in the resolution of

operational, procedural and systems

problems. Consolidates, reviews and

arranges for the distribution of regional

program instructions and systems

instructional material developed at the

regional level. Coordinates with

Rehabilitation Services Administration

and other agencies to attain disability

insurance (DI), Black Lung Benefits and

SSI program goals. Maintains

relationships with professional medical

organizations, interacts with outside

groups representing program interests or

concerns and consults with

representatives of community and

private organizations on operational

matters.

E. The Office of the Assistant Regional

Commissioner for Field Operations

(S2D14–S2DX4).

1. Provides leadership, guidance and

direction FO’s and TSC’s.

2. Ensures the consistency of field

operations in the region with national

and regional policies and procedures

and is accountable for the effectiveness

of these operations.

F. The Office of the Assistant Regional

Commissioner for Management and

Budget (S2D17–S2DX7).

1. Furnishes leadership and support

to SSA regional operations components

in the areas of financial, workpower,

and organization management and other

areas of management concern.

2. Develops regional management

policies, procedures and guidelines

consistent with prevailing Federal and

SSA requirements and objectives.

Guides and controls regional

administrative management operations

and administrative practices. Evaluates

component performance and needs in

these areas to ensure effective and

economical use of available resources

and takes appropriate action on behalf

of the RC to remedy or correct any

inefficiencies or undesirable practices

uncovered in administrative

management operation.

3. Furnishes financial management

staff expertise and professional

judgments required to compile and

recommend effective regional/State

operating budgets.

4. Coordinates regional operations

administrative management issues and

concerns with SSA headquarters and

other Federal-regional authorities.

5. Carries out the SSA regional

security program.

G. The Office of the Assistant

Regional Commissioner for Processing

Center Operations

(S2D25,35,45,55,75,95) (located in the

six regions containing PSCs).

1. Reviews and authorizes payment or

disallows claims for RSDI benefits and

HI entitlement; certifies RSDI benefit

amounts to the Treasury Department for

payment; and maintains RSDI benefit

and HI records.

2. Determines whether and when

eligibility or payments should be

terminated, suspended, continued,

increased or reduced in amount and

reconsiders determinations on initial

claims and continuing eligibility.

3. Maintains RSDI payment rolls;

recovers or waives recovery of amounts

incorrectly paid to RSDI beneficiaries;

receives, records and deposits

Supplemental Medical Insurance (SMI)

premium and overpayment refunds; and

makes representative payee

determinations and processes related

accountability reports.

4. Answers inquiries about individual

RSDI cases and claims determinations

and ensures expeditious processing of

actions where inquiries indicate

claimant hardship.

5. Receives and coordinates computer

programs and exceptions on case

processing. Maintains accounting

controls and ensures, by sample audit,

that magnetic tape records reflect actual

authorized payment actions.

6. Coordinates PSC operations with

the other components within ORC, other

SSA components, the Railroad

Retirement Board, the Veterans

Administration, the United States Postal

Service and other Federal agencies as

required.

Subchapter S2H—The Office of Disability

and International Operations

S2H.00 Mission

S2H.10 Organization

S2H.20 Functions

Section S2H.00 The Office of

Disability and International

Operations—(Mission): The Office of

Disability and International Operations

(ODIO) provides executive direction and

leadership to centralized disability

operations that process claims under

disability and Black Lung Benefits

programs and maintain beneficiary rolls.

It directs the review of initial and

reconsidered determinations of

disability excluded from State agency

jurisdiction, and directs the

authorization of disability claims not

authorized by DOs at the initial,

reconsideration and other appeal levels.

It responds to public and congressional

correspondence on disability operations

issues. It directs the development,

adjudication, authorization of payment

or disallows claims for RSDI benefits

filed by persons in foreign countries;

determines eligibility for HI and SMI on

related claims; and determines

entitlement to benefits based on

international Social Security

agreements. It determines whether and

when eligibility or payments should be

terminated, suspended, continued,

increased or reduced in amount and

recovers or waives recovery of amounts

incorrectly paid to beneficiaries. It

serves as liaison on operational issues

which affect the administration of the

United States Social Security program

abroad, with the Department of State,

other Federal agencies, agencies of

foreign governments and private

organizations.

Section S2H.10 The Office of

Disability and International

Operations—(Organization): The Office

of Disability and International

Operations, under the leadership of the

Director, includes:

A. The Director, The Office of

Disability and International Operations

(S2H).

B. The Deputy Director, The Office of

Disability and International Operations

(S2H).

C. The Immediate Office of the

Director, The Office of Disability and

International Operations (S2H).

1. The Organizational Planning,

Analysis and Review Staff (S2H–2).

D. The Office of Disability Operations

(S2HA).

1. The Process Divisions

(S2HA1,2,3,4).

E. The Office of International

Operations (S2HB).

1. The International Process Division

(S2HB1).

2. The International Operations and

Totalization Staff (S2HB3).

F. The Office of Support Services

(S2HC).

1. The Division of Management

Support (S2HC1).

2. The Division of Operations Support

(S2HC2).

Section S2H.20 The Office of

Disability and International

Operations—(Functions):

A. The Director, The Office of

Disability and International Operations

(S2H) is directly responsible to the

Deputy Commissioner, Operations, for

carrying out ODIO’s mission and

managing its respective components.

B. The Deputy Director, Office of

Disability and International Operations

(S2H) assists the Director, Office of
22112 Federal Register / Vol. 60, No. 86 / Thursday, May 4, 1995 / Notices

Disability and International Operations

in carrying out his/her responsibilities

and performs other duties as the

Director may prescribe.

C. The Immediate Office of the

Director, Office of Disability and

International Operations (S2H) provides

internal organizational planning,

analysis and review, staff support and

assistance to the Director and all ODIO

components.

1. The Organizational Planning,

Analysis and Review Staff (S2H–2).

a. Conducts operations analysis and

provides support to the Director of

Disability and International Operations

in the resolution of operational and

procedural problems.

b. Directs the development of longrange systems planning for ODIO and

evaluates ongoing systems

requirements.

c. Analyzes office automation

activities and systems operations, and

recommends enhancements to improve

capabilities. Evaluates systems changes

prior to implementation and conducts

postimplementation analysis.

d. Oversees procurement of ADP

hardware and software for ODIO.

e. Provides technical advice and

information to managers and employees

in ODIO on systems development and

changes that affect operations.

D. The Office of Disability Operations

(ODO) (S2HA) plans, directs and

coordinates activities related to the

processing and maintenance of domestic

disability claims for individuals under

age 59, and for Black Lung and End

Stage Renal Disease cases under the

jurisdiction of the component. It directs

activities related to continuing disability

reviews of Title XVI and concurrent

Title II/XVI claims under section 1619.

It has responsibility for processing

initial claims allowed at the

administrative law judge and other

appellate levels for disability claims

under the jurisdiction of the component.

1. The Process Divisions

(S2HA1,2,3,4).

a. Make initial determinations of

disability and reconsider disability

determinations of claims excluded from

State agency jurisdiction. Make

determinations of continuing disability

entitlement.

b. Make determinations of entitlement

or eligibility to primary or auxiliary

benefits, and authorize allowance or

disallowance of disability claims not

authorized by district offices and

reconsider those cases appealed for

issues other than the existence of

disability. Make representative-payee

determinations, process representativepayee accountability reports, approve

the payment and amount of attorney

fees and offset disability insurance

benefits due to previous SSI payments.

c. Implement, adjust, suspend and

terminate benefits and prepare benefit

payment data for introduction into the

computer system; process all actions to

maintain beneficiary payment rolls;

recover or waive recovery of amounts

incorrectly paid to beneficiaries, prepare

and release award certificates, denial

letters and other claims-related notices;

and maintain the files of disability claim

folders.

d. Answer inquiries regarding

individual cases and ensure expeditious

processing of actions where claimant

hardship is indicated.

e. Contact outside Federal/State

components such as the Department of

Labor, Railroad Retirement Board,

Workers’ Compensation Commissions

and other SSA components, as

necessary, to resolve disability claims

actions.

E. The Office of International

Operations (OIO) (S2HB) serves as

liaison with the Department of State,

other Government agencies and SSA

components on matters pertaining to the

administration of the program abroad. It

directs the Social Security

representatives stationed overseas,

appraises the role of foreign service

posts in administering the Social

Security program abroad and conducts

special studies to evaluate the overseas

program. Has responsibility for the

operational implementation of

totalization agreements. Negotiates

operational accords and procedures

with foreign Social Security agencies for

the implementation of agreements.

Develops requirements for totalization

processing. OIO plans, directs and

coordinates activities pertinent to

development and processing of foreign

claims. Directs the processing of

postentitlement actions. Assures the

proper application of tax liability to

benefit payments abroad and is the focal

point for debt management activities in

the foreign sector. Directs the processing

of sensitive and controlled

correspondence related to the program

abroad. It directs the reconsideration of

claims for benefits filed by persons

overseas and the approval of fees for

attorney and other representatives. It

directs a variety of State agency type

functions for disability claims filed

abroad such as the development and

adjudication of initial claims,

continuing disability reviews and other

disability benefits issues.

1. The International Process Division

(S2HB1).

a. Develops and adjudicates

Retirement, Survivors and Disability

Health Insurance (RSDHI) claims, and

makes decisions on continuing

eligibility for persons living in foreign

countries. This includes cases filed

under the totalization agreements.

b. Determines health insurance

eligibility and proper payees for

beneficiaries; makes decisions regarding

recovery of overpayments; processes

nonreceipt allegations and

congressional, critical, hardship and

controlled correspondence and cases;

performs material associations and

record maintenance activities; and types

notices and other correspondence.

c. Processes requests for Social

Security numbers from individuals

residing in foreign countries.

d. Provides translation services to

SSA, including translation of program

material for foreign visitors, materials

relating to foreign pension systems,

documents and other materials required

to process foreign claims and some

domestic claims.

e. Reconsiders determinations on

claims for benefits filed by persons

living in foreign countries and prepares

claims material for appealed cases.

Reconsiders certain adverse claims

involving benefits for persons in foreign

countries. Approves fees for attorneys

and other representatives of claimants

outside the United States.

f. Makes findings of administrative

finality. Determines proper application

of regulations governing the disclosure

of confidential records.

g. Performs functions similar to

domestic State agencies related to the

determination of entitlement to, and

processing of, foreign disability claims.

Includes the development and review of

medical evidence and other factors

required for the adjudication of initial

claims.

h. Processes continuing disability

reviews for foreign beneficiaries.

3. The International Operations and

Totalization Staff (S2HB3).

a. Provides liaison with the

Department of State and other

Government agencies to ensure SSA

operations, systems and administrative

policies and procedures are correctly

carried out as they affect the Social

Security program overseas.

b. Evaluates and provides direction

and guidance to the Social Security

representatives stationed overseas, and

ensures that necessary administrative

support is provided to carry out SSA’s

mission abroad.

c. Furnishes information on Social

Security foreign program matters and

concerns to other SSA components,

other Government agencies, Members of

Congress and the public. Designs and

conducts validation and other special
Federal Register / Vol. 60, No. 86 / Thursday, May 4, 1995 / Notices 22113

studies to foster integrity in the Social

Security program overseas.

d. Oversees the operational

implementation of totalization

agreements. Participates in negotiations

with foreign government representatives

and negotiates operational accords and

procedures with foreign Social Security

agencies.

e. Prepares forms and procedures for

the ODIO and foreign service post

employees, and participates with the

Office of International Policy (OIP) in

the development of district office

instructions, applications, notices,

public information materials and

systems requirements for totalization

processing, and continually evaluates

the processing of cases under existing

agreements.

F. The Office of Support Services

(OSS) (S2HC) plans, directs and

coordinates support activities for ODIO

in a broad range of essential

administrative areas including:

personnel and organization

management, labor and employee

relations, budget and facilities

management, managerial, technical and

clerical training, integrity and security.

It is responsible for ADP hardware and

software support activities for ODIO.

OSS directs ODIO liaison between the

Office of Systems Operations and the

Department of the Treasury to ensure

timely benefit payments. It ensures

delivery, distribution and dispatch of

mail for ODIO, and oversees ODIO’s

folder and record control operation.

1. The Division of Management

Support (S2HC1).

a. Provides administrative support

services to the Director, ODIO; the

Director, Disability Operations; and the

Director, International Operations in

such areas as:

—Budget development and

monitoring.

—Personnel management.

—Labor relations.

—Management information.

—Organization planning.

b. Develops and conducts ODIO-wide

operational training and employee

development activities. Analyzes and

evaluates training needs and

effectiveness. Ensures that required

agency-level, other Government agency

and private vendor training is provided.

c. Performs independent reviews to

detect and prevent employee and

beneficiary fraud. Plans, develops and

implements ODIO’s security program

and conducts security reviews. Reviews

beneficiary fraud cases and determines

whether cases will be referred for

prosecution. Determines proper

application of regulations governing the

disclosure of confidential records.

2. The Division of Operations Support

(S2HC2).

a. Provides ADP hardware and

software support for ODIO. Conducts

analyses relating to user software

application development, contract

maintenance and equipment use.

b. Serves as SSA liaison with the

Department of the Treasury to ensure

timely payments.

c. Integrates and controls benefit

payment processing operations.

d. Delivers, distributes and dispatches

mail for ODIO.

e. Oversees the ODIO folder and

record control operations. Identifies and

resolves folder and record control

problems and coordinates case location

activities.

f. Coordinates systems support

services, health and safety matters,

laborer services, transportation

activities, projects concerning the

maintenance and performance of

capitalized equipment and other

property inventories, and provides

input to budget submittals for furniture

and supplies.

Subchapter S2L—Office of Automation

Support

S2L.00 Mission

S2L.10 Organization

S2L.20 Functions

Section S2L.00 The Office of

Automation Support—(Mission): The

Office of Automation Support (OAS)

ensures delivery of automation support

to meet end users’ needs to deliver

accurate, caring, efficient public service

while providing a favorable

environment for OAS employees. OAS

is responsible for integrating service

delivery and employee concerns with

modern technology. In concert with the

Deputy Commissioner for Systems

(DCS), it determines and defines DCO

requirements for software and hardware

support. OAS directs user evaluations to

ensure that technology meets DCO

needs and coordinates all

implementation activities. Working with

DCS, it ensures that the most recent

technology is integrated into the

operations of all DCO components.

Section S2L.10 The Office of

Automation Support—(Organization):

The Office of Automation Support,

under the leadership of the Associate

Commissioner for Automation Support,

includes:

A. The Associate Commissioner for

Automation Support (S2L).

B. The Deputy Associate

Commissioner for Automation Support

(S2L).

C. The Immediate Office of the

Associate Commissioner for Automation

Support (S2L).

D. Software Implementation Process

Team (S2LA).

E. Technology Support Process Team

(S2LB).

Section S2L.20 The Office of

Automation Support—(Functions):

A. The Associate Commissioner for

Automation Support (S2L) is directly

responsible to the Deputy

Commissioner, Operations for carrying

out OAS’ mission and provides general

supervision to the major components of

OAS.

B. The Deputy Associate

Commissioner for Automation Support

(S2L) assists the Associate

Commissioner in carrying out his/her

responsibilities and performs other

duties as the Associate Commissioner

may prescribe.

C. The Immediate Office of the

Associate Commissioner for Automation

Support (S2L) provides the Associate

Commissioner with staff assistance on

the full range of his/her responsibilities.

D. Software Implementation Process

Team (S2LA).

1. Works with the systems, policy,

security, training and personnel

components during the development

and implementation of all modernized

software to ensure that security, user

and operational needs are satisfied

within DCO.

2. Works with DCO user components

to define the operational requirements

for modernized software, training

materials and procedural support and

helps shape the directions the Agency

takes to meet these needs.

3. In concert with DCS, ensures that

functional requirements are accurate,

straightforward and efficient and

support the mission of providing high

quality public service.

4. Evaluates with DCS and DCO users

all modernized software and support

material prior to implementation to

confirm that operational requirements

have been met and that effective and

efficient audit and security controls are

in place to deter and detect improper

systems usage for fraudulent purposes.

5. Coordinates DCO user component

software implementation activities and

provides help desk support for problem

reporting, analysis and remedial

measures as well as providing

procedural clarification.

6. Works with DCS to monitor and

support national software and online

and batch systems performance on

behalf of the operational end user to

ensure that operational expectations and

performance standards are satisfied.

7. Develops and manages effective

mechanisms to evaluate user reaction to

modernized software and support

materials in order to help define, shape
22114 Federal Register / Vol. 60, No. 86 / Thursday, May 4, 1995 / Notices

and refine future Agency approaches to

modernized software development.

8. Directs the activities of the Model

District Office and Test Processing

Module, which are the major

operational components for testing and

evaluating modernized software.

E. Technology Support Process Team

(S2LB).

1. Serves as the focal point for user

systems planning within Operations.

Working with DCS components,

determines and defines the

technological hardware needs for the

operational components and promotes

the acquisition, effective

implementation and innovative usage of

this technology.

2. Identifies operational needs and

works through DCS to evaluate and

promote the implementation of state-ofthe-art technologies such as imaging,

storage and retrieval alternatives, and

optical disk capabilities that can

modernize and streamline laborintensive current processes.

3. Provides leadership in the

management of automated computer

processes resident in OCRO, ODIO,

PSCs, FOs and the DOC and identifies

and defines support requirements, such

as procedural and technical training

needs, to assure the smooth operation of

those computer processes.

4. Arranges with the appropriate

technical staff in the systems

components to provide technical

training when needed and provides

oversight in the management of

operating software, version control and

scheduling of these local computer

operations.

5. Through analytical and evaluative

mechanisms it develops and manages,

the team ensures that modern

technology serves the needs of all DCO

employees, including those employees

with disabilities, that fully participate in

the accomplishment of their mission.

6. Supports field components in their

efforts to integrate modern technology

into day-to-day work environments and

articulates user needs as the Agency

moves into distributed processing

platforms and office automation/local

intelligence arenas.

7. Assures that proper technical

support, including procedural

instructions and comprehensive user

training, is provided for these

distributive platforms, such as local area

networks, where needed.

Subchapter S2N—Office of Public Service

and Operations Support

S2N.00 Mission

S2N.10 Organization

S2N.20 Functions

Section S2N.00 The Office of Public

Service and Operations Support—

(Mission): The Office of Public Service

and Operations Support (OPSOS) is

responsible for providing operational/

program support and for conducting

studies and analyses related to service

to the public, employee services and

activities associated with financial

management, budget and management

information. This Office provides broad

operations support to the FOs, TSCs,

PSCs, the Office of Disability and

International Operations and the Office

of Central Records Operations. OPSOS

is also responsible for integrating

operational delivery of public services

under the RSDI, SSI and HI programs for

domestic beneficiaries and for the

delivery of RSDI program services to

foreign beneficiaries. Additionally, this

Office provides broad operations

support to the maintenance of the basic

earnings data which support the Social

Security programs. It conducts studies,

pilots and other activities associated

with the overall effectiveness and

efficiency of DCO components. It directs

and coordinates internal management

support functions to ensure effective

position management, workforce

utilization and management analysis

and planning. It directs the overall DCO

budget process and plans, implements,

manages and assesses the interrelated

duties of delivering SSA program and

related services to the public.

Section S2N.10 The Office of Public

Service and Operations Support—

(Organization): The Office of Public

Service and Operations Support, under

the leadership of the Associate

Commissioner for Public Service and

Operations Support, includes:

A. The Associate Commissioner for

Public Service and Operations Support

(S2N).

B. The Deputy Associate

Commissioner for Public Service and

Operations Support (S2N).

C. The Immediate Office of the

Associate Commissioner for Public

Service and Operations Support (S2N).

D. The Division of Service Delivery

and Program Policy (S2NA).

E. The Division of Operations

Management (S2NB).

F. The Division of Resource and

Management Information (S2NC).

Section S2N.20 The Office of Public

Service and Operations Support—

(Functions):

A. The Associate Commissioner for

Public Service and Operations Support

(S2N) is directly responsible to the

Deputy Commissioner, Operations, for

carrying out OPSOS’ mission and

provides general supervision to the

major components of OPSOS.

B. The Deputy Associate

Commissioner for Public Service and

Operations Support (S2N) assists the

Associate Commissioner in carrying out

his/her responsibilities and performs

other duties as the Associate

Commissioner may prescribe.

C. The Immediate Office of the

Associate Commissioner for Public

Service and Operations Support (S2N)

provides the Associate Commissioner

with staff assistance on the full range of

his/her responsibilities. Ensures open

and effective communication with

employees and Union representatives.

D. The Division of Service Delivery

and Program Policy (S2NA).

1. Plans, develops or participates in

the development of operational policy

and procedures to assure effective and

efficient implementation of national and

international program activities in DCO.

2. Plans and implements studies

designed to assess DCO’s processing

activities and affected operational

objectives to ensure appropriate

integration of new program policies.

3. Provides analysis and

recommendations to the DCO regarding

legislative planning and

implementation. Provides technical

guidance to DCO management and

ensures integration of RSI, DI, SSI, and

Medicare policies and procedures.

4. Develops partnerships with other

SSA components and the Health Care

Financing Administration to ensure

effective program delivery within

operational constraints.

5. Provides operational support to the

enumeration process.

6. Plans, directs and evaluates the

quality of program activities throughout

operational components. Develops

initiatives to improve the quality of the

claims, postentitlement and preclaims

processes.

7. Participates with appropriate policy

components in SSA to provide clear,

accurate and timely notices to the

public and to fully utilize automation to

reduce the need for manually prepared

notices.

8. Develops and recommends to DCO

standards and practices for national and

international delivery of services. Plans,

implements and evaluates the full range

of SSA’s service to the public.

9. Establishes service delivery

policies. Develops and evaluates

standards for measuring service to the

public to ensure that quality, efficient

and compassionate service is provided.

10. Plans, conducts and evaluates

public information/referral programs to

ensure Agency and other public and

private services are effectively provided

to the community within the guidelines

and direction provided by the Agency.
Federal Register / Vol. 60, No. 86 / Thursday, May 4, 1995 / Notices 22115

Ensures SSA’s public affairs/

information efforts are implemented

effectively and efficiently within DCO

components.

11. Establishes policies and develops

criteria on field office accessibility

(hours of service, size of field offices,

type and location of services, etc.).

12. Directs the planning, analysis and

evaluation of field office structure and

develops innovative concepts for the

future role of DCO components,

including improvements in service.

E. The Division of Operations

Management (S2NB).

1. Plans and coordinates

postentitlement cyclical workloads;

maintenance of beneficiary and earnings

records; certification of payment; and

recoupment of overpayment processes

impacting on DCO components.

2. Plans, designs and implements

studies and analyses to assess payment

processing activities and operational

goals and objectives. Plans and initiates

new processing workflows for claims

and postadjudicative actions to ensure

the most effective and efficient program

delivery to the public.

3. Establishes workload processing

schedules ensuring efficient sequences

of interrelated workloads and

recommends to DCO appropriate

priorities.

4. Coordinates operational processes

with programs administered by other

government agencies such as Railroad

Retirement Board, Treasury Department,

Internal Revenue Service, Veterans

Administration, State Department and

the Administration on Aging.

5. Creates workflows and processes

with systemic safeguards to prevent

errors and ensure a full audit trail for

automated and paper products.

F. The Division of Resource and

Management Information (S2NC).

1. Performs a broad range of financial

management, budget and management

information activities. Formulates,

executes and monitors component

budgets and spending plans. Develops

and monitors DCO’s operating budgets.

Develops reprogramming

recommendations for DCO management

consideration.

2. Analyzes and develops budget cost

analyses based on Agency constraints,

initiatives and legislation. Analyzes

budget data, program cost allocations,

operating program input, workload and

productivity information for the

preparation of the annual budget.

3. Analyzes and monitors component

productivity to determine staffing

requirements and ensure effective

delivery of service. Establishes

component fulltime equivalents,

workyears and dollar allocations,

including identification of

reprogramming needs. Distributes and

monitors General Services

Administration building delegations.

4. Analyzes legislative, procedural

and technological changes and ensures

appropriate resource allocations are

provided to effectively implement those

changes. Plans and implements

budgetary incentives/pay reform

projects.

5. Implements and maintains an

integrated management information

system through studies and analyses

which identify specific operating areas

to be measured and to control

workloads. Identifies DCO management

needs and develops systems and

methods to deliver the timely, pertinent

information that managers need to

effectively manage SSA’s programs and

delivery of service.

6. Analyzes data to identify trends

which DCO management must consider

in developing plans for deployment of

human and materiel resources. Designs,

develops and analyzes various weekly,

quarterly and annual management

information reports.

7. Develops policies, procedures and

standards for which DCO can carry out

its management activities in the areas of

personnel, employee relations, facilities,

space, property management, etc.

8. Identifies training and career

development needs of DCO employees

and ensures these needs are met.

Assesses future training needs as

technology advances and plans and

implements component career

enhancement programs to ensure

employees have skills needed to plan

and prepare for these technological

changes.

9. Within established guidelines,

plans and oversees implementation in

DCO components of projects which

improve employee environment and

well being (wellness/fitness, child care,

elder care, office space/furniture).

10. Plans, develops, implements and

evaluates comprehensive handicapped,

Equal Employment Opportunity and

affirmative employment programs to

ensure all employees are treated

equitably.

11. Plans and implements effective

management communication networks

to ensure employees are kept informed

of Operations’ and SSA’s initiatives as

well as determining, evaluating and

addressing employee concerns.

12. Provides staff support to DCO in

planning and providing effective

performance management/awards

programs ensuring fair and equitable

treatment of all employees.

13. Develops innovative approaches

to job restructuring/enhancements from

an Operations’ perspective. Plans,

develops, implements and analyzes

pilots and studies to enhance the quality

of the workforce.

Subchapter S2Q—Office of Telephone

Services

S2Q.00 Mission

S2Q.10 Organization

S2Q.20 Functions

Section S2Q.00 The Office of

Telephone Services—(Mission): The

Office of Telephone Services is

responsible for planning, implementing,

operating and evaluating SSA’s

telephone service to the public

delivered by the national 800 Number

and SSA FOs. The Office plans and

conducts studies, pilots and analyses of

800 Number and FO telephone

operations to assess and improve the

service provided. The Office provides

direct support to 38 TSCs and

approximately 1,300 FOs, including

developing and communicating uniform

operating policies and procedures. The

Office maintains close, effective

working relationships with SSA policy,

program and administrative

components, with other Federal

agencies and with vendors which have

important roles in the delivery and

evaluation of SSA’s telephone service to

the public. This Office manages SSA’s

national 800 Number network

operation, designs and administers call

routing plans, continuously monitors

call handling and adjusts routing to

handle emergency situations and to

maximize call answering effectiveness

and efficiency.

Section S2Q.10 The Office of

Telephone Services—(Organization):

The Office of Telephone Services

includes:

A. The Director of the Office of

Telephone Services (S2Q).

B. The Deputy Director of the Office

of Telephone Services (S2Q).

C. The Immediate Office of the

Director of the Office of Telephone

Services (S2Q).

D. The Service Team (S2QA).

E. The Voice Network Team (S2QB).

Section S2Q.20 The Office of

Telephone Services—(Functions):

A. The Director, Office of Telephone

Services (S2Q) is directly responsible to

the DCO for carrying out the Office’s

mission relating to the operation of

SSA’s national 800 Number and FO

telephone service, and provides general

supervision to the major components in

the Office.

B. The Deputy Director, Office of

Telephone Services (S2Q) assists the

Director in carrying out his/her

responsibilities and performs other

duties as the Director may prescribe.
22116 Federal Register / Vol. 60, No. 86 / Thursday, May 4, 1995 / Notices

C. The Immediate Office of the Office

of Telephone Services (S2Q) provides

the Director with staff assistance over

the full range of his/her responsibilities.

D. The Service Team (S2QA).

1. Plans, designs, implements and

evaluates studies of initiatives related to

the effective management, operation and

future direction of telephone services

provided to the public by the national

800 Number and FOs.

2. Provides leadership on SSA

telephone service planning initiatives

for the Office of Operations.

3. Researches and evaluates the

application of innovative concepts and

new technologies for SSA’s public

telephone services.

4. Designs, implements and maintains

management information systems for

SSA telephone service delivery.

Analyzes data, evaluates trends and

long-range needs and prepares executive

level reports.

5. Evaluates and plans for

implementation of legislative issues that

impact SSA’s telephone service. Works

with other SSA components, other

Federal agencies and vendors to ensure

quality public telephone services.

6. Plans, develops, implements and

evaluates systematic measurement

processes to assess the operational

effectiveness and efficiency of SSA

public telephone service operations.

7. Develops and maintains procedural

guides, operational instructions and

training materials for TSC and FO

employees providing public telephone

service.

8. Develops and evaluates plans for

the effective utilization of TSC and FO

resources and equipment relating to

delivery of telephone services to the

public.

9. Develops and evaluates operational

telephone service quality review

policies. Evaluates telephone service

delivery training needs to ensure quality

public service is provided.

E. The Voice Network Team (S2QB).

1. Plans, develops, implements and

evaluates the effectiveness and

efficiency of the routing of 800 Number

calls to the geographically dispersed

TSCs that provide 800 Number service.

2. Administers 800 Number call

routing on a daily basis, making

necessary adjustments to ensure the best

possible public telephone service.

3. Develops and maintains an

effective management information

system needed for the 800 Number

operation and produces the required

reports. Analyzes the information to

evaluate the routing of calls.

4. Identifies trends and/or patterns

that impact 800 Number call volumes

and resource requirements. Projects call

volumes and creates staffing models and

other techniques to determine future

call-handling capacity needs.

5. Analyzes the applicability of

innovative concepts and technologies to

the national 800 Number and FO

telephone service and recommends

ways to improve service.

6. Studies and evaluates the

effectiveness of TSCs and overall SSA

800 Number network operations and FO

telephone services and makes

recommendations for improving

operations.

This statement amends part S of the

Statement of the Organization,

Functions and Delegations of Authority

which covers the Social Security

Administration (SSA). Notice is given

that Chapter S4 for the Office of the

Deputy Commissioner Systems is being

amended to reflect internal

organizational realignments and the

deletion of all references to the

Department of Health and Human

Services as the parent agency of SSA.

The following material replaces Chapter

S4 in its entirety.

Chapter S4—Office of the Deputy

Commissioner, Systems

S4.00 Mission

S4.10 Organization

S4.20 Functions

Section S4.00 The Office of the

Deputy Commissioner, Systems—

(Mission): The Office of the Deputy

Commissioner, Systems (ODCS) directs

the conduct of systems and operational

integration and strategic planning

processes, and the implementation of a

comprehensive systems configuration

management, data base management

and data administration program.

Initiates software and hardware

acquisition for SSA and oversees

software and hardware acquisition

procedures, policies and activities.

Directs the development of operational

and programmatic specifications for

new and modified systems, and

oversees development, validation and

implementation phases.

Section S4.10 The Office of the

Deputy Commissioner, Systems—

(Organization): The Office of the Deputy

Commissioner, Systems, under the

leadership of the Deputy Commissioner,

Systems, includes:

A. The Deputy Commissioner,

Systems (S4).

B. The Assistant Deputy

Commissioner, Systems (S4).

C. The Immediate Office of the

Deputy Commissioner, Systems (S4C).

D. The Office of Systems Operations

(S4E).

E. The Office of Systems Design and

Development (S4G).

F. The Office of Systems

Requirements (S4H).

G. The Office of Systems Planning

and Integration (S4J).

H. The Office of Information

Management (S4K).

I. The Office of Telecommunications

(S4L).

Section S4.20 The Office of the

Deputy Commissioner, Systems—

(Functions):

A. The Deputy Commissioner,

Systems (S4) is directly responsible to

the Commissioner for carrying out the

ODCS mission and providing general

supervision to the major components of

ODCS.

B. The Assistant Deputy

Commissioner, Systems (S4) assists the

Deputy Commissioner in carrying out

his/her responsibilities, and performs

other duties as the Deputy

Commissioner may prescribe.

C. The Immediate Office of the

Deputy Commissioner, Systems (S4C)

provides the Deputy Commissioner with

management support on the full range of

his/her responsibilities.

D. The Office of System Operations

(OSO) (S4E) directs, manages and

coordinates the planning, acquisition,

implementation, security, operation and

maintenance of SSA’s computer systems

operations. It directs and coordinates

the transition, implementation and

operation of current/ongoing operating

systems support software, including

diagnostic software. OSO coordinates

with the Office of Telecommunications

(OTC) in the design and implementation

of the critical interface between OTC’s

telecommunications facilities and

OSO’s teleprocessing complexes. OSO

interfaces with the Office of Systems

Design and Development (OSDD) and

the Office of Information Management

(OIM) in the transition and

implementation of redesigned

programmatic and administrative

systems to progressively replace existing

application systems. It manages the

computer operations complex which

process SSA’s programmatic support,

administrative, management

information (MI) and statistical

application systems. OSO conducts

continuing assessments and engineering

analyses of the computer operations, as

well as equipment performance analyses

and coordinates with OSDD the

implementation of necessary

improvements to existing resources. It

directs and coordinates the activities

associated with the planning,

management, acquisition, procurement

and renewal of ADP equipment,

software and technical services for SSA

to maintain operational systems and to

prevent progressive deterioration. OSO
Federal Register / Vol. 60, No. 86 / Thursday, May 4, 1995 / Notices 22117

develops, controls and implements

operational plans which include the

preparing of technical specifications,

evaluation criteria, acceptance test

criteria, facilities engineering plans and

budget estimates to maintain

operational systems. It advises the

Deputy Commissioner, SSA Executive

Staff and external monitoring

authorities such as the General Services

Administration, the General Accounting

Office, the Office of Management and

Budget and Congress on SSA’s

computer systems operations.

E. The Office of Systems Design and

Development (OSDD) (S4G) directs the

design, development and maintenance

of all programmatic software to support

SSA’s social insurance and income

maintenance programs. The Office

directs SSA’s data base integration

activities to improve the administration

of SSA’s data bases and to implement

modern data base management systems

software. It designs and develops all

new or improved data base-oriented

systems. OSDD directs a comprehensive

software engineering program to

modernize the Agency’s programmatic

applications software by developing

new software and improving existing

software engineering technologies. It

develops and oversees the

implementation of standards, methods

and procedures for software design and

development. It plans and directs a

software development facility to support

applications development personnel

and supports the testing of new or

redesigned software. OSDD directs and

coordinates a comprehensive

management program for SSA’s

programmatic software.

F. The Office of System Requirements

(OSR) (S4H) directs, develops and

coordinates operational and

programmatic information requirements

and functional specifications for new

systems and modifications to existing

systems in direct support of SSA

programs. It manages an Agencywide

process for assessment of user

requirements and establishment of

priorities for software development and

modification. The Office directs

validation of systems processes against

user-defined performance criteria to

ensure conformance with requirements

and approves the resulting system for

operational acceptance. It directs the

development of procedures and

instructions to support user needs in

effective implementation of all systems.

It develops and implements standards

for analysis and requirements definition

and validation phases of the system

development process. It designs,

develops and executes an interactive

validation environment and associated

automated techniques, methodologies,

tools and data bases necessary for

conducting validations for all

programmatic systems. It develops

control, auditability and security

standards and ensures their

implementation through the systems

development life cycle. It is responsible

for SSA-wide data administration

including the overall operation of the

SSA Data Resource Management

Program.

G. The Office of Systems Planning

and Integration (OSPI) (S4J) directs and

conducts comprehensive integration

and systems planning processes. It

provides management leadership and

direction to systems activities in the

areas of software engineering technology

and systems engineering management,

including configuration management

and quality assurance. It carries out a

variety of technology assessment

functions, including the development of

pilot projects to evaluate specific

technology applications in SSA. The

Office develops the Information

Technology Systems Budget for

Systems, prepares the detailed budget

submission and develops monitoring

and tracking systems. It also develops

systems security policy for the systems

community and coordinates technical

activities for Systems components.

H. The Office of Information

Management (OIM) (S4K) directs,

develops and coordinates SSA-wide

administrative, management and

statistical information (AMSI) systems.

The Office is responsible for long-range

planning and analyses to define new

and improved systems processes to

support SSA’s long-term AMSI needs. It

directs the coordination of user

requirements with private contractors,

the SSA user community and the State

Disability Determination Services to

ensure efficient and effective

administration of MI needs and related

systems support. OIM directs a

comprehensive data base administration

program for the control of SSA’s AMSI

data bases. It develops technical

specifications for the acquisition,

implementation and operation of AMSI,

ADP and telecommunications resources.

I. The Office of Telecommunications

(OTC) (S4L) plans, implements and

evaluates SSA’s communications

technology and systems. It is

responsible for evaluating current and

emerging communications technologies

and for designing, acquiring,

implementing, operating and

maintaining new integrated

telecommunications systems combining

voice, data, video, facsimile, and other

SSA communications requirements.

OTC directs, manages and coordinates

the planning, analysis, design,

acquisition, implementation, operation

and maintenance of SSA’s existing

telecommunications systems. It manages

the telecommunications operations

complexes located at the Central Office,

Regional Offices and field sites. It is

responsible for SSA’s comprehensive

voice communication management

program.

Subchapter S4E—Office of Systems

Operations

S4E.00 Mission

S4E.10 Organization

S4E.20 Functions

Section S4E.00 The Office of

Systems Operations—(Mission): The

Office of Systems Operations (OSO)

directs, manages and coordinates the

planning, acquisition, implementation,

security, operation and maintenance of

SSA’s computer systems operations. It

directs and coordinates the transition,

implementation and operation of

current/ongoing operating systems

support software, including diagnostic

software. OSO coordinates with OTC in

the design and implementation of the

critical interface between OTC’s

telecommunications facilities and

OSO’s teleprocessing complexes. OSO

manages the implementation of

production application software at all

network platforms and interfaces with

OSDD and OIM in the transition and

implementation of redesigned

programmatic, and administrative

systems to progressively replace existing

application systems. OSO administers

all activities pertaining to configuration

management, change management and

problem management. It manages the

computer operations complex which

process SSA’s programmatic support,

administrative, MI and statistical

application systems. OSO conducts

continuing assessments and engineering

analyses of the computer operations, as

well as equipment performance analyses

and coordinates with OSDD the

implementation of necessary

improvements to existing resources. It

directs and coordinates the activities

associated with the planning,

management, acquisition, procurement

and renewal of ADP equipment,

software and technical services for SSA

to maintain operational systems and to

prevent progressive deterioration. OSO

develops, controls and implements

operational plans which include the

preparing of technical specifications,

evaluation criteria, acceptance test

criteria, facilities engineering plans and

budget estimates to maintain

operational systems. It advises the

Deputy Commissioner, SSA Executive

Staff and external monitoring
22118 Federal Register / Vol. 60, No. 86 / Thursday, May 4, 1995 / Notices

authorities such as the General Services

Administration, the General Accounting

Office, the Office of Management and

Budget and Congress on SSA’s

computer systems operations.

Section S4E.10 The Office of

Systems Operations—(Organization):

The Office of Systems Operations (S4E),

under the leadership of the Associate

Commissioner for Systems Operations,

includes:

A. The Associate Commissioner for

Systems Operations (S4E).

B. The Deputy Associate

Commissioner for Systems Operations

(S4E).

C. The Immediate Office of the

Associate Commissioner for Systems

Operations (S4E).

D. Division of Systems User Services

and Facilities (S4EE).

E. The Division of Computer

Operations Production Control (S4EG).

F. The Division of Operational

Support Software (S4EH).

G. The Division of Operational

Capacity Performance Management

(S4EJ).

H. The Division of Standards and

Control (S4EK).

I. The Division of Operational

Resource Management (S4EL).

J. The Division of Integration and

Environmental Testing (S4EM).

K. The Division of Teleprocessing

Systems Operations (S4EN).

Section S4E.20 The Office of

Systems Operations—(Functions):

A. The Associate Commissioner for

Systems Operations (S4E) is directly

responsible to the Deputy

Commissioner, Systems, for carrying out

the OSO mission and providing general

supervision to the major components of

OSO.

B. The Deputy Associate

Commissioner for Systems Operations

(S4E) assists the Associate

Commissioner in carrying out his/her

responsibilities and performs other

duties as the Associate Commissioner

may prescribe.

C. The Immediate Office of the

Associate Commissioner for Systems

Operations (S4E) provides the Associate

Commissioner and Deputy Associate

Commissioner with staff assistance on

the full range of their responsibilities.

D. Division of Systems User Services

and Facilities (S4EE).

1. Provides all computer hardwarerelated support for OSO and coordinates

the installation of all major hardware

and software. Plans and coordinates all

computer systems installations and

relocations. Provides technical

evaluation support for the procurement,

acceptance, testing, installation and

implementation of equipment and

software.

2. Plans and coordinates computer

facility environmental systems

requirements. Provides computer

facilities support for all Agency

computer processing centers.

3. Serves as focal point for all user

systems problems, questions,

complaints and corrective actions

regarding the full range of production

services. Establishes quality standards

for selected operations areas and

provides enforcement of the standards.

Measures operations performance in

providing timely output services as

delineated in the User Service

Agreements.

4. Provides operational status and

workload information to field offices

and payment centers using the SSA

telecommunications network. Provides

statistical analyses of, and reports on,

operations performance at meeting both

user and computer center management

service objectives.

5. Provides a centralized contact for

the management of all online storage

media resources in the National

Computer Center (NCC) and Program

Service Centers. Manages Direct Access

Storage Device (DASD) resources to

maintain the integrity, reliability and

performance of state-of-the-art storage

technology. Responsible for DASD

backup and recovery operations.

Advises senior management of all

aspects of storage media management.

E. The Division of Computer

Operations Production Control (S4EG).

1. Manages and processes all of SSA’s

program/mission-oriented and MI batch

and online batch production workloads

and administers effective resource

utilization.

2. Manages and directs the automated

magnetic media processes and directs

the activity of the magnetic tape library

function. Serves as the focal point for

management of all magnetic tape storage

resources, both internal and external to

the Agency.

3. Participates in the design reviews

of proposed application systems to

assure operational support and control

aspects are being considered. Analyzes

applications systems to assure

compliance with systems standards.

Approves applications systems for

production status and incorporates them

into the production library. Before

acceptance of any new batch

applications, performs preproduction

testing to minimize unexpected impacts

to existing schedules and to ensure the

most optimum use of existing data

center resources.

4. Manages all incoming and enddeliverable products of data processing

operations within both the test and

production environments. Responsible

for the operations and control of the

print and punch products produced in

the NCC. Ensures the quality, timeliness

and accurate delivery of all distributed

information, including transmitted data.

5. Represents OSO and Systems in the

preparation and revision of Service

Level Agreements between Systems and

its users.

F. The Division of Operational

Support Software (S4EH).

1. Directs the analysis, design,

development, implementation and

maintenance of computer operating

systems and locally prepared

subroutines in support of programmatic

workloads for SSA’s central data

processing center.

2. Designs, develops, implements and

maintains production control ADP

systems which supervise media library

controls and automates the scheduling

of the production workload.

3. Directs the analysis, evaluation,

selection, implementation and

maintenance of a wide variety of vendor

proprietary and locally provided utility

software to support the programmatic

production and MI workloads of the

central and remote data centers.

4. Supports other SSA components

with user liaison, systems development,

technical and operational problem

resolution.

G. The Division of Operational

Capacity Performance Management

(S4EJ).

1. Evaluates computer performance

and monitors resource utilization to

ensure that OSO’s operational computer

systems capacity is utilized effectively

and efficiently. Ensures that OSO’s

systems performance objectives are

being met and that data bases are

efficiently implemented. Prepares

recommendations to OSO management

and as directed, performs similar

functions for other SSA components.

2. Ensures that sufficient ADP

capacity is available to process present

and future workloads, coordinating

decisions on target systems for new/

modified workloads and systems

configuration changes.

3. In conjunction with other Deputy

Commissioner, Systems (DCS)

components, develops an ADP Capacity

Plan for 1-, 2- and 5-year timeframes.

4. Provides advice and services to

other OSO components in the use of

computer interpretation of reports and

data resulting from evaluation and

utilization studies.

5. Uses operational research tools to

investigate operational efficiency

problems and develop workload and

utilization relationships.

H. The Division of Standards and

Control (S4EK).
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1. Develops, publishes and

implements standards and operating

procedures within OSO. Develops and

controls enforcement mechanisms to

ensure adherence to operational

standards. Administers the Federal

systems standards program within OSO.

2. Directs the planning,

implementation and evaluation of the

systems security program in OSO and

SSA privacy and security policies.

3. Serves as OSO liaison with other

SSA components in matters of privacy

and security. Provides for the security of

all OSO resources in the centralized

OSO computer boundaries established

by the Deputy Commissioner for

Finance, Assessment and Management.

4. Provides planning, evaluation and

oversight on disaster recovery

capabilities in order to maintain

continuity of data center operations.

Develops, implements and evaluates

systems and procedures for the security

and protection of data.

5. Formulates an OSO-wide Systems

Plan and assigns responsibility to OSO

components for various parts of the

Plan. Works with OSO components to

evaluate their proposed systems

objectives in terms of technical

feasibility, availability of resources and

systems costs. Identifies the major OSO

activities and resources needed to

support these objectives. Directs and

coordinates the OSO technical

workpower, equipment and other

special costs for the SSA budget process

and justifies these on the basis of the

ADP plan.

6. Coordinates OSO activities related

to the SSA ADP Plan. Directs the

preparation of detailed project plans

including resource estimates for projects

of which OSO has the lead. Monitors

progress and use of workpower and

equipment resources by OSO

components against their approved

plans. Develops standard methods for

project management and assists OSO

components in their use.

7. Manages the OSO technical training

program. Assesses needs, and

formulates and executes strategies to

upgrade individual knowledge and skill

levels.

8. Performs systems analysis,

configuration design, software selection,

implementation and procurement

support for micro-computers,

minicomputers and computer graphics

systems and equipment for various

components of OSO. Provides state-ofthe-art technical expertise including the

evaluation of new and existing systems

activities and provides support for

enhancements, modifications, design

and/or redesign. Research and analyze

emerging office systems developments

to ensure technology awareness and

provide supporting systems

development, design, planning and

implementation. Provides systems

training support within OSO.

I. The Division of Operational

Resource Management (S4EL).

1. Directs OSO’s participation in the

Information Technology Systems (ITS)

procurement process.

2. Performs technical and cost reviews

of all OSO/ITS procurements. Performs

technical review of procurement

proposals for ITS resources.

3. Provides support for ITS Technical

Evaluation Committees.

4. Supports contract administration

for all OSO/ITS contracts.

5. Provides technical support to

Project Officers in the development,

modification and administration of ITS

contracts.

6. Directs the renewal process for

existing lease and maintenance

contracts for ITS and

telecommunications equipment and

services.

7. Manages the fiscal administration

of all ITS contracts, collecting,

analyzing and reporting performance

data to support required fiscal and other

contractual proceedings.

8. Manages a centralized inventory of

all SSA ITS and telecommunications

equipment, and manages the ITS excess

equipment process.

9. Provides for the centralized

certification and authorization for the

lease and maintenance of SSA’s ITS and

telecommunications equipment.

10. Provides necessary staff support to

all users within OSO for the

development of procurement documents

and documentation.

11. Develops and maintains the OSO

macroprocurement plan which relates to

planned acquisitions of ITS equipment,

software, system design and system

support services.

12. Serves as Project Officer for ITS

recompetition/ongoing maintenance

contracts.

13. Provides technical support to OSO

and other SSA components during

major procurement activities. Ensures

that procurement documentation

complies with directives published by

SSA and higher monitoring authorities.

Provides recommendations for

disposition of procurement proposals

for ITS resources.

J. The Division of Integration and

Environmental Testing (S4EM).

1. Directs and controls all activities

with the release of new or enhanced

versions of host programmatic and

telecommunications-related software.

Enforces software acceptance and

certifications standards. Directs the

initial staging of program modules to be

tested, including generation of

executable code.

2. Develops and maintains extensive

test data bases for use in the acceptance,

integration and environmental testing

processes. Develops and incorporates

the use of software simulators and

emulators in software acceptance

testing.

3. Directs the integration testing of

new or enhanced communications host

software, remote network/terminal and

microprocessor software and network

communications software. Participates

in the movement and/or migration of

software systems and associated data

files between complexes and processing

components.

4. Directs environmental testing to

ensure that all new or enhanced

software is compatible with changing

hardware configurations. Directs the

integration of new or enhanced SSA

programmatic software. Administers the

generation of finalized testing results for

evaluation. Directs software

performance evaluations, parallel

testing, timing studies, inter/intrasystem

relationship and testing trend analysis.

5. Responsible for administering ADP

hardware integration and acceptance

testing.

6. Provides the checks and balances

on SSA’s ADP systems and equipment

procurement for complying with

contractual performance requirements

throughout the life cycle of the

procurement.

7. Directs the design, development

and implementation of software to

gather and report statistical information

on the functioning of

telecommunications networks.

Distributes the information to other SSA

components to report on network

performance and equipment utilization.

8. For all teleprocessing application

software, manages and controls

libraries, controls and migrates software

into the production environment and

designs and develops backup and

recovery procedures.

9. Administers all activities pertaining

to configuration management for the

OSO change management system.

10. Monitors problem determination

and resolution flow for all software,

hardware and environmental failures

that occur in the NCC and other Agency

data processing centers.

K. The Division of Teleprocessing

Systems Operations (S4EN).

1. Procures, installs, modifies and

tunes all online/batch teleprocessing

monitor systems software, vendor

support products and Data Base

Management Systems. Designs,

modifies, implements and installs
22120 Federal Register / Vol. 60, No. 86 / Thursday, May 4, 1995 / Notices

specialized teleprocessing system

software to support new teleprocessing

application software including inhouse

modifications.

2. Directs all teleprocessing system

software problem determination and

resolution.

3. Participates in the establishment of

teleprocessing software standards for

application design and for the use of

data base packages within the SSA

network environment. Formulates

policy for data base applications

software systems and monitors and

optimizes performance of that software.

4. Coordinates with other OSO

components in addressing

teleprocessing software concerns

regarding system capacity issues and

system configuration proposals.

5. Develops teleprocessing software

procedures for computer operations

components.

6. Manages all online teleprocessing

and Data Base Management Systems

interface regions.

7. Operates and maintains an

integrated systems and technical

coordination control center and help

desk to coordinate problem

identification and resolution activities

with the Office of Telecommunications.

Subchapter S4G—Office of Systems Design

and Development

S4G.00 Mission

S4G.10 Organization

S4G.20 Functions

Section S4G.00 Office of Systems

Design and Development—(Mission):

OSDD directs the design, development

and maintenance of all programmatic

software to support SSA’s social

insurance and income maintenance

programs. It is responsible for a

comprehensive software engineering

program and oversees the

implementation of standards, methods

and procedures in connection with this

program. OSDD directs and coordinates

a comprehensive software configuration

management program and manages a

detailed project control system for

OSDD software development projects. It

directs SSA’s data base administration

management program and designs,

develops and, with OSO, implements

the production of all new or improved

data base oriented systems. It develops

policies and procedures, prepares

procurement documents for and

oversees acquisition of software

packages and tools and software support

services. OSDD plans and directs a

software development facility to support

applications development personnel. It

serves as liaison with other SSA

components and external monitoring

authorities including the Deputy

Commissioner for Human Resources,

General Services Administration,

General Accounting Office and Congress

on SSA applications systems planning

and software and data base

development.

Section S4G.10 Office of Systems

Design and Development—

(Organization): The Office of Systems

Design and Development, under the

leadership of the Associate

Commissioner for Systems Design and

Development, includes:

A. The Associate Commissioner for

Systems Design and Development (S4G).

B. The Deputy Associate

Commissioner for Systems Design and

Development (S4G).

C. The Immediate Office of the

Associate Commissioner for Systems

Design and Development (S4G).

Section S4G.20 Office of Systems

Design and Development—(Functions):

A. The Associate Commissioner for

Systems Design and Development (S4G)

is directly responsible to the Deputy

Commissioner, Systems, for carrying out

the OSDD mission and providing

general supervision to the major

components of OSDD.

B. The Deputy Associate

Commissioner for Systems Design and

Development (S4G) assists the Associate

Commissioner in carrying out his/her

responsibilities and performs other

duties as the Associate Commissioner

may prescribe.

C. The Immediate Office of the

Associate Commissioner for Systems

Design and Development (S4G) provides

the Associate Commissioner and Deputy

Associate Commissioner with staff

assistance on the full range of their

responsibilities.

1. OSDD plans and manages the

Software Engineering Facility (SEF)

mainframe and OSDD LAN/workstation

configurations to provide an integrated

set of automated tools, techniques and

services in support of SSA’s application

development community. Provides

support for both programmatic and MI

applications throughout each phase of

the systems development life cycle,

including analysis, design,

development, testing, validation,

production and maintenance. Plans,

designs, develops, selects and

implements automation methods and

standards for the design and

development stages of the Software

Engineering Technology. Provides for

automated software configuration

management, quality control and library

migration. Provides technical assistance

to SEF users with specific emphasis on

software tools used by the programming

community. Acts as liaison between the

SEF user community and the computer

center to ensure that user needs are

being met. Monitors SEF performance to

ensure that appropriate service levels

are continuously maintained; performs

impact analyses and validation of

proposed software development tools

before they are installed on the SEF; and

manages the SEF DASD pool. Also

manages a security program for the SEF

which includes administration of SSA’s

security software, control of system

access and coordination of component

Security Officer activities.

2. OSDD directs the design and

development of all new or improved inhouse file access software for data base/

master record files, including selection

and installation of commercial data base

management packages in connection

with systems modernization and design/

development initiatives. It identifies,

evaluates and manages software

improvement projects which are

implemented internally by OSDD or

assigned to private contractors. Prepares

draft requirements statements and

statements of work for the acquisition of

software packages/tools and software

contractor support services. It designs

and develops new software systems/

subsystems based on systems

modernization plans or user

requirements. It designs and develops

all new or improved in-house

applications support software designed

to promote data base/master record data

independence. It is responsible for all

analyses in support of data

standardization and data quality

improvement/ assurance in connection

with software improvement and design

and development initiatives. It

establishes and maintains a data

dictionary to support and control its

function.

3. OSDD plans, directs and

coordinates the development of

operational ADP systems which directly

support SSA’s social insurance and

income maintenance programs. Based

on user requirements developed by

OSR, it develops and modifies

programmatic applications software

systems, including systems analysis and

design, development, documentation,

testing, implementation and

maintenance. Coordinates systems

development activities with OSR to

assure full integration with OSDD and

SSA plans. It assures implementation of

systems operating policies by

developing detailed standards, methods

and procedures consistent with OSDD

directives and standards. Serves as

liaison with other SSA components,

other governmental agencies and private

organizations on operational systems
Federal Register / Vol. 60, No. 86 / Thursday, May 4, 1995 / Notices 22121

development and maintenance

functions.

Chapter S4H—Office of Systems

Requirements

S4H.00 Mission

S4H.10 Organization

S4H.20 Functions

Section S4H.00 Office of Systems

Requirements—(Mission): The Office of

Systems Requirements (OSR) directs,

develops and coordinates organizational

information requirements and

functional requirements for new

systems and modifications to existing

systems in direct support of SSA

programs. OSR is responsible for longrange planning and analyses to define

new and improved systems processes in

support of user requirements and

maintains a comprehensive, updated

and integrated set of system requirement

specifications. OSR directs validation of

systems operations against user-defined

requirements and performance criteria,

and approves the resulting system for

operational acceptance. It directs the

development of procedures and

instructions to support user needs in

effective implementation of all systems.

OSR is also responsible for all SSA-wide

data administration including the

overall operation of the SSA Data

Resource Management Program. OSR

develops security standards and ensures

implementation of the standards within

OSR. It directs the evaluation of the

effect of proposed legislation, policies or

regulations to determine the impact on

SSA systems and develops information

requirements and procedures as they

relate to such legislation, regulations

and SSA policy directives. It directs the

coordination of user requirements with

SSA central and regional operations to

ensure the efficiency and effectiveness

of program information needs and

overall systems support. Based on input

from users, OSR translates

organizational information requirements

and priorities into plans and, in line

with OSDD and OSO systems targets,

develops SSA’s annual Automated Data

Processing (ADP) Plan and directs

development and maintenance of the

plan. OSR serves as primary contact and

advocate for the SSA user community

on issues concerning the development

of organizational information

requirements, functional specifications

and supporting operational procedures

and instructions. OSR provides system

support for the Agency’s programmatic

systems interactive validation

environment, project management and

control, resource management, ITS

Budget/ADP Plan coordination, Agency

Strategic Plan and workload scheduling.

Section S4H.10 Office of Systems

Requirements—(Organization): The

Office of Systems Requirements, under

the leadership of the Associate

Commissioner for Systems

Requirements, includes:

A. The Associate Commissioner for

Systems Requirements (S4H).

B. The Deputy Associate

Commissioner for Systems

Requirements (S4H).

C. The Immediate Office of the

Associate Commissioner for Systems

Requirements (S4H).

1. The Data Administration, Methods,

Modeling and Processes Staff (S4H–2).

D. The Division of Claims and Control

(S4HE).

E. The Division of Data Support and

Enumeration (S4HG).

F. The Division of Earnings Control

and Processing (S4HH).

G. The Division of Earnings

Correction and Certification (S4HJ).

H. The Division of Payment Processes

(S4HK).

I. The Division of Planning and

Support (S4HL).

J. The Division of Requirements

Support and Security (S4HM).

K. The Division of RSDI

Postentitlement Systems (S4HN).

L. The Division of Supplemental

Security Income Systems (S4HP).

M. The Division of Validation (S4HQ).

Section S4H.20 The Office of

Systems Requirements—(Functions):

A. The Associate Commissioner for

Systems Requirements (S4H) is directly

responsible to the Deputy

Commissioner, Systems, for carrying out

the OSR mission and providing general

supervision to the major components of

OSR.

B. The Deputy Associate

Commissioner for Systems

Requirements (S4H) assists the

Associate Commissioner in carrying out

his/her responsibilities and performs

other duties as the Associate

Commissioner may prescribe.

C. The Immediate Office of the

Associate Commissioner for Systems

Requirements (S4H) provides the

Associate Commissioner and Deputy

Associate Commissioner with staff

assistance on the full range of their

responsibilities.

1. The Data Administration, Methods,

Modeling and Processes Staff (S4H–2).

a. Responsible for all SSA-wide data

administration, including responsibility

for the overall operation of the SSA Data

Resource Management Program.

b. Responsible for the development of

Systems-wide policies, procedures and

standards for the specific OSR phases of

the life cycle development process and

development of methods to assure the

quality of systems products.

c. Serves as the focal point for

coordinating the development and

maintenance of the Software

Engineering Technology (SET) for all

OSR standards and procedures.

d. Responsible for providing

assistance to the configuration

management processes by developing

strategies and guidelines for baselining

automated functional requirements (FR)

data bases.

e. Responsible for the integration of

data and process models, as well as FRs

and software design.

f. Responsible for the development of

requirements for standardizing data

collection across application areas.

g. Responsible for the development of

proposals and recommendations for the

new software engineering methods for

use at SSA, based on extensive research

into various methodologies utilized by

other data processing installations.

h. Responsible for providing program

expertise and process management

direction and oversight for cross-cutting

segments for all SSA systems initiatives,

legislative initiatives or projects

involving the initiation, interpretation

and/or the implementation of

administrative and programmatic

systems.

i. Responsible for providing a variety

of high level coordinative, analytical,

consultative and advisory services to

SSA as a whole relative to very visible

and complex systems initiatives.

D. The Division of Claims and Control

(S4HE).

1. Plans, develops, evaluates and

implements organizational information

requirements, functional specifications,

procedures, instructions and standards,

including security and fraud detection

for the retirement and disability initial

claims processes, control of claims

folders and claims-related material, the

transaction control operation, RSDI

disallowances, appeals processes and

management data reports.

2. Participates, with the Division of

Validation (DV), in the planning and

conducting of integrated validation tests

of new systems and modifications to

existing systems against user-defined

requirements and performance criteria,

and certifies that the changes are in

conformance with functional

specifications.

3. Develops and maintains a

comprehensive, updated and integrated

set of systems requirements

specifications for the claims and control

process.

4. Performs requirements analyses

and definition, conveying SSAapproved user needs and requirements

in the area of claims and control to
22122 Federal Register / Vol. 60, No. 86 / Thursday, May 4, 1995 / Notices

OSDD for development of ADP

specifications and systems design.

5. Evaluates legislative proposals,

regulations and policy changes affecting

the claims and control process.

6. Represents users in resolving

system discrepancies and errors relating

to existing claims and control processes

with OSDD and OSO representatives.

7. Coordinates user requirements with

SSA central and field offices to ensure

the efficiency and effectiveness of

program information needs and overall

systems support.

E. The Division of Data Support and

Enumeration (S4HG).

1. Plans, develops, validates,

evaluates and implements

organizational information

requirements, functional specifications,

procedures, instructions and standards,

including security and fraud detection

for data exchanges between SSA

systems and other Federal and State

agencies; for data base access to

programmatic information; for access to

SSA main and sub menus; for

Telecommunications support; for the

establishment, correction, maintenance

and verification of Social Security

numbers; for the issuance of new or

replacement cards; for the updating of

death data; and for the Death Master,

News and Tride files, serves as the lead

component in OSR for development of

the Integrated Client database.

2. Participates, with DV, in the

planning and conducting of integrated

validation tests of modifications to

existing systems against user-defined

requirements and performance criteria,

and certifies that the changes are in

conformance with functional

specifications.

3. Develops and maintains a

comprehensive, updated and integrated

set of systems requirements

specifications for the enumeration

process and for interface and data base

access processes.

4. Performs requirements analyses

and definition, conveying SSAapproved user needs and requirements

in the areas of enumeration, data base

accesses and interfaces to OSDD for the

development of ADP specifications and

systems design.

5. Evaluates legislative proposals,

regulations and policy changes affecting

the enumeration process, system

interfaces programmatic data base

queries.

6. Represents users in resolving

system discrepancies and errors relating

to the existing interface, enumeration

processes and programmatic queries

with OSDD and OSO representatives.

7. Coordinates user requirements with

SSA central and field offices and

Federal and State agencies to ensure the

efficiency and effectiveness of program

information needs and overall systems

support.

F. The Division of Earnings Control

and Processing (S4HH).

1. Plans, develops, evaluates and

implements organizational information

requirements, functional specifications,

procedures, instructions and standards,

including those relating to security and

fraud detection, for reporting private

and public sector earnings data; for

establishment, correction and

maintenance of earnings records for

Trust Fund accounting information

provided to the Department of the

Treasury; for reconciling disagreements

and resolving discrepancies; for the

establishment and maintenance of

employer identification information; for

the classification of employers; for the

employer reporting control and SSA/IRS

reconciliation process; and for State and

local reporting audit and reconciliation.

2. Participates, with DV, in the

planning and conducting of integrated

validation tests of modifications to

existing systems against user-defined

requirements and performance criteria,

and certifies that the changes are in

conformance with functional

specifications.

3. Develops and maintains a

comprehensive, updated and integrated

set of systems requirements

specifications for the earnings reporting

and maintenance process, State and

local contribution and liability, and the

employer identification and control

process.

4. Performs requirements analyses

and definition, conveying SSAapproved user needs and requirements

in the areas of earnings reporting, State

and local contributions and liability,

and employer identification and control

to OSDD for the development of ADP

specifications and system design.

5. Evaluates legislative proposals,

regulations and policy changes affecting

the earnings reporting process, State and

local contributions and liability, and the

employer identification and control

process.

6. Represents users in resolving

systems discrepancies and errors

relating to the existing earnings

reporting and maintenance process,

existing State and local contributions

and liability, and employer

identification and control processes

with OSDD and OSO’s representatives.

7. Coordinates user requirements with

SSA central and field offices and

Federal and State agencies to ensure the

efficiency and effectiveness of program

information needs and overall systems

support.

G. The Division of Earnings

Correction and Certification (S4HJ).

1. Plans, develops, evaluates and

implements organizational information

requirements, functional specifications,

procedures, instructions and standards,

including those relating to security and

fraud detection for use, access and

exchange of earnings; for providing

certified earnings data to support Titles

II and XVI programmatic processes; for

issuing earnings and benefit estimate

statements; for reconciling

disagreements and resolving

discrepancies related to earnings data;

and for reinstating earnings data from

suspense.

2. Participates, with DV, in the

planning and conducting of integrated

validation tests of new systems or

modifications to existing systems

against user-defined requirements and

performance criteria, and certifies that

the changes are in conformance with

functional specifications.

3. Develops and maintains a

comprehensive, updated and integrated

set of system requirements

specifications for earnings data use,

item correction and data accessing

processes.

4. Performs requirements analyses

and definition, conveying SSAapproved user needs and requirements

in the area of earnings data use, item

correction and data accessing processes

to OSDD for the development of ADP

specifications and systems design.

5. Evaluates legislative proposals,

regulations and policy changes affecting

use and maintenance of earnings data

and data accessing processes.

6. Represents users in resolving

system discrepancies and errors relating

to earnings data uses and data accessing

processes with OSDD and OSO

representatives.

7. Coordinates user requirements with

SSA central and field offices and

Federal and State agencies to ensure the

efficiency and effectiveness of program

information needs and overall system

support.

H. The Division of Payment Processes

(S4HK).

1. Plans, develops, evaluates and

implements organizational information

requirements, functional specifications,

procedures, instructions and standards,

including security and fraud detection,

for the Master Beneficiary Record (MBR)

update operations; Titles II and XVI

check-related areas; the taxation

process; overpayment, underpayment,

misuse, fraud and civil suit actions; and

benefit-related accounting operations.

2. Participates, with DV, in the

planning and conducting of integrated

validation tests of modifications to
Federal Register / Vol. 60, No. 86 / Thursday, May 4, 1995 / Notices 22123

existing systems against user-defined

requirements and performance criteria,

and certifies that the changes are in

conformance with functional

specifications.

3. Develops and maintains a

comprehensive, updated and integrated

set of system requirements

specifications for the payment process.

4. Performs requirements analyses

and definition, conveying SSAapproved user needs and requirements

in the area of Titles II and XVI payment

processes to OSDD for the development

of ADP specifications and systems

design.

5. Evaluates legislative proposals,

regulations and policy changes affecting

the payment process.

6. Represents users in resolving

system discrepancies and errors relating

to existing payment processes with

OSDD and OSO representatives.

7. Coordinates user requirements with

SSA central and field offices and

Federal and State agencies to ensure the

efficiency and effectiveness of program

information needs and overall systems

support.

I. The Division of Planning and

Support (S4HL).

1. Directs development, operation and

maintenance of Management Support

Systems which provide automated

support to OSR and DCS planning,

monitoring, project and resource

management functions. Analyzes

management requirements and needs of

other OSR components, and develops

appropriate systems support capability.

Acquires necessary ADP capability to

meet user needs through equipment

acquisition or timesharing agreements.

Works with OSPI and OIM contractors

and other involved components to

develop, maintain and implement

systems’ management support and

control processes to integrate OSR’s

management support systems and

processes systems-wide.

2. Provides standards, procedures,

systems support and technical

assistance to OSR project managers to

facilitate preparation of work plans.

Directs review of project work plans to

ensure completeness, compatibility with

standards and managerial directives,

and requirements and conformity to the

ADP Plan, Configuration Control Board

(CCB) decisions and other management

decisions. Coordinates systems-wide

approval of new and modified plans,

and ensures that differences and

conflicts among components are

resolved. Provides for monitoring

progress of work projects against work

plans and reporting status to systems

management.

3. Develops procedures and works

with systems management to develop,

maintain and implement configuration

control and systems change control

processes. Directs review and control of

requests for modification of SSA

systems and documentation of problems

identified in the validation and

production of application software

environments. Ensures that all systems

change requests are in accordance with

ADP Plan and CCB decisions and

correspond to approved project work

plans. Monitors change requests through

the systems life cycle, and ensures that

all necessary concurrences and

approvals are obtained.

4. Monitors DCS workloads, resource

estimates and resource usage and

provides comprehensive resource

information to DCS management to

support workload priority decisions.

Directs resource estimation and

reporting processes for OSR.

5. Plans and analyzes information and

resource requirements to determine the

requirements for new or improved

systems processes to support long-term

agency needs, and develops a final list

of recommended requirements for new

or improved systems, setting priorities

among the requirements.

6. Develops, maintains and publishes

the overall approved SSA plan for

fulfilling short-term and long-range

information system requirements,

including determining, classifying and

ranking systems needs of all SSA

components, and recommends final

priorities for approval. Documents all

critical issues having major Agencywide

impact and forwards them to the

Associate Commissioner for Systems

Requirements for resolution.

7. Coordinates approved system

requirements changes for pre-claims and

claims areas with system modernization

plans maintained by OSDD. Coordinates

OSR input to Agency and DCS planning

processes.

8. Coordinates Modernized Systems

Operating Manual (MSOM) activities

including Version Directory

Management, Indexing, Cataloging,

Scheduling and Transmittal release and

manages MSOM on CD–ROM activities.

9. Coordinates the evaluation of

legislative proposals affecting SSA

programs for DCS and performs

implementation monitoring.

J. The Division of Requirements

Support and Security (S4HM).

1. Develops controls, auditability and

security standards for the organizational

information requirements for all SSA

systems, and ensures the

implementation of the standards within

all areas of OSR’s functional

responsibilities. Also, develops methods

to improve control and security features

based on established standards and

cost/benefit considerations.

2. Reviews FR documents, requests

for systems modifications, procedural

issuance and related material developed

by OSR components to determine

adherence to SSA and the Office of

Management and Budget standards

relating to the security and integrity of

SSA data processing and information

systems.

3. Leads and/or coordinates reviews

of programmatic processes and systems

to identify weaknesses in control,

auditability and security features, makes

recommendations for improvement, and

coordinates activities with other SSA

components to ensure that approved

recommendations are implemented.

4. Provides the capability for, and

performs dynamic testing and static

testing of, all programmatic systems in

support of SSA and oversight Agency

requirements, as well as in support of

OSR control and audit process reviews.

5. Develops requirements for, and

authorizes systems software changes to,

various Control and Audit Test Facility

software modules and programmatic

modules used in the performance of

static and dynamic testing, and

validates those changes.

6. Coordinates with users and all

systems components on Privacy Act and

Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)

issues to ensure that FRs and

procedures are in conformance with that

legislation.

7. Performs requirement analyses and

definition and conveys SSA approved

user needs and requirements in the area

of audit data collection to OSDD for the

development of ADP specifications and

systems designs.

8. Reviews SSA approved security

access control requirements to ensure

that they reflect any recent additions or

modifications to an applications

functionality and conveys the

requirements to OSO for an update of

the access control apparatus.

9. Performs security, functional

security, access control, Individuals of

Extraordinary National Prominence and

Social Security Number Block

validations, and audit trail data

collection validations to ensure that

profiles are accurate, security does not

interfere with the functionality of an

application and audit trail data are

properly collected.

10. Develops requirements for and

validates software changes to the TOP

SECRET Administration process.

11. Implements and supports the

appropriate standards and procedures

for functional requirements definition

and analysis stages through the use of
22124 Federal Register / Vol. 60, No. 86 / Thursday, May 4, 1995 / Notices

Computer-Aided Software Engineering

(CASE) tools.

12. Supports the procurement, use

and integration of automated tools in

support of OSR’s development and

maintenance of FRs, documents and

data models for SSA’s programmatic

systems.

13. Defines, designs, develops and

implements computer programs and

automated processes which support the

development and maintenance of

integrated programmatic data processing

systems.

14. Develops, maintains, and provides

technical support of hardware, software

and all networking functions within

OSR.

15. Performs user analyses, develops

functional requirements and validates

PC programmatic applications and

Expert systems that run on SSA’s

Intelligent Work Station/Local Area

Network (IWS/LAN) platform to support

its field offices nationwide.

K. The Division of RSDI

Postentitlement Systems (S4HN).

1. Plans, develops, evaluates and

implements organizational information

requirements, functional specifications,

procedures, instructions and standards,

including security and fraud detection,

for ADP of RSDI postentitlement reports

and events (work notices, student

reports, etc.) that involve manual/

automated suspensions, terminations or

reinstatements; related beneficiary

notices; address and/or representativepayee changes and Medicare

enrollment, withdrawal and termination

actions; critical case processing;

attorney fees; and cyclical workloads

(AERO, ARF/DRC, Earnings

Enforcement), Black Lung processes and

Drug Addiction and Alcohol (DA&A)

processes.

2. Participates, with DV, in the

planning and conducting of unit

validation tests of modifications to

existing systems against user-defined

requirements and performance criteria,

and certifies that the changes are in

conformance with functional

specifications.

3. Develops and maintains a

comprehensive, updated and integrated

set of system requirements

specifications for the RSDI

Postentitlement process.

4. Performs requirements analyses

and definition, conveying SSAapproved user needs and requirements

in the area of RSDI Postentitlement to

OSDD for the development of ADP

specifications and systems design.

5. Evaluates legislative proposals,

regulations and policy changes affecting

the RSDI Postentitlement process.

6. Represents users in resolving

system discrepancies and errors relating

to the existing RSDI Postentitlement

process with OSDD and OSO

representatives.

7. Coordinates user requirements with

SSA central and field offices and

Federal and State agencies to ensure the

efficiency and effectiveness of program

information needs and overall systems

support.

L. The Division of Supplemental

Security Income Systems (S4HP).

1. Plans, develops, evaluates and

implements organizational information

requirements, functional specifications,

procedures, instructions and standards,

including security and fraud detection

for Title XVI (SSI) processes and

redetermination operations.

2. Participates, with DV, in the

planning and conducting of integrated

validation tests of modifications to

existing systems against user-defined

requirements and performance criteria,

and certifies that the changes are in

conformance with functional

specifications.

3. Develops and maintains a

comprehensive, updated and integrated

set of system requirements

specifications and validation tests of

systems changes against user

requirements and performance criteria

and certifies that changes are in

conformance with specifications for

assigned areas of responsibility.

4. Performs requirements analyses

and definition, conveying SSAapproved user needs and requirements

in the area of SSI initial claims and

posteligibility operations, computation

and record balancing operations, notices

and redeterminations to OSDD for the

development of ADP specifications and

systems design.

5. Evaluates legislative proposals,

regulations and policy changes affecting

the SSI process.

6. Represents users in resolving

system discrepancies and errors relating

to the existing SSI process with OSDD

and OSO representatives.

7. Coordinates user requirements with

SSA central and field offices and

Federal and State agencies to ensure the

efficiency and effectiveness of program

information needs and overall systems

support.

M. The Division of Validation (S4HQ).

1. Designs, develops, evaluates and

implements automated techniques and

methodologies for the validation and

systems acceptance phases of system

development in accordance with

established standards and in support of

modified operational systems and

system modernization efforts.

2. Identifies and documents

requirements for automated validation

tools and validation data bases.

3. Designs, develops, evaluates and

implements validation files and

historical data bases, validation tools

and model test plans for use by OSR

components in conducting integrated

validation tests.

4. Executes integration/validation

tests and analyzes the results to ensure

that all activities have been performed

and all necessary outputs have been

produced in order to assist in the

validation of programmatic systems

developmental, cyclical, and

maintenance projects.

5. Coordinates with other system

components and users in evaluating the

analysis of the validation.

6. Performs integration and pilot

validations, including operational

procedures, to ensure that the functional

requirements have been met and that

the systems are free of operating faults.

7. Certifies resulting systems for

operational acceptance.

8. Constructs periodic software

version releases for modified

operational systems and software

modernization projects using systems

change control procedures.

Subchapter S4J—Office of Systems Planning

and Integration

S4J.00 Mission

S4J.10 Organization

S4J.20 Functions

Section S4J.00 Office of Systems

Planning and Integration—(Mission):

The Office of Systems Planning and

Integration (OSPI) directs and conducts

comprehensive systems integration and

systems planning processes. It provides

management leadership and direction to

systems activities in the areas of

software engineering technology and

systems engineering management,

including configuration management

and quality assurance. It carries out a

variety of technology assessment

functions, including the development of

pilot projects to evaluate specific

technology applications in SSA. The

Office develops the Information

Technology Systems budget for

Systems, prepares the detailed budget

submission and develops monitoring

and tracking systems. It also develops

and monitors systems security policy for

the systems community, and

coordinates technical training activities

for SSA Systems components.

Section S4J.10 Office of Systems

Planning and Integration—

(Organization): The Office of Systems

Planning and Integration under the

leadership of the Director for Systems

Planning and Integration, includes:
Federal Register / Vol. 60, No. 86 / Thursday, May 4, 1995 / Notices 22125

A. The Director, Office of Systems

Planning and Integration (S4J).

B. The Deputy Director, Office of

Systems Planning and Integration (S4J).

C. The Immediate Office of the

Director, Office of Systems Planning and

Integration (S4J).

D. The Division of Systems

Engineering (S4JA).

E. The Division of Systems Planning

(S4JC).

Section S4J.20 Office of Systems

Planning and Integration—(Function):

A. The Director, Office of Systems

Planning and Integration (S4J) is

directly responsible to the Deputy

Commissioner, Systems for carrying out

the Office of Systems Planning and

Integration’s mission and managing its

respective components.

B. The Deputy Director, Office of

Systems Planning and Integration (S4J)

assists the Director in carrying out his/

her responsibilities and performs other

duties as the Director may prescribe.

C. The Immediate Office of the

Director, Office of Systems Planning and

Integration (S4J) provides internal

operations and management analysis

staff support and assistance to the

Director, the Deputy Director and all of

the Office of Systems Planning and

Integration components.

D. The Division of Systems

Engineering (S4JA) is responsible for the

development of Systems-wide policies,

procedures and standards for all phases

of the systems life cycle development

process and systems security and

integrity; development of methods to

assure the quality of systems products;

and development and maintenance of

the Software Engineering Technology,

which includes the policies, standards,

guidelines, procedures, tools and

training elements pertaining to the

following software life cycle stages:

requirements definition and analysis,

design, programming, validation,

operation and review. The Division

develops proposals and

recommendations for new software

engineering methods for use at SSA,

based on extensive research into various

methodologies utilized by other data

processing installations. Develops and

maintains quality assurance procedures

and mechanisms to assure that software

products satisfy user requirements and

conform to the defined standards,

guidelines and procedures of SSA

systems. The Division is responsible for

assessment of new technologies and

planning for and acquiring technical

training for systems personnel. It

analyzes the current SSA data

processing environment, future systems

requirements and technology forecasts

to evaluate the applicability of new

technologies to SSA processes. It

develops pilot projects to evaluate

technologies, particularly in the area of

artificial intelligence and expert

systems, for selected applications. The

Division evaluates technical and

nontechnical training needs for all

Systems offices and coordinates and

evaluates vendor provided and inhouse

training as applicable.

E. The Division of Systems Planning

(S4JC) is responsible for development of

SSA’s Information Systems Plan (ISP)

which sets forth SSA’s major systems

goals and objectives and the initiatives/

projects to achieve them. It develops the

Systems 5-year ITS plan and budget. It

directs the fiscal management and

tracking of ITS procurements and keeps

management abreast of the status of all

ITS acquisitions, systems life cycle costs

and full-time equivalent utilization. The

Division functions as an advisor and

consultant to the Director, Office of

Systems Planning and Integration, and

the DCS, on all matters related to the

development and execution of the ISP

and the 5-year plan and budget. The

Division is responsible for ongoing,

formal change control procedures for

the ISP and monitoring and reporting

progress toward ISP project goals. It

identifies major systems integration

issues and develops alternative

solutions and recommendations to the

DCS. It also designs and maintains

software systems such as the Resource

Accounting System to track and report

on personnel and computer resource

utilization.

The Division operates the Systems

Management Center, a fully-automated

multimedia briefing center, and designs

briefing material for SSA Executive

Staff.

Subchapter S4K—Office of Information

Management

S4K.00 Mission

S4K.10 Organization

S4K.20 Functions

Section S4K.00 The Office of

Information Management—(Mission):

The Office of Information Management

(OIM) provides overall management of

the SSA-wide administrative,

management and statistical information

systems. It is responsible for long-range

planning and analyses to define new

and improved systems processes to

support SSA’s long-term AMSI needs.

Directs the coordination of user

requirements with private contractors,

the SSA user community and the State

Disability Determination Services to

ensure efficient and effective

administration of MI needs and related

systems support. Directs a

comprehensive data base administration

program for the control of SSA’s AMSI

data bases. Develops technical

specifications for the acquisition,

implementation and operation of AMSI

ADP and telecommunications resources.

Section S4K.10 The Office of

Information Management—

(Organization): The Office of

Information Management (S4K), under

the leadership of the Associate

Commissioner for Information

Management, includes:

A. The Associate Commissioner for

Information Management (S4K).

B. The Deputy Associate

Commissioner for Information

Management (S4K).

C. The Immediate Office of the

Associate Commissioner for Information

Management (S4K).

D. The Division of Information

Resource Management (S4KB).

E. The Division of Information

Systems Policy and Administration

(S4KC).

F. The Division of Administrative

Systems Development (S4KE).

G. The Division of Management

Information Systems Development

(S4KG).

Section S4K.20 The Office of

Information Management—(Functions):

A. The Associate Commissioner for

Information Management (S4K) is

directly responsible to the Deputy

Commissioner, Systems for carrying out

OIM’s mission and provides general

supervision to the major components of

OIM.

B. The Deputy Associate

Commissioner for Information

Management (S4K) assists the Associate

Commissioner in carrying out his/her

responsibilities and performs other

duties as the Associate Commissioner

may prescribe.

C. The Immediate Office of the

Associate Commissioner for Information

Management (S4K) provides the

Associate Commissioner and Deputy

Associate Commissioner with staff

assistance on the full range of their

responsibilities.

D. Division of Information Resource

Management (S4KB).

1. Coordinates with the staff

components under the DCS on all areas

within Division control, (e.g., ITS

budget, MI systems design and delivery,

ongoing user support).

2. Directs the development and

monitoring of the ITS budget for OA/

end-user computing/MI-related

hardware, software and services.

3. Directs the preparation, review and

approval of OA/end-user computing/MI

procurements.

4. Maintains knowledge of each MI

area and monitors support provided by

division.
22126 Federal Register / Vol. 60, No. 86 / Thursday, May 4, 1995 / Notices

5. Directs SSA-wide work

measurement and performance

management systems, as well as

component work measurement systems

for the field, State agencies and Regional

Program and Integrity Review offices.

6. Directs audits and analyses of MI

systems and reports to ensure adherence

to users’ and Agency needs, Federal and

SSA guidelines and integrity standards.

7. Serves as initial point of user

contact for MI delivery-related

problems.

8. Directs OIM’s total quality

management program and manages

OIM’s production environment,

including systems support.

9. Plans, implements, integrates and

controls Office Automation (OA)

software functions at SSA and is

responsible for development and

dissemination of OA software

acquisition and development policies,

standards, guidelines and procedures.

10. Monitors technology trends and

maintains current information on OA

software products, development tools

and techniques.

11. Works with SSA users to provide

solutions to their OA requirements that

are consistent with Agency OA policies.

12. Assists SSA users in refining OA

requirements, configuring and

engineering solutions, coordinating

implementation and evaluating

effectiveness.

13. Assists SSA users in determining

OA applications, software and training

needs, implementing solutions,

planning for expansion.

14. Provides a full range of initial and

follow-up OA applications, software

and development support for SSA users

in requirements analysis, system design,

engineering, implementation and

training.

15. Directs the preparation,

acquisition and management of

contracts for OA/end-user computing/

MI hardware, software and support

services.

F. Division of Information Systems

Policy and Administration (S4KC).

1. Plans, formulates, develops and

maintains SSA’s MI policy.

2. Develops and maintains strategic

and technical level views and plans

from an OIM automated information

systems integration perspective (e.g.,

cross application area integration) to

define how the various OIM automated

information systems map into SSA’s MI

logical and physical information

systems architectures as required by the

Agency’s MI policy. Manages the

technical aspects related to such views,

plans and MI integration.

3. Plans, develops and coordinates MI

policy and integration among all

involved SSA components, and plans

for the transition to, and integration

with, current SSA automated

information systems and with those of

the future.

4. Initiates and submits project

proposals through the formal OIM

review and approval process for

development of new or modified

automated information systems where

necessary to facilitate integration among

SSA’s administrative and MI systems

under the Agency’s logical and physical

MI systems architectures.

5. Represents SSA and works with

other Government agencies and the

private sector on issues involving MI

policy, automated information systems,

integration, software development,

exchange of information, information

systems data and data base topics, and

other MI and automated information

systems related matters.

6. Plans, develops, administers and

maintains SSA’s administrative and MI

data, and data base requirements and

standards in consultation with internal

OIM Divisions and external SSA

components. Assists in the

development, maintenance and

enforcement of SSA’s end-user

computing policies, standards and

procedures.

7. Responsible for SSA’s Information

Systems Data and DataBase

Administration functions as well as

providing support to other internal OIM

Divisions and liaison with external

components.

8. Responsible for formulating and

maintaining the Information Systems

Architecture supporting SSA’s

administrative and MI systems.

9. Responsible for developing systems

requirements and validation in support

of new automated MI systems.

10. Provides fourth and fifth

generation computer language support

to end-users and developers of

Administrative/MI systems.

G. Division of Administrative Systems

Development (S4KE).

1. Responsible for the entire

administrative systems development life

cycle.

2. Designs, develops, coordinates and

implements new administrative

application systems and enhancements

to existing systems which include

quality assurance, financial/physical

and human resources, and planning/

policy and procedures.

3. Assists other parts of OIM in

procurement associated with

application projects.

H. Division of Management

Information Systems Development

(S4KG).

1. Responsible for the entire MI

systems life cycle.

2. Designs, develops, coordinates and

implements new MI application systems

and enhancements to existing systems

which include workload management,

work measurement, program

demographics, earnings and employee/

employer statistics.

3. Assists other parts of OIM in

procurements associated with

application projects.

Subchapter S4L—Office of

Telecommunications

S4L.00 Mission

S4L.10 Organization

S4L.20 Functions

Section S4L.00 The Office of

Telecommunications—(Mission): The

Office of Telecommunications (OTC)

plans, implements and evaluates SSA’s

communications technology and

systems. It is responsible for evaluating

current and emerging communications

technologies and for designing,

acquiring, implementing, operating and

maintaining new integrated

telecommunications systems combining

voice, data, video, facsimile, and other

SSA communications requirements.

OTC directs, manages and coordinates

the planning, analysis, design,

acquisition, implementation, operation

and maintenance of SSA’s existing

telecommunications systems. It manages

the telecommunications operations

complexes located at the Central Office,

Regional Offices and field sites. It is

responsible for SSA’s comprehensive

voice communication management

program.

Section S4L.10 The Office of

Telecommunications—(Organization):

The Office of Telecommunications

(S4L), under the leadership of the

Associate Commissioner for

Telecommunications, includes:

A. The Associate Commissioner for

Telecommunications (S4L).

B. The Deputy Associate

Commissioner for Telecommunications

(S4L).

C. The Immediate Office of the

Associate Commissioner for

Telecommunications (S4L), which

includes:

1. The Distributed Data Processing

Management Staff (S4L–1).

D. The Telecommunications Resource

Management Staff (S4LC).

E. The Division of IWS/LAN

Engineering (S4LE).

F. The Division of Integrated

Telecommunications Management

(S4LG).

G. The Division of Wide-Area

Network Engineering (S4LH).

H. The Division of

Telecommunications Operations (S4LJ).
Federal Register / Vol. 60, No. 86 / Thursday, May 4, 1995 / Notices 22127

Section S4L.20 The Office of

Telecommunications—(Functions):

A. The Associate Commissioner for

Telecommunications (S4L) is directly

responsible to the Deputy

Commissioner, Systems, for carrying out

the OTC mission and providing general

supervision to the major components of

OTC.

B. The Deputy Associate

Commissioner for Telecommunications

(S4L) assists the Associate

Commissioner in carrying out his/her

responsibilities and performs other

duties as the Associate Commissioner

may prescribe.

C. The Immediate Office of the

Associate Commissioner for

Telecommunications (S4L) provides the

Associate Commissioner and Deputy

Associate Commissioner with staff

assistance on the full range of their

responsibilities. It includes:

1. Distributed Data Processing

Management Staff (S4L–1).

a. Directs the plans and activities to

implement distributed data processing

systems across SSA.

b. Initiates major program,

subprogram, project and task activities

in support of the implementation of

Distributed Data Processing

Management Staff (DDPMS) plans

outlined in the Integrated Systems Plan

and the Agency Strategic Plan.

c. Oversees/coordinates all DDPMS

implementation activity among all

systems components including the

incorporation of office automation,

programmatic systems, existing

distributed-type systems, stand-alone

personal computer-based systems, pilot

systems and user-developed systems

into a unified distributed processing

environment.

d. Develops and manages the DDPMS

procurement plan, outlining all

acquisitions related to the project.

Manages the development of distributed

data processing acquisitions in the

intelligent IWS/LAN areas.

e. Develops and manages the delivery,

implementation and acceptance plans

for DDPMS acquisitions.

f. Manages the evaluation process for

all technology substitutions, technology

refreshments, upgrades and unsolicited

proposals for DDPMS. Manages the

administration of DDPMS contracts to

include amendments, cancellations and

renewals.

g. Establishes and maintains the

coordination and liaison interfaces to all

other systems components, all SSA

central office and field components and

external committees, conferences and

organizations involved in and affected

by DDPMS.

h. Approves technical specifications,

technical evaluation criteria, technology

substitution specifications for DDPMSrelated workstation, network and

application acquisitions.

i. Directs project activities to ensure

that SSA-level DDPMS initiatives

maintain compatibility with

Governmentwide ITS standards.

D. The Telecommunications Resource

Management Staff (S4LC).

1. Manages, plans and coordinates the

activities relating to business and

financial planning of SSA’s

telecommunications needs.

2. Manages and plans for the

acquisition of network hardware,

software and related services. Controls,

reviews and tracks status of

telecommunications requisitions

through the procurement process.

3. Coordinates within OTC and SSA

the planning of the design and

configuration of the telecommunications

network.

4. Serves as focal point for

procurement of telecommunications and

related equipment and services.

5. Coordinates within OTC the

development of planning documents

assessing current and future technology

for suitability and impact on the

telecommunications network.

6. Develops short-term and long-range

telecommunications strategic plans and

telecommunications macro strategic

plans.

7. Assists SSA users in determining

network requirements and interfacing

needs. It is responsible for the

coordination of strategic and tactical

planning and implementing

telecommunications expansion.

8. In conjunction with other Systems

components, develops user service level

agreements in support of the

telecommunications solutions.

9. Develops, executes and monitors

the telecommunications network

portion of the ITS budget. Monitors

budgetary commitments for contract

awards of network telecommunications

acquisitions.

10. Maintains a database of

telecommunications hardware and

software and ensures proper disposition

of telecommunications equipment no

longer in use.

E. The Division of IWS/LAN

Engineering (S4LE).

1. Responsible for all aspects of

engineering, design, configuration,

implementation and support of LAN

Operating System (OS) software,

telecommunications and connectivity

service functions at SSA.

2. Responsible for

telecommunications and connectivity

projects, including acquisition,

implementation, integration and

control.

3. Develops, disseminates and

enforces standards and policies relating

to workstations, workstation

configurations, peripherals, LANs, LAN

OS, local bridges and routers and

related customer support and service.

4. Works with SSA users to provide

solutions to LAN telecommunications

needs that are consistent with SSAnetwork architecture policies;

determines network and interfacing

hardware needs, implementing

solutions, planning and expansion; and

determines staff hardware training

needs. It assists SSA

telecommunications users in

determining and refining services and

support requirements, configuration and

engineering solutions, planning for

future needs, coordinating

implementation and evaluating

effectiveness.

5. Provides a full range of initial and

followup telecommunications and

connectivity services and support for

SSA users in network requirements

analysis, system design, LAN needs

determination, engineering,

implementation, network control, OS

software support and training.

6. Supports operating system and

connectivity software on the LANs and

IWS. It researches and tests current offthe-shelf products for their network

configuration to LAN and workstation

needs.

7. Develops and distributes research

papers on applied technology and its

relationship to existing and future

telecommunications and connectivity

requirements. It also develops alternate

systems configurations to meet specific

alternative requirements (nontraditional technology approaches).

8. Solves network problems by

applying information on state-of-the-art

OS, telecommunications and

connectivity software and hardware

currently available in the marketplace. It

develops turn-key telecommunications

systems and special menus to meet

unusual customer requirements.

F. The Division of Integrated

Telecommunications Management

(S4LG).

1. Plans and manages the strategic and

tactical direction of the SSA voice

communications and voice-data

integration programs.

2. Provides technical and analytical

support for the National 800 Number

and other communications initiatives

and programs.

3. Provides and manages voice

communications systems hardware,

software, services and ancillary

equipment for SSA nationwide.
22128 Federal Register / Vol. 60, No. 86 / Thursday, May 4, 1995 / Notices

4. Directs the acquisition, operations,

maintenance, retention and disposal of

voice communications systems and

services SSA-wide. Develops and

administers voice communications ITS

contracts.

5. Administers Federal

Telecommunication System (FTS) 2000

services SSA-wide and supports OTC in

representing SSA in all related

negotiations with SSA, General Services

Administration and FTS vendors and

carriers.

6. Directs the evaluation, acquisition,

installation, operation and disposal of

voice communications systems and

services for SSA nationwide.

7. Serves as the SSA focal point for

voice communications capacity

planning.

8. Manages SSA-wide programs for

imaging, video, facsimile, satellite, radio

and emergency communications.

9. Manages SSA headquarters voice

communications systems.

10. Serves as SSA-level liaison with

Federal, State and other government and

private-sector entities on voice

communications and voice-data

integration.

11. Manages within SSA the

development and application of

emerging voice communications

technology.

12. Manages technical solutions for

‘‘800’’ and other toll-free services SSAwide.

13. Manages the acquisition of data

circuits.

G. The Division of Wide-Area

Network Engineering (S4LH).

1. Directs the design, development,

implementation, maintenance and

support of specialized data

communications software to support

SSA’s international network (SSANet).

2. Responsible for network design,

connectivity, management, automation,

availability, performance and capacity

planning and modeling.

3. Researches network prototypes and

performs testing of new network

technologies and implements and

monitors network standards.

4. Supports SSA components as well

as other Government agencies to

provide optimum network interface

design, management capabilities,

connectivity, availability and response

time.

5. Integrates and validates new

network hardware, software products,

versions and maintenance levels into

SSANet and SSANet connectivity

management.

6. Manages and coordinates all change

management system control relating to

network hardware and software changes

to SSANet under the auspices of the

change management facility.

7. Performs Level 3 network

monitoring and problem determination

for the SSANet.

8. Develops and implements a

network backup recovery.

9. Performs network software

planning, installation and management

at all remote sites.

10. Serves as the SSA-level liaison

with Federal, State, and local

Government agencies and with the

private sector to integrate them into the

SSA network.

11. Responsible for SSANet software

distribution and version management.

12. Interfaces with SSANet users to

determine the impact of new

applications and workloads and

supports user liaison and systems

development activities of other SSA

components in the resolution of

network technical and operational

problems.

13. Manages communications

software changes to ensure

compatibility with hardware

modifications at Central Office and all

remote network platform locations.

14. Directs the planning, analysis and

design of specialized network software

systems for providing information

relevant to the development of existing

and proposed data communications

systems.

H. The Division of

Telecommunications Operations (S4LJ).

1. Manages the installation, relocation

and operation of SSA’s

telecommunications network facilities

for the transmission of program and

management data over SSA established

networks.

2. Monitors telecommunications

operations, analyzes equipment

problems and effects proper

maintenance and repair.

3. Develops and directs the

implementation of new procedures and

updates existing procedures for network

node operations.

4. Escalates outages to vendor

management for prompt resolution and

is responsible for the repair of advanced

communications electronics equipment.

5. Provides emergency support

services for equipment reconfiguration

as well as repair, assembly/disassembly

and installation of advanced

telecommunications electronics.

6. Serves as the initial point of contact

for user and technical problem

determination for telecommunications.

Diagnoses data-center hardware and

network problems and coordinates

network operations issues with

applications and systems support staff.

7. Monitors and controls functions for

the nationwide telecommunications

system. Develops operational

procedures to modernize and streamline

network operation and develops plans

for automation.

8. Manages traffic flow between

telecommunications complexes and

other SSA complexes.

9. Communicates status of the

network to other network nodes and

advises users of abnormal or

extraordinary situations affecting

network operations.

10. Monitors voice communications

operations, analyzes equipment

problems and effects proper

maintenance and repair.

This statement amends part S of the

Statement of the Organization,

Functions and Delegations of Authority

which covers the Social Security

Administration (SSA). Notice is given

that Chapter S7 for the Office of the

Deputy Commissioner, Human

Resources is being amended to reflect

internal organizational realignments and

the deletion of all references to the

Department of Health and Human

Services as the parent agency of SSA.

The following material replaces Chapter

S7 in its entirety.

Chapter S7—Office of the Deputy

Commissioner, Human Resources

S7.00 Mission

S7.10 Organization

S7.20 Functions

Section S7.00 The Office of the

Deputy Commissioner, Human

Resources—(Mission): The Office of the

Deputy Commissioner, Human

Resources (ODCHR) directs the

administration of comprehensive SSA

human resources programs including:

personnel management, labor

management relations, employee

relations, civil rights and equal

opportunity, training and workforce

analysis.

Section S7.10 The Office of the

Deputy Commissioner, Human

Resources—(Organization): The Office

of the Deputy Commissioner, Human

Resources, under the leadership of the

Deputy Commissioner, Human

Resources, includes:

A. The Deputy Commissioner, Human

Resources (S7).

B. The Assistant Deputy

Commissioner, Human Resources (S7).

C. The Immediate Office of the

Deputy Commissioner, Human

Resources (S7A).

D. The Office of Personnel (S7B).

E. The Office of Labor Management

Relations (S7C).

F. The Office of Civil Rights and

Equal Opportunity (S7E).

G. The Office of Training (S7G).

H. The Office of Workforce Analysis

(S7H).
Federal Register / Vol. 60, No. 86 / Thursday, May 4, 1995 / Notices 22129

Section S7.20 The Office of the

Deputy Commissioner, Human

Resources—(Functions):

A. The Deputy Commissioner, Human

Resources (DCHR) (S7) is directly

responsible to the Commissioner for

carrying out the ODCHR mission and

providing general supervision to the

major components of ODCHR as well as

guidance, support and technical

assistance to the SSA regional personnel

administration operation.

B. The Assistant Deputy

Commissioner, Human Resources (S7)

assists the Deputy Commissioner in

carrying out his/her responsibilities and

performs other duties as the Deputy

Commissioner may prescribe.

C. The Immediate Office of the

Deputy Commissioner, Human

Resources (S7A) provides the Deputy

Commissioner and the Assistant Deputy

Commissioner with staff assistance on

the full range of their responsibilities.

D. The Office of Personnel (OPE)

(S7B) is directly responsible to the

Deputy Commissioner for Human

Resources for carrying out OPE’s

mission and for providing general

supervision to the major components of

OPE. The Office directs a

comprehensive SSA personnel

management program. It develops,

implements and maintains a fully

integrated and coordinated personnel

management program responsive to the

needs of SSA. The Office manages

personnel programs in the following

areas: personnel policy and research,

personnel data, position classification

and organization management,

recruitment and placement, employee

counseling, personnel management

evaluation, executive personnel

services, employee assistance services,

personnel information planning,

employee recognition and health

services.

E. The Office of Labor Management

Relations (OLMR) (S7C) is directly

responsible to the Deputy Commissioner

for Human Resources for carrying out

OLMR’s mission and for providing

general supervision to the major

components of OLMR. The Office

manages the SSA labor management

relations program, including the

development and evaluation of the

program and the formulation of SSAwide labor management relations

policy.

F. The Office of Civil Rights and

Equal Opportunity (OCREO) (S7E) is

directly responsible to the Deputy

Commissioner for Human Resources for

carrying out OCREO’s mission and for

providing general supervision to the

major components of OCREO. The

Office provides overall management of

the SSA-wide programs of civil rights

and equal opportunity, including the

development of SSA-wide civil rights

and equal opportunity policy.

G. The Office of Training (OT) (S7G)

is directly responsible to the Deputy

Commissioner for Human Resources for

carrying out OT’s mission and for

providing general supervision to the

major components of OT. The Office

manages and administers a national

training program to enhance SSA’s

capability of providing effective and

efficient service to the public. It

develops and issues Agencywide

policies, procedures and operational

guidelines for the design, development,

implementation, maintenance and

evaluation of all SSA training activities.

It directs the financial management of

training monies to ensure accountability

of money spent to train and develop the

Agency’s employees.

H. The Office of Workforce Analysis

(OWA) (S7H) is directly responsible to

the Deputy Commissioner for Human

Resources for carrying out OWA’s

mission and providing general

supervision to the major components of

OWA. The Office develops, implements

and directs a comprehensive program of

management studies, research and

analysis. It implements a

comprehensive workforce effectiveness

program and conducts studies of work

processes and procedures. It provides

SSA liaison with other Federal agencies

and outside sources on these matters.

Subchapter S7B—Office of Personnel

S7B.00 Mission

S7B.10 Organization

S7B.20 Functions

Section S7B.00 The Office of

Personnel—(Mission): The Office of

Personnel (OPE) directs a

comprehensive program designed to

provide the full range of personnel

management programs, including

personnel management evaluation,

executive personnel services,

recruitment and placement, employee

counseling, personnel policy and

research, personnel data, employee

assistance services, personnel

information planning, employee

recognition, health services and

classification and organization

management. The Office develops

policy and guidelines for the SSA-wide

management of those programs and

evaluates the manner in which they are

carried out.

Section S7B.10 The Office of

Personnel—(Organization): The Office

of Personnel under the Associate

Commissioner, Office of Personnel,

includes:

A. The Associate Commissioner,

Office of Personnel (S7B).

B. The Deputy Associate

Commissioner, Office of Personnel

(S7B).

C. The Immediate Office of the

Associate Commissioner, Office of

Personnel (S7B).

D. The Project Management Staff

(S7BH).

E. The Personnel Management

Information Systems and Payroll Staff

(S7BJ).

F. The Center for Personnel

Operations (S7BK).

G. The Center for Personnel Policy

and Program Development (S7BE).

H. The Center for Employee Services

(S7BG).

Section S7B.20 The Office of

Personnel—(Functions):

A. The Associate Commissioner,

Office of Personnel (S7B) is directly

responsible to the Deputy

Commissioner, Human Resources for

carrying out the Office of Personnel’s

mission and for providing general

supervision to the major components.

B. The Deputy Associate

Commissioner, Office of Personnel

(S7B) assists the Associate

Commissioner in carrying out his/her

responsibilities and performs other

duties as the Associate Commissioner

may prescribe.

C. The Immediate Office of the

Associate Commissioner, Office of

Personnel (S7B) provides the Associate

Commissioner and Deputy Associate

Commissioner with staff assistance on

the full range of their responsibilities.

D. The Project Management Staff

(S7BH).

1. Provides the Associate

Commissioner with a staff of selfmanaged work/project teams of a

temporary nature which can be rapidly

deployed to address high priority,

interdisciplinary personnel projects of a

specialized nature. The staff expands or

contracts based upon the workload at

any given time.

2. Directs an SSA-wide program for

inspection and evaluation of SSA’s

personnel management program

including employment and staffing,

position management and classification,

employee relations, equal employment

opportunity and labor relations.

Conducts administrative surveys and

special studies to provide managers

with information and assistance to

assure conformance with Office of

Personnel Management (OPM)

regulations and SSA policies and

directives.

3. Designs, analyzes and implements

a variety of research projects in the areas

of personnel management.
22130 Federal Register / Vol. 60, No. 86 / Thursday, May 4, 1995 / Notices

E. The Personnel Management

Information Systems and Payroll Staff

(S7BJ).

1. Plans and directs ongoing

development, analysis and evaluation of

SSA’s personnel recordkeeping systems;

develops general objectives and

performance standards for automated

systems and detailed specifications for

development or modification of

computer programs used in automated

systems; and proposes changes in these

systems to meet SSA’s human resources

data, statistics and information needs.

2. Coordinates, with SSA’s Office of

the Deputy Commissioner for Systems,

the planning, development,

modification and evaluation of

automated systems.

3. Plans, designs and evaluates the

use of personal computers and provides

office automation support for human

resources systems.

4. Operates selected data processing/

office automation systems in OPE.

5. Reviews and processes all

personnel and payroll actions in

conformance with OPM regulations.

F. The Center for Personnel

Operations (S7BK).

1. Develops and implements policies

and regulations pertaining to SSA

recruitment and placement, including

policies and guidelines for SSA

administration of the Senior Executive

Service (SES). Initiates and processes

personnel actions for SSA Headquarters

employees; participates with office

managers and staffs in assessing

placement actions; and directs the

administration of all Merit Promotion

Plans applicable within Baltimore/

Washington/Falls Church Headquarters

components. Processes necessary

administrative actions required for new

employees entering on duty.

2. Develops and implements SSAwide programs of position classification,

position management and personnel

security within SSA Headquarters.

Directs position classification, position

management and personnel security

activities having SSA-wide significance.

3. Provides advice and assistance to

all SSA components on activities and

issues that involve position

classification and position management;

serves as the central SSA referral point

on these programs; and acts as SSA

liaison with OPM and other non-SSA

entities and organizations with respect

to assigned areas of responsibility.

4. Formulates and oversees the

implementation of policies, procedures,

standards, directives and objectives

which assure that position structure and

management promote cost-effective

operations and the efficient use of

employee skills.

5. Provides leadership and

coordination in the formulation of SSA

policies, directives and programs

relating to the Fair Labor Standards Act

and to salary and wage surveys;

conducts a continuing review of the

applicability of classification standards;

and, as appropriate, negotiates with

OPM for the revision of such standards

or the development of single Agency

standards.

6. Authorizes the establishment of

positions and organizations, providing

advice and guidance to managers on

organizational structure and preparing

Federal Register and Organization

Manual material.

7. Implements policies, regulations

and programs pertaining to special

recruitment and staffing activities for

SSA Headquarters and field

organizations. Develops and implements

student employment programs.

8. Directs the development and

administration of SSA services

concerning employee benefit programs

which include the Civil Service

Retirement System, the Federal

Employee Retirement System, the Thrift

Savings Plan, the Federal Employees

Group Life Insurance Program and the

Federal Employees Health Benefits

Program.

9. Provides for the establishment and

maintenance of the Official Personnel

Folders for SSA Headquarters

employees.

10. Develops and implements all SSA

policies and activities relating to the

Agency’s executive level personnel

management program.

11. Recruits for and places

individuals in positions in the SES in

accordance with OPM regulations.

12. Provides staff support to the

Executive Resources Board in

administering a systematic program to

manage SSA’s executive and

professional resources and ensuring the

appropriate selection of candidates to

participate in official executive

development programs.

13. Provides staff support to the

Performance Review Board in reviewing

performance plans and subsequent

appraisals of career and noncareer

executives in SES and employees in

equivalent level positions.

G. The Center for Personnel Policy

and Program Development (S7BE).

1. Directs the formulation and

issuance of SSA personnel policies and

directives. Provides guidance on matters

pertaining to such areas as staffing,

compensation, appraisals and

performance standards, personnel

information disclosure and management

communications and ensures that

guidance is consistent with pertinent

laws, regulations and policies. Oversees

the dissemination and implementation

of SSA-wide policies and directives

pertaining to personnel management

areas. Directs the development and

maintenance of the SSA personnel

manual system, reviewing all issuances

under this system.

2. Directs the development and

operation of SSA performance and

employee awards programs. Develops

and implements SSA employee

suggestion, incentive and honor awards

programs and administers the

performance management systems.

H. The Center for Employee Services

(S7BG).

1. Provides professional counseling

and referral services for employees with

mental health problems and for

employees with alcohol or drug

problems. Provides technical advice and

guidance to SSA management officials

on matters related to these functions.

2. Develops, implements and

evaluates SSA’s employee health

services programs in conformance with

appropriate laws, policies and

regulations.

3. Directs the development and

operation of SSA’s Workers’

Compensation services program.

Provides assistance to employees

regarding claims for loss of wages,

settlement awards, notices of injury and

required medical reports.

4. Provides overall coordination and

direction to work environment

improvement efforts within SSA.

Coordinates a variety of studies

throughout SSA designed to improve

the work environment.

5. Plans, develops and implements a

variety of employee and family-oriented

programs and services in the areas of

Child Care, Elder Care, fitness and

wellness, Career/Life Planning and

financial counseling.

Subchapter S7C—Office of Labor

Management Relations

S7C.00 Mission

S7C.10 Organization

S7C.20 Functions

Section S7C.00 The Office of Labor

Management Relations—(Mission): The

Office of Labor Management Relations

(OLMR) provides overall management of

an SSA-wide program of labor

management and employee relations,

including the development and

evaluation of the program and the

formulation of SSA-wide labor

management relations policy.

Section S7C.10 The Office of Labor

Management Relations—(Organization):

The Office of Labor Management

Relations under the leadership of the
Federal Register / Vol. 60, No. 86 / Thursday, May 4, 1995 / Notices 22131

Director, Office of Labor Management

Relations, includes:

A. The Director, Office of Labor

Management Relations (S7C).

B. The Human Resources Manager,

Office of Labor Management Relations

(S7C).

C. The Immediate Office of the

Director, Office of Labor Management

Relations (S7C).

Section S7C.20 The Office of Labor

Management Relations—(Functions):

A. The Director, Office of Labor

Management Relations (S7C) is directly

responsible to the Deputy

Commissioner, Human Resources for

carrying out OLRM’s mission and for

providing general supervision to the

major components of OLRM.

B. The Human Resources Manager,

Office of Labor Management Relations

(S7C) assists the Director in carrying out

his/her responsibilities and performs

other duties as the Director may

prescribe.

C. The Immediate Office of the

Director, Office of Labor Management

Relations (S7C) provides the Director

and the Human Resources Manager with

staff assistance on the full range of their

responsibilities.

1. Administers the Master Agreement

nationwide. Negotiates midterm

contractual issues with the recognized

bargaining unit(s).

2. Provides technical and advisory

services and expertise to management in

establishing management negotiating

positions and for representation in

third-party proceedings. Coordinates

SSA representation in unfair labor

practice complaints before the Federal

Labor Relations Authority.

3. Represents SSA at unemployment

compensation hearings and on

management-initiated actions under

appeal to the Merit Systems Protection

Board and before arbitrators.

4. Provides technical guidance in

developing, implementing and

administering performance plans and

standards.

5. Responsible for negotiation,

administration and implementation of

SSA national labor agreements which

include prenegotiation activities, team

preparation, advisory services and

problem resolution.

6. Maintains files of case law which

affect contracts and researches

bargaining history relevant to

establishing management’s position at

third-party proceedings and

negotiations.

7. Formulates SSA policy for the labor

management and employee relations

programs, and researches policy

questions for management.

8. Negotiates national midterm

personnel policy-related issues and

coordinates SSA management

representation at national-level

arbitration, unfair labor practice

hearings and national-level meetings

with the recognized bargaining units.

9. Conducts statutory review of all

Memoranda of Understanding

negotiated agencywide. Administers

and maintains arbitration panels.

10. Develops, implements and

evaluates SSA programs involving

disciplinary and adverse actions,

performance-based actions, grievances,

appeals and serious misconduct cases.

Provides advisory services to

management and prepares

documentation for headquarters’

managers pertaining to such cases.

Provides consultation to SSA

management on nonbargaining unit

grievances.

Subchapter S7E—Office of Civil Rights and

Equal Opportunity

S7E.00 Mission

S7E.10 Organization

S7E.20 Functions

Section S7E.00 The Office of Civil

Rights and Equal Opportunity—

(Mission): The Office of Civil Rights and

Equal Opportunity (OCREO) provides

overall management of the SSA-wide

programs of civil rights and equal

opportunity.

Section S7E.10 The Office of Civil

Rights and Equal Opportunity—

(Organization): The Office of Civil

Rights and Equal Opportunity, under

the leadership of the Director, Office of

Civil Rights and Equal Opportunity,

includes:

A. The Director, Office of Civil Rights

and Equal Opportunity (S7E).

B. The Immediate Office of the

Director, Office of Civil Rights and

Equal Opportunity (S7E).

Section S7E.20 The Office of Civil

Rights and Equal Opportunity—

(Functions):

A. The Director, Office of Civil Rights

and Equal Opportunity (S7E) is directly

responsible to the Deputy

Commissioner, Human Resources for

carrying out OCREO’s mission and for

providing general supervision to the

major components of OCREO.

B. The Immediate Office of the

Director, Office of Civil Rights and

Equal Opportunity (S7E) provides the

Director with staff assistance on the full

range of his/her responsibilities.

1. Directs implementation and

evaluation of the SSA Equal

Employment Opportunity

Discrimination Complaint program for

both Headquarters and the field.

Provides advice, guidance and

assistance to SSA officials concerning

the discrimination complaint program

area and related management matters.

2. Provides leadership, guidance and

direction in formulating and

implementing SSA policies, regulations

and procedures pertaining to the timely,

accurate, fair and impartial processing

of discrimination complaints

throughout the Headquarters and field

organizations.

3. Provides overall direction regarding

all aspects of SSA’s complaint system in

order to ensure uniformity in complaint

handling, resolution and disposition.

Directs the preparation of guidelines on

all complaint matters.

4. Prepares proposed dispositions on

complaints of discrimination against

SSA. Ensures compliance with any

corrective or remedial action directed by

SSA, Equal Employment Opportunity

Commission (EEOC) or any other agency

having authority to so direct.

5. Develops litigation information and

documentation for the Office of the

General Counsel and the U.S. Attorney’s

Office in employment discrimination

court suits filed against SSA. Prepares

the Agency’s brief for complaints

appealed to EEOC. Also, responds to

interrogatories submitted in class

complaints. Analyzes new and recent

court decisions, public laws and Federal

regulations for their impact on SSA

complaint processing.

6. Directs special projects and studies

of the various aspects of SSA’s

nationwide discrimination complaint

process to evaluate the overall

effectiveness of the equal opportunity

program. Directs the analysis of trends

observed during projects and studies

and implements new procedures as

required.

7. Provides the authoritative

interpretations on legal, regulatory and

technical discrimination complaint

matters to SSA management

nationwide.

8. Implements policies, regulations

and affirmative action programs, and

develops and implements special needs

placement programs related to the

Disabled program.

9. Directs the development and

monitoring of SSA’s equal opportunity

and civil rights programs.

10. Provides leadership, direction and

guidance throughout the Headquarters

and field organizations in the

formulating and implementing of SSA

policies, regulations and procedures

pertaining to the development of sound

affirmative civil rights and equal

opportunity programs. Approves, on

behalf of the Deputy Commissioner,

affirmative employment program plans

prepared by components and regions.
22132 Federal Register / Vol. 60, No. 86 / Thursday, May 4, 1995 / Notices

Develops the overall SSA affirmative

employment program plan.

11. Develops guidelines and

procedures for effective affirmative

employment program planning and

monitoring throughout SSA. Develops

recommendations on affirmative

employment policy and operations for

the Director, OCREO.

12. Reviews non-SSA equal

opportunity and civil rights issuances,

EEOC and court decisions for

applicability to SSA policy statements.

Develops instructions and guidelines to

transmit or implement equal

opportunity and civil rights policy

decisions in SSA.

13. Conducts and coordinates studies

or analyses of SSA’s human resources

and operating policies and procedures

to assess their equal opportunity and

civil rights impact.

14. Directs the development and

maintenance of minority disabled

persons employment information

system(s) for SSA employees and

applicants for employment.

15. Develops and tracks SSA’s major

initiatives that relate to civil rights and

equal opportunity and oversees their

implementation.

16. Plans, directs and implements

special programs for minority, female,

Hispanic and disabled employees of

SSA.

17. Directs the SSA-wide program of

processing civil rights complaints,

which involves developing complaint

policy, procedures and guidelines for

applying standards under the civil

rights statutes. Develops SSA standards,

consistent with government-wide

standards, for delivering services to

members of the public and meeting

other SSA service and outreach

commitments under civil rights statutes.

18. Develops, implements, monitors

and evaluates special recruitment plans,

programs and projects for targeted equal

opportunity groups.

19. Develops, monitors and evaluates

SSA compliance program(s) under civil

rights statutes.

Subchapter S7G—Office of Training

S7G.00 Mission

S7G.10 Organization

S7G.20 Functions

Section S7G.00 The Office of

Training—(Mission): The Office of

Training (OT) directs a nationwide

program designed to assure that all

levels of SSA employees receive the

training necessary to provide effective

and efficient service to the public.

Section S7G.10 The Office of

Training—(Organization): The Office of

Training under the leadership of the

Director, Office of Training, includes:

A. The Director, Office of Training

(S7G).

B. The Immediate Office of the

Director, Office of Training (S7G).

C. The Administrative Staff (S7GC).

D. The Human Resources Planning

Staff (S7GE).

E. The Center for Technology and

Employee Development (S7GG).

F. The Center for Program Initiatives

and Management Education (S7GH).

G. The Center for Educational

Research and Evaluation (S7GJ).

Section S7G.20 The Office of

Training—(Functions):

A. The Director, Office of Training

(S7G) is directly responsible to the

Deputy Commissioner, Human

Resources for carrying out OT’s mission

and for providing general supervision to

the major components of OT.

B. The Immediate Office of the

Director, Office of Training (S7G)

provides the Director with staff

assistance on the full range of his/her

responsibilities.

D. The Administrative Staff (S7GC)

plans, directs, coordinates and

administers the activities relative to

developing and executing budget

activities; acts as OT liaison with

Personnel on such personnel matters as

classification, position management,

staffing and recruitment; plans,

formulates and implements SSA

training policies; and provides overall

support and coordination to the training

function. Coordinates travel, training

and conference attendance for office

staff.

E. The Human Resources Planning

Staff (S7GE) is responsible for the

development, implementation and

updating of SSA’s Human Resources

Plan. This plan provides for the

development of an SSA staffing and

recruitment plan, for training employees

once they enter on duty, for providing

the means for employee development

beyond training for the initial position

for which the employee was recruited

and for retaining Agency employees.

F. The Center for Technology and

Employee Development (S7GG).

1. Directs the design, development,

implementation and evaluation of Title

II disability related program/technical

training for SSA components, including

entry-level and advanced program,

systems-user and computer technology

training and other technical training to

meet the needs of SSA components

Agencywide.

2. Develops guidelines and

procedures to determine technical

training needs for disability related

training programs, and reviews and

evaluates technical training

Agencywide.

3. Initiates independent studies and

analyses to anticipate and identify new

or changing training and development

needs in a dynamic organizational

environment.

G. The Center for Program Initiatives

and Management Education (S7GH).

1. Directs the design, development,

implementation and evaluation of Title

II Retirement Survivor Insurance-related

program/technical training for SSA

components, including entry-level and

advanced program, systems-user and

computer technology training and other

technical training to meet the needs of

SSA components Agencywide.

2. Directs, designs, develops,

implements, conducts and evaluates all

SSA supervisory, managerial and

executive level training development

activities.

3. Develops guidelines and

procedures to determine technical

training needs for Retirement, Survivor

Insurance-related training programs,

and reviews and evaluates technical

training Agencywide.

4. Has Agencywide responsibility for

common needs and general skills

training, including related

developmental activities for

nonsupervisory personnel.

H. The Center for Educational

Research and Evaluation (S7GJ).

1. Directs the design, development,

implementation and evaluation of Title

XVI program/technical training for SSA

components, including entry-level and

advanced program, systems-user and

computer technology training and other

technical training to meet the needs of

SSA components Agencywide.

2. Develops guidelines and

procedures to determine technical

training needs, and reviews and

evaluates technical training

Agencywide.

3. Engages in applied research and

development efforts associated with

training and development programs

administered by the center. Provides

ongoing consultative assistance and

support to SSA components, including

training needs identification and

program design. Monitors and evaluates

Agency training and developmental

activities to ensure desired results and

effects of non-technical training

provided to the Agency’s employees.

Fosters and maintains effective

communications with appropriate

internal and external organizations to

ensure positive results relative to

Agency objectives, policy directives,

new initiatives, inservice training needs,

etc.

4. Develops guidelines and

procedures to determine technical

training needs for Title XVI training
Federal Register / Vol. 60, No. 86 / Thursday, May 4, 1995 / Notices 22133

programs, and reviews and evaluates

technical training Agencywide.

5. Conducts ongoing research to

identify automated technologies and

instructional methodologies for

application to training throughout SSA.

Subchapter S7H—Office of Workforce

Analysis

S7H.00 Mission

S7H.10 Organization

S7H.20 Functions

Section S7H.00 The Office of

Workforce Analysis—(Mission): The

Office of Workforce Analysis (OWA)

directs a comprehensive program of

management studies, research and

analysis. It implements and manages a

comprehensive workforce effectiveness

system and conducts studies of work

processes and procedures.

Section S7H.10 The Office of

Workforce Analysis—(Organization):

The Office of Workforce Analysis under

the leadership of the Director, Office of

Workforce Analysis, includes:

A. The Director, Office of Workforce

Analysis (S7H).

B. The Immediate Office of the

Director, Office of Workforce Analysis

(S7H).

Section S7H.20 The Office of

Workforce Analysis—(Functions):

A. The Director, Office of Workforce

Analysis (S7H) is directly responsible to

the Deputy Commissioner for Human

Resources for carrying out OWA’s

mission and for providing general

supervision to the major components of

OWA.

B. The Immediate Office of the

Director, Office of Workforce Analysis

(S7H) provides the Director with staff

assistance on the full range of his/her

responsibilities.

1. Directs, develops and implements a

comprehensive program of management

studies, research and analysis to

evaluate and determine the feasibility of

implementing major changes affecting

the SSA organization, its administrative

practices and its methods of operation.

Studies and analyses are Agencywide,

frequently deal with issues of a sensitive

nature and may involve other

Government agencies.

2. Undertakes feasibility, predictive

benefit and cost/risk analyses to identify

alternatives and to develop

administrative strategies for

consideration by the SSA Executive

Staff in responding to Agencywide

problems and issues.

3. Develops SSA-wide workforce

management policies, procedures and

guidelines; determines resource

requirements, conducts trend analysis;

and makes recommendations regarding

management options, transition

alternatives, etc, as appropriate.

4. Develops and implements

comprehensive workforce utilization

and planning programs to improve

productivity and the use of the SSA

workforce.

5. Conducts studies and analyses of

work processes and procedures,

workflows and workload processing

positions; applies a variety of

disciplines and techniques, including

management analysis and model

building to assure best workforce

utilization; and recommends action to

top SSA executives for improving the

effectiveness of the SSA workforce.

6. Develops, analyzes and interprets

workforce forecasting data and projects

future workforce needs, including the

types of skills and positions required.

7. Directs, develops and conducts

Agencywide reviews and studies using

industrial engineering, model building

and other scientific approaches and

methodologies.

This statement amends part S of the

Statement of the Organization,

Functions and Delegations of Authority

which covers the Social Security

Administration (SSA). Notice is given of

the establishment of SSA’s Office of the

Inspector General (OIG) (S8) at the first

level below the Commissioner and the

establishment of the Office of

Investigations, the Office of Audits and

the Office of Evaluations and

Inspections. The new chapter reads as

follows:

Chapter S8—The Office of the Inspector

General

S8.00 Mission

S8.10 Organization

S8.20 Functions

Section S8.00 The Office of the

Inspector General—(Mission): The

Office of the Inspector General (OIG) is

directly responsible for meeting the

statutory mission of promoting

economy, efficiency and effectiveness in

SSA programs and detecting and

preventing fraud, waste and abuse. To

accomplish this mission, OIG conducts

and supervises audits, investigations,

inspections and evaluations relating to

SSA’s programs and operations. The

OIG also searches for systemic

weaknesses in SSA programs and

operations and makes recommendations

for needed improvements.

Section S8.10 The Office of the

Inspector General—Organization: The

Office of the Inspector General under

the leadership of the Inspector General

includes:

A. The Inspector General (S8).

B. The Deputy Inspector General (S8).

C. The Immediate Office of the

Inspector General (S8A).

D. The Office of Investigations (S8B).

E. The Office of Audits (S8C).

F. The Office of Evaluations and

Inspections (S8E).

Section S8.20 The Office of the

Inspector General—Functions:

A. The Inspector General (S8) is

directly responsible to the

Commissioner for carrying out the OIG

mission and providing general

supervision to the major components of

OIG.

B. The Deputy Inspector General (S8)

assists the Inspector General in carrying

out his/her responsibilities and

performs other duties as the Inspector

General may prescribe.

C. The Immediate Office of the

Inspector General (S8A) provides the

Inspector General with staff assistance

on the full range of his/her

responsibilities. Conducts and

coordinates OIG reviews of existing and

proposed legislation and regulations

related to SSA programs and operations

to identify their impact on economy and

efficiency and their potential for fraud

and abuse. Serves as the OIG contact for

the press and electronic media and

serves as OIG congressional liaison.

Coordinates the development of the OIG

long-range strategic plan and the OIG

annual work plan. Compiles the

Semiannual Report to the Congress and

operates the Executive Secretariat.

Formulates and assists the IG with the

execution of the OIG budget and confers

with the Office of the Commissioner

(OC), the Office of Management and

Budget (OMB) and the Congress on

budget matters. Conducts management

analyses and establishes and

coordinates general management

policies of the OIG. Serves as OIG

liaison on personnel issues and other

administrative policies and practices as

well as on equal employment

opportunity and civil rights matters.

D. The Office of Investigations (OI)

(S8B) conducts and coordinates

investigative activity related to fraud,

waste, abuse and mismanagement in

SSA programs and operations. This

includes wrongdoing by applicants,

grantees, or contractors, or by SSA

employees in the performance of their

official duties. It serves as OIG liaison

to the Department of Justice on all

matters relating to investigations of SSA

programs and personnel, and reports for

the Attorney General when the OIG has

reason to believe Federal criminal law

has been violated. OI works with other

investigative agencies and organizations

on special projects and assignments. In

support of its mission, the office carries
22134 Federal Register / Vol. 60, No. 86 / Thursday, May 4, 1995 / Notices

out and maintains an internal quality

assurance system.

E. The Office of Audits (OA) (S8C)

provides audit policy direction for and

conducts and oversees comprehensive

audits of SSA programs, operations,

grantees and contractors, following

generally accepted Government auditing

standards. It maintains an internal

quality assurance system, including

periodic quality assessment studies and

quality control reviews, to provide

reasonable assurance the applicable

laws, regulations, policies, procedures,

standards and other requirements are

followed in all audit activities

performed by, or on behalf of, SSA.

F. The Office of Evaluations and

Inspections (OEI) (S8E) conducts

inspections of SSA programs, operations

and processes to identify vulnerabilities,

to prevent and detect misconduct, and

to promote economy, efficiency and

effectiveness in SSA programs and

operations. In support of its mission, the

office carries out and maintains an

internal quality assurance system. The

system includes quality assessment

studies and quality control reviews of

OEI processes and products to ensure

that policies and procedures are

effective, are followed and are

functioning as intended.

Subchapter S8B—Office of Investigations

S8B.00 Mission

S8B.10 Organization

S8B.20 Functions

Section S8B.00 The Office of

Investigations—(Mission): The Office of

Investigations (OI) conducts and

coordinates investigative activity related

to fraud, waste, abuse and

mismanagement in SSA programs and

operations. This includes wrongdoing

by applicants, grantees, or contractors,

or by SSA employees in the

performance of their official duties. It

serves as OIG liaison to the Department

of Justice on all matters relating to

investigations of SSA programs and

personnel, and reports for the Attorney

General when the OIG has reason to

believe Federal criminal law has been

violated. OI works with other

investigative agencies and organizations

on special projects and assignments. In

support of its mission, the office carries

out and maintains an internal quality

assurance system.

Section S8B.10 The Office of

Investigations—(Organization): The

Office of Investigations (S8B) under the

leadership of the Assistant Inspector

General for Investigations, includes:

A. The Assistant Inspector General for

Investigations (S8B).

B. The Immediate Office of the

Assistant Inspector General (S8B).

Section S8B.20 The Office of

Investigations—(Functions):

A. The Assistant Inspector General for

Investigations (S8B) is directly

responsible to the Inspector General for

carrying out the OI mission and

providing general supervision to the

major components of OI.

B. The Immediate Office of the

Assistant Inspector General (S8B)

provides the Inspector General with

staff assistance on the full range of his/

her responsibilities. Coordinates quality

assurance studies to assure that

applicable laws, regulations, policies,

procedures standards and other

requirements are followed in all

investigative activities performed by, or

on behalf of, SSA.

1. Establishes investigative priorities,

evaluates the progress of investigations

and reports to the IG on the

effectiveness of investigative efforts.

Develops and implements investigative

techniques, programs, guidelines and

policies.

2. Provides investigative

programmatic expertise and issues

information on new programs,

procedures, regulations and statutes.

3. Directs and coordinates the

investigative field offices which conduct

investigations of fraud, waste, abuse,

mismanagement and violations of

standards of conduct and other

investigative matters within the

jurisdiction of the OIG.

4. Coordinates investigations with

SSA operating and staff components,

OIG counterparts and other investigative

and law enforcement agencies.

5. Prepares and issues completed

reports of investigations and ensures

accuracy and compliance with

guidelines and recommends appropriate

debarment actions, administrative

sanctions, civil money penalties and

other civil action or prosecution under

the law.

6. Identifies systemic and

programmatic vulnerabilities in SSA’s

operations and makes recommendations

for changes to the appropriate official.

7. Provides policy guidance and

technical expertise to SSA on civil fraud

laws and regulations, penalties,

sanctions and other remedies.

8. Maintains liaison with the

Department of Justice on the civil fraud

aspects of SSA investigations.

9. Coordinates and/or helps

investigate matters arising under the

Program Fraud Civil Remedies Act, the

Civil Monetary Penalties Law and

Public Law 100–93.

10. Assists the Department of Justice

to investigate and evaluate civil fraud

lawsuits under provisions of the Federal

False Claims Act and related statutes.

11. Leads outreach activities to State

and local investigative agencies.

12. Provides pertinent information

from SSA records to assist Federal, State

and local investigative agencies to

detect, investigate and prosecute fraud.

13. Manages SSA Hotline to receive

complaints and allegations of fraud,

waste and abuse, and to refer the

information for investigation, audit,

program review or other appropriate

action. Coordinates with the GAO

Hotline and hotlines from other

agencies.

14. Maintains investigative files for OI

headquarters and an automated data and

management information system used

by all OI managers and investigators.

15. Provides technical expertise on

computer applications for investigations

and coordinates and approves

investigative computer matches with

other agencies.

16. Develops general management

policy for OI; coordinates general

management processes; develops and

issues instructional media on

wrongdoing and on investigating and

processing cases; plans, develops,

implements; and evaluates all levels of

employee training in OI.

17. Assists the IG in reviews of

proposed legislation, regulations,

policies and procedures to identify

vulnerabilities and recommends

modifications where appropriate.

Reviews investigative files in response

to Privacy and Freedom of Information

Act requests.

Subchapter S8C—Office of Audits

S8C.00 Mission

S8C.10 Organization

S8C.20 Functions

Section S8C.00 The Office of

Audits—(Mission): The Office of Audits

(OA) provides policy direction for and

conducts and oversees comprehensive

audits of SSA programs, operations,

grantees and contractors, following

generally accepted Government auditing

standards. It maintains an internal

quality assurance system, including

periodic quality assessment studies and

quality control reviews, to provide

reasonable assurance the applicable

laws, regulations, policies, procedures,

standards and other requirements are

followed in all audit activities

performed by, or on behalf of, SSA.

Section S8C.10 The Office of

Audits—(Organization): The Office of

Audits (S8C) under the leadership of the

Assistant Inspector General for Audits,

includes:

A. The Assistant Inspector General for

Audits (S8C).
Federal Register / Vol. 60, No. 86 / Thursday, May 4, 1995 / Notices 22135

B. The Immediate Office of the

Assistant Inspector General for Audits

(S8C).

Section S8C.20 The Office of

Audits—(Functions):

A. The Assistant Inspector General for

Audits (S8C) is directly responsible to

the Inspector General for carrying out

the OA mission and providing general

supervision to the major components of

OA.

B. The Immediate Office of the

Assistant Inspector General for Audits

(S8C) provides the Inspector General

with staff assistance on the full range of

his/her responsibilities.

1. Directs and coordinates the

activities of the Regional Inspectors

General for Audits who carry out audit

activities in their assigned geographic

areas.

2. Develops audit policy, procedures,

standards, criteria and instructions for

all audit activities performed by, or on

behalf of, or conforming with SSA

programs, grants, contracts or

operations, complying with general

accepted Government auditing

standards and other legal, regulatory

and administrative requirements.

3. Develops policy and procedure for

an internal quality assurance system to

provide reasonable assurance that

applicable laws, regulations,

procedures, standards and other

requirements are followed in all audit

activities performed by, or on behalf of,

SSA.

4. Conducts quality assurance studies

to ensure that the policies and

procedures are implemented by each

OA component and are functioning as

intended.

5. Evaluates audit work, including

performing quality control reviews of

audit reports.

6. Develops and monitors audit work

plans and tracks, monitors and reports

on audit resolution.

7. Plans, develops and coordinates

advanced techniques to carry out OA

functions and coordinates and manages

OA’s information system.

8. Conducts, as well as oversees

nationwide, the audits of SSA’s

Retirement, Survivors and Disability

Insurance programs; the Supplemental

Security Income Program; the Black

Lung program; as well as the operation

and administration of the entire agency.

9. Maintains an internal quality

assurance system, including periodic

quality control reviews, to provide

reasonable assurance that applicable

laws, regulations, policies, procedures,

standards and other requirements are

followed in all SSA audit activities

performed by, or on behalf of, SSA.

Subchapter S8E—Office of Evaluations and

Inspections

S8E.00 Mission

S8E.10 Organization

S8E.20 Functions

Section S8E.00 The Office of

Evaluations and Inspections—(Mission):

The Office of Evaluations and

Inspections (OEI) (S8E) conducts

inspections of SSA programs, operations

and processes to identify vulnerabilities,

to prevent and detect misconduct, and

to promote economy, efficiency and

effectiveness in SSA programs and

operations. In support of its mission, the

office carries out and maintains an

internal quality assurance system. The

system includes quality assessment

studies and quality control reviews of

OEI processes and products to ensure

that policies and procedures are

effective, are followed and are

functioning as intended.

Section S8E.10 The Office of

Evaluations and Inspections—

(Organization): The Office of

Evaluations and Inspections (S8E) under

the leadership of the Assistant Inspector

General for Evaluations and Inspections,

includes:

A. The Assistant Inspector General for

Evaluations and Inspections (S8E).

B. The Immediate Office of the

Assistant Inspector General for

Evaluations and Inspections (S8E).

Section S8E.20 The Office of

Evaluations and Inspections—

(Functions):

A. The Assistant Inspector General for

Evaluations and Inspections (S8E) is

directly responsible to the Inspector

General for carrying out the OEI mission

and providing general supervision to the

major components of OEI.

B. The Immediate Office of the

Assistant Inspector General for

Evaluations and Inspections (S8E)

provides the Inspector General with

staff assistance on the full range of his/

her responsibilities.

1. Directs and coordinates the

activities of the Regional Inspectors

General for Evaluations and Inspections

who carry out OEI’s mission and

activities in assigned geographic areas.

2. Develops OEI’s evaluations and

inspections policies, standards and

procedures and assesses the quality of

inspections to ensure compliance with

policies and procedures.

3. Manages OEI’s human and financial

resources and develops and monitors

OEI’s management information systems.

4. Manages OEI’s work planning

process and reviews legislative,

regulatory and program proposals for

vulnerabilities to fraud, waste and

mismanagement.

5. Conducts inspections of SSA

programs and recommends changes to

improve efficiency and effectiveness.

Provides programmatic expertise and

issues information on new programs,

procedures, regulations and statutes to

OEI regional offices.

6. Evaluates SSA programs, provides

written reports and follows up on

implementation of corrective action

recommendations. Evaluates the actions

taken to resolve problems and

vulnerabilities identified and provides

additional data or corrective action

options, where applicable.

7. Conducts data and trend analyses

of major SSA initiatives to determine

the effects of current policies and

practices on program effectiveness and

efficiency.

8. Recommends changes in program

policies, regulations and law to improve

efficiency and effectiveness and to

prevent fraud, waste and abuse.

Analyzes current policies to evaluate

options for future policy, regulatory and

legislative improvements.

This statement amends part S of the

Statement of the Organization,

Functions and Delegations of Authority

which covers the Social Security

Administration (SSA). Notice is given of

the establishment of SSA’s Office of the

General Counsel (OGC) (S9) at the first

level below the Commissioner and the

establishment of subordinate

components. The new chapter reads as

follows:

Chapter S9—The Office of the General

Counsel

S9.00 Mission

S9.10 Organization

S9.20 Functions

Section S9.00 The Office of the

General Counsel—(Mission): The

General Counsel, as special advisor to

the Commissioner on legal matters, is

responsible for providing all legal

services and advice to the

Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner

and all subordinate organizational

components of SSA in connection with

the operation and administration of

SSA.

Section S9.10 The Office of the

General Counsel—(Organization) The

Office of the General Counsel under the

leadership of the General Counsel

includes:

A. The General Counsel (S9).

B. The Principal Deputy General

Counsel (S9).

C. The Immediate Office of the

General Counsel (S9A) which includes:

1. The Deputy General Counsel

(Regional Operations) (S9A–1).
22136 Federal Register / Vol. 60, No. 86 / Thursday, May 4, 1995 / Notices

2. The Inspector General Staff (S9A–

2).

D. The Division of General Law (S9B).

E. The Division of Litigation (S9C).

F. The Division of Policy and

Legislation (S9E).

G. The Offices of Regional Chief

Counsels (S9G–F1—S9G–FX).

Section S9.20 The Office of the

General Counsel—(Functions):

A. The General Counsel (S9) is

directly responsible to the

Commissioner for carrying out the OGC

mission and providing general

supervision to the major components of

OGC.

B. The Principal Deputy General

Counsel (S9) assists the General Counsel

in carrying out his/her responsibilities

and performs other duties as the General

Counsel may prescribe. In the event of

the General Counsel’s absence or

disability, or in the event of a vacancy

in the position of General Counsel, the

Principal Deputy General Counsel acts

for him/her unless the Commissioner

directs otherwise.

C. The Immediate Office of the

General Counsel (S9A) provides the

General Counsel with staff assistance on

the full range of his/her responsibilities.

It includes:

1. The Deputy General Counsel

(Regional Operations) (S9A–1) directs

and coordinates regional Offices of the

General Counsel personnel who carry

out OGC’s mission. In the event of the

absence or disability of both the General

Counsel and the Principal Deputy

General Counsel, the Deputy General

Counsel (Regional Operations) acts for

the General Counsel unless the

Commissioner directs otherwise.

2. The Inspector General Staff (S9A–

2) provides legal services to SSA’s

Inspector General in all areas within the

jurisdiction of the Inspector General

including prosecution of all claims by

SSA for civil money penalties under

section 1129 of the Social Security Act,

42 U.S.C. 1320a–8.

D. The Division of General Law (S9B).

1. Provides legal services on business

management activities and

administrative operations throughout

SSA, including procurement,

contracting, patents, copyrights,

personnel, budget, appropriations,

employment, compensation, travel and

claims involving these areas by and

against SSA.

2. Provides legal services and advice

regarding SSA’s civil defense, civil

rights and security programs as well as

for SSA’s administration of the Freedom

of Information and Privacy Acts.

Provides liaison with the Department of

Justice on administering the Freedom of

Information and Privacy Acts. Liaisons

with the Comptroller General.

3. Provides legal advice to officials

and employees regarding ethics and

standards of conduct matters.

Coordinates SSA’s confidential

reporting system for reporting on

financial interests and outside activities.

4. Assists SSA components with the

development and implementation of

ethics training, provides liaison with the

White House General Counsel and the

Office of Government Ethics on ethics

matters.

5. Furnishes litigation support and

litigation related advice to the

Commissioner and all components of

SSA in both administrative and court

litigation in connection with each of the

areas mentioned above. Represents SSA

in all such litigation when such direct

representation is authorized by law. In

other cases, makes and supervises

contacts with attorneys responsible for

the conduct of such litigation.

E. The Division of Litigation (S9C).

1. Furnishes legal support and

litigation related advice in both

administrative and court litigation in

connection with the operations and

administration by SSA of the various

programs administered by SSA under

the Social Security Act and of other

programs which do not fall within the

jurisdiction of the Division of General

Law (DGL) or the Inspector General Staff

(IGS).

2. Represents SSA in all such

litigation when such direct

representation is authorized by law and

in other cases, makes and supervises

contacts with attorneys responsible for

the conduct of such litigation.

F. The Division of Policy and

Legislation (S9E).

1. Furnishes nonlitigation legal

services and advice in connection with

the operations and administration by

SSA of the various programs

administered by SSA under the Social

Security Act and of other programs and

areas which do not fall within the

jurisdiction of DGL or IGS.

2. Drafts proposals for legislation

originating in SSA, reviews

specifications for such proposed

legislation and reviews all proposed

legislation submitted by SSA for

comment. Drafts or reviews reports and

letters to congressional committees, the

Office of Management and Budget and

others on proposed legislation and

legislative matters. Prescribes the

procedures to govern the routing and

review within SSA of material relating

to proposed legislation.

3. Drafts or reviews proposed

testimony of SSA officials before

Congress relating to any area within the

jurisdiction of the division.

4. Drafts or reviews all SSA regulatory

materials and legal instruments relating

to an area within the jurisdiction of the

division.

G. The Offices of Regional Chief

Counsels (S9G–F1—S9G—FX) provide

the Commissioner and the various

regional components of SSA with legal

services and support as follows:

1. Provide professional legal and

managerial expertise for the OGC in

their respective geographic locations.

2. Provide litigation support and legal

services and advice to the SSA Regional

Commissioners in the various areas set

out above regarding OGC divisions and

the IGS.

This statement establishes part T of

the Statement of the Organization,

Functions and Delegations of Authority

which covers the Social Security

Administration (SSA). Notice is given of

the establishment of the Office of the

Deputy Commissioner, Programs,

Policy, Evaluation and Communications

(TA) at the first level below the

Commissioner. Notice is further given of

the establishment of the Office of

Program Coordination and Planning, the

Office of Policy Analysis and

Evaluation, the Office of the Actuary,

the Office of Disability, the Office of

Disclosure Policy, the Office of Hearings

and Appeals, the Office of International

Policy, the Office of Policy, the Office of

Communications, the Office of Research

and Statistics and the Office of Program

Benefits Policy. The new chapter reads

as follows:

Chapter TA—Office of the Deputy

Commissioner, Programs, Policy, Evaluation

and Communications

TA.00 Mission

TA.10 Organization

TA.20 Functions

Section TA.00 The Office of the

Deputy Commissioner, Programs,

Policy, Evaluation and

Communications—(Mission): The Office

of the Deputy Commissioner, Programs,

Policy, Evaluation and Communications

(ODCPPEC) directs the formulation of

overall policy for SSA. Directs the

formulation and issuance of program

objectives. Directs and manages the

planning, development, issuance and

evaluation of program and operational

policies, standards and instructions for

the retirement and survivors insurance,

disability and supplemental security

income programs. Serves as a focal

point for international program policy

issues and activities. Oversees Agency

hearings and appeals activities. Directs

a public communications program that

effectively promotes and furthers the
Federal Register / Vol. 60, No. 86 / Thursday, May 4, 1995 / Notices 22137

initiatives of SSA and public

understanding of the Social Security

programs. Serves as the central receipt

for public inquiries. Oversees the

collection, use and dissemination of

both personal and non-personal

information to ensure consistency with

Agency objectives, law and the

expectations of the American public.

Directs, administers and coordinates a

program of actuarial analysis and social

science research related to Agencyadministered programs and projected

changes in those programs. Directs the

development of actuarial estimates

pertaining to SSA-administered

programs. Provides information on the

effects on individuals and the economy

of programs operated by SSA and the

interactions among these programs,

other tax and income-transfer programs

and economic, social and demographic

forces.

Section TA.10 The Office of the

Deputy Commissioner, Programs,

Policy, Evaluation and

Communications—(Organization): The

Office of the Deputy Commissioner,

Programs, Policy, Evaluation and

Communications under the leadership

of the Deputy Commissioner, Programs,

Policy, Evaluation and

Communications, includes:

A. The Deputy Commissioner,

Programs, Policy, Evaluation and

Communications (TA).

B. The Assistant Deputy

Commissioner, Programs, Policy,

Evaluation and Communications (TA).

C. The Immediate Office of the

Deputy Commissioner, Programs,

Policy, Evaluation and Communications

(TAA).

1. The Resources Management Staff

(TAA–1).

2. The Office Automation Support

Staff (TAA–2).

D. The Office of Program

Coordination and Planning (TAB).

E. The Office of the Actuary (TAC).

F. The Office of Disability (TAE).

G. The Office of Disclosure Policy

(TAG).

H. The Office of Hearings and

Appeals (TAH).

I. The Office of International Policy

(TAJ).

J. The Office of Policy (TAK).

K. The Office of Communications

(TAL).

L. The Office of Research and

Statistics (TAN).

M. The Office of Program Benefits

Policy (TAP).

N. The Office of Policy Analysis and

Evaluation (TAQ).

Section TA.20 The Office of the

Deputy Commissioner, Programs,

Policy, Evaluation and

Communications—(Functions):

A. The Deputy Commissioner,

Programs, Policy, Evaluation and

Communications (TA) is directly

responsible to the Commissioner for

carrying out the ODCPPEC mission and

for providing general supervision to the

major components of ODCPPEC.

B. The Assistant Deputy

Commissioner, Programs, Policy,

Evaluation and Communications (TA)

assists the Deputy Commissioner in

carrying out his/her responsibilities and

performs other duties as the Deputy

Commissioner may prescribe.

C. The Immediate office of the Deputy

Commissioner, Programs, Policy,

Evaluation and Communications (TAA)

provides the Deputy Commissioner with

staff assistance on the full range of his/

her responsibilities.

1. The Resources Management Staff

(TAA–1).

a. Plans, develops and coordinates

Deputy Commissioner for Programs,

Policy, Evaluation and Communications

(DCPPEC) financial, personnel, and

administrative management programs,

and advises the Executive Officer and/

or the Deputy Commissioner of the

impact of agency level finance,

personnel and the administrative

decisions which affect DCPPEC.

b. Formulates, justifies and presents

DCPPEC’s annual and multi-year budget

submissions. Controls the collection,

recording and reporting of all financial,

personnel and administrative data in

connection with the budget and staffing

formulation and execution functions.

c. Reviews, and analyzes budget

requests submitted by DCPPEC

components and formulates DCPPEC

financial operating plans and budget

projections.

d. Is responsible for presenting

DCPPEC’s budget submissions and the

justifications for these submissions to

SSA officials and for the assessment of,

and response to, SSA’s reviews of these

submissions.

e. Administers cost allocation

functions of the budget process. Works

with SSA budget officials to obtain the

resources necessary to meet DCPPEC

goals and objectives.

f. Monitors workload projections for

budget execution and control purposes.

Ensures that employment ceilings and

obligations and expenditures of funds

are in conformance with authorized

allotments and allowances. Performs

periodic reviews of budget execution

and financial management practices in

DCPPEC offices.

g. Administers Agency guidelines on

personnel and Equal Employment

Opportunity (EEO) issues. Serves as

DCPPEC liaison with SSA and other

federal components on labor

management relations, EEO and training

issues.

h. Is responsible for advising the

Executive Officer and/or Deputy

Commissioner on issues impacting

DCPPEC staff and staffing levels.

2. The Office Automation Support

Staff (TAA–2).

a. Designs, implements and maintains

automated information and

communications systems DCPPEC-wide

and provides systems support to

DCPPEC components, advises on

changing SSA plans and strategies with

respect to systems.

b. Prepares all support documentation

and represents DCPPEC interests with

respect to systems projects and

procurements, including performing

project officer duties on contracts.

Provides data and analysis for the

DCPPEC Information Technology

Systems budget submission.

c. Performs contract management

functions for DCPPEC computer system

contracts and interagency agreements.

Ensures DCPPEC systems meet user

needs and management information

requirements.

d. Performs liaison function with

vendors and Office of Systems

components for servicing hardware,

software, and network.

e. Performs property management

function for systems equipment and

software within the immediate Office of

the Deputy Commissioner.

f. Designs complex computer-based

systems to improve efficiency of

DCPPEC operations and functions.

Develops, implements, documents, and

maintains applications systems for

DCPPEC. These systems include clientserver databases working across

multiple operating system platforms.

Performs management analysis of

requirements, workflow, work processes

and writes specifications for computer

systems needed to improve operations,

work processes and tasks. Maintains

management plans for all systems

projects.

g. Provides day-to-day operational

systems management and support

services for DCPPEC, including

minicomputers, network,

communications and microcomputer

operations. Ensures that projects

effectively support DCPPEC business

and strategic plans.

h. Serves as electronic mail

administrator for the immediate front

office of the Deputy Commissioner.

i. Maintains electronic gateways from

DCPPEC networks into Agency and nonSSA mainframe and other computer

systems. Maintains liaison with Office

of Systems on network issues and

standards.
22138 Federal Register / Vol. 60, No. 86 / Thursday, May 4, 1995 / Notices

j. Identifies DCPPEC training needs

with respect to systems activities, and

coordinates with responsible SSA

components to ensure that these needs

are met.

D. The Office of Program

Coordination and Planning (TAB)

provides Agency leadership in

identifying policies that can be changed

and emerging technologies that can be

used to improve service to the public;

manages all planning activities for the

Deputy Commissioner, including liaison

with other Agency, governmental and

private sector committees and groups;

manages the Agency’s on-line (Internet)

policies and services; manages the flow

of information and assignments within

DCPPEC, and in coordination with the

Office of the Commissioner and other

major SSA Offices; prepares a wide

range of information and materials for

the Deputy Commissioner; and monitors

progress in achieving Commissioner and

DCPPEC initiatives and objectives.

E. The Office of the Actuary (TAC)

develops actuarial estimates and

analyses and cost estimates pertaining

to SSA-administered retirement,

survivors and disability programs and

the supplemental security income

program and to projected changes in

those programs. Conducts studies of

program financing. Performs actuarial

and demographic research on social

insurance and related program issues

and projects future workloads.

F. The Office of Disability (TAE)

develops, coordinates and evaluates the

disability program and issues related

operational policies, standards and

procedures. Develops and issues

policies and guidelines for use by State,

Federal or private contractor providers

which implement the disability

provisions of the Social Security Act as

amended. The Office plans and directs

a continuing evaluation of program

performance and an economic and

social survey program to evaluate the

current impact and future needs of the

disability program. Ensures that

interrelated program policy and

procedural areas are coordinated.

G. The Office of Disclosure Policy

(TAG) develops and interprets SSA

policy governing requests for disclosure

of information from Agency records

made under the provisions of the

Privacy Act and the Freedom of

Information Act (FOIA).

H. The Office of Hearing and Appeals

(TAH) holds hearings and issues

decisions as part of the SSA appeals

process. Directs a nationwide field

organization which conducts impartial

hearings and makes decisions on

appealed determinations involving

retirement, survivors, disability, health

insurance, black lung and supplemental

security income benefits. Performs

central office reviews of decisions.

I. The Office of International Policy

(TAJ) serves as SSA’s focal point for

international program policy matters

and for its participation in the

international Social Security

community. Serves as liaison to

international agencies and associations

which deal with Social Security matters.

Negotiates international Social Security

(totalization) agreements with foreign

governments and develops policies and

procedures to implement the

agreements. Develops and implements

policies and procedures relating to the

operation of the Social Security program

outside the United States. Provides

training programs and technical

consultation on Social Security and

related fields to Social Security officials

and other experts outside the United

States. Serves as liaison with other

Federal agencies, such as the

Department of State and the Department

of the Treasury, on Social Security

program matters outside the United

States.

J. The Office of Policy (TAK) serves as

the focal point for the Agency to ensure

that strategic policy decisions are

properly translated into operational

policies and procedures and are

implemented in an effective manner.

Coordinates the development of policies

across program lines to ensure

consistency in implementation.

Develops, promulgates and reviews all

program regulations for consistency.

Reviews regulations for directlyadministered programs for consistency

with statutory and congressional intent

and with SSA policy decisions and

requirements. Directs the clearance of

regulations within the Agency and with

other departments and agencies and the

Office of Management and Budget.

Develops the Agency’s Regulatory Plan

and its portion of the United Agenda of

Federal Regulations. Is responsible for

development, review and distribution of

the Agency’s instructional system.

Develops and publishes general and

special compilations of Social Security

laws, various technical issuances and

program handbooks. Ensures that

policies are coordinated internally and

that all instructional materials

developed are compatible with overall

operating policies and practices.

Establishes policies relating to the

Agency’s notices to the public and

serves as the focal point for the

Agency’s effort to improve service to the

public through the issuance of clear

notices. Evaluates the effectiveness of

national policies in meeting program

goals and recommends necessary

program modifications.

K. The Office of Communications

(TAL) directs a program to develop and

preserve working relationships with a

wide variety of national organizations,

special interest and advocacy groups,

the media, other Federal agencies and

State and local governments, for

purposes of securing understanding,

cooperation and acceptance of SSA

programs, policies and procedures and

for providing avenues of public

participation in the decisionmaking

process of SSA. Plans, directs,

coordinates, effects and evaluates SSA’s

nationwide communications program,

which involves interaction with other

Federal and State agencies, local

governments and other organizations

concerned with public communications

programs and activities. Develops

public information programs and

materials to ensure public knowledge

and understanding of protections, rights

and responsibilities under the programs

administered by SSA. Directs SSA’s

Satellite Communications Network

activities. Coordinates the non-English

communications activities within SSA.

Provides a central receipt, control,

acknowledgement, response and referral

program for all high-priority and other

inquiries addressed to, or telephone

calls directed to SSA headquarters, the

Commissioner or other SSA executives.

Develops correspondence policy and

procedures and guide language on

recurring topics and issues for use

throughout the Agency.

L. The Office of Research and

Statistics (TAN) is responsible for

providing information on the effects on

individuals and the economy of

programs operated by SSA and the

interactions among these programs,

other tax and income-transfer programs

and economic, social and demographic

forces.

M. The Office of Program Benefits

Policy (TAP) develops, coordinates and

evaluates the retirement and survivors

insurance and supplemental security

income programs and issues related

operational policies, standards and

instructions. Develops and issues

policies and guidelines for use by State

and Federal organizations which

implement supplemental security

income provisions. Develops

agreements with the States that govern

State supplementation programs,

Medicaid eligibility, data exchange

programs, food stamps and fiscal

reporting processes. Plans and directs

continuing performance evaluation and

economic and social survey programs to

evaluate the current impact and future

needs of the RSI and SSI programs.
Federal Register / Vol. 60, No. 86 / Thursday, May 4, 1995 / Notices 22139

N. The Office of Policy Analysis and

Evaluation (TAQ) conducts a

comprehensive program to analyze

cross-cutting policy issues, provide

analytic support to external

commissions and evaluate current and

proposed social welfare policy.

Subchapter TAB—Office of Program

Coordination and Planning

TAB.00 Mission

TAB.10 Organization

TAB.20 Functions

Section TAB.00 The Office of

Program Coordination and Planning—

(Mission): The Office of Program

Coordination and Planning (OPCP)

provides Agency leadership in

identifying policies that can be changed

and emerging technologies that can be

used to improve service to the public;

manages all planning activities for the

Deputy Commissioner, including liaison

with other Agency, governmental and

private sector committees and groups;

manages the Agency’s on-line (Internet)

policies and services; manages the flow

of information and assignments within

ODCPPEC and in coordination with the

Office of the Commissioner and other

major SSA Offices; prepares a wide

range of information and materials for

the Deputy Commissioner; and monitors

progress in achieving Commissioner and

DCPPEC initiatives and objectives.

Section TAB.10 The Office of

Program Coordination and Planning—

(Organization): The Office of Program

Coordination and Planning, under the

leadership of the Director, Office of

Program Coordination and Planning,

includes:

A. The Director of the Office of

Program Coordination and Planning

(TAB).

B. The Immediate Office of the

Director, Office of Program Coordination

and Planning (TAB).

C. The Planning and Technology

Policy Staff (TABA).

D. The Program Coordination Staff

(TABB).

Section TAB.20 The Office of

Program Coordination and Planning—

(Functions):

A. The Director of the Office of

Program Coordination and Planning

(TAB) is directly responsible to the

Deputy Commissioner, Programs,

Policy, Evaluation and Communications

for carrying out OPCP’s mission and

providing managerial direction to the

major components of OPCP.

B. The Immediate Office of the

Director, Office of Program Coordination

and Planning (TAB) provides the

Director with staff assistance on the full

range of his/her responsibilities.

C. The Planning and Technology

Policy Staff (TABA).

1. Provides Agency leadership in

identifying the policies that can be

changed and emerging technologies that

can be used to improve our service to

the public; develops policy scenarios for

such change, testing change models and

evaluating their efficacy; and

recommends policy adjustments and

positions to the Deputy Commissioner,

Commissioner and the SSA Executive

Staff.

2. Identifies how DCPPEC can

administer its program functions more

efficiently and effectively, considering

such influences as workforce

demographic changes, Agency-level

restructuring and downsizing activities,

technology and the organizational

vision and missions. Tests change

models within the organization.

3. Implements new planning

strategies within DCPPEC organizations

and manages the DCPPEC planning

process, including improvements in

information dissemination and

coordination for DCPPEC staff.

4. Maintains liaison with

Government-wide planning bodies,

including committees, working groups,

and oversight panels established in

conjunction with Government-wide

policy, planning and technology

assessment activities. Establishes and

maintains appropriate relationships

with entities in the public and private

sectors with respect to technology and

policy planning issues.

5. Provides Agency leadership for

SSA’s on-line (Internet and emerging

online information infrastructure)

services, including participation with

other SSA components, other

governmental Agencies and the private

sector in designing and testing specific

online services which have major policy

implications for improving service to

the public; manages SSA’s Internet

services; establishes Internet service

policies; and serves as DCPPEC’s

managing organization for Information

Resources Management (IRM) functions.

6. Develops and manages DCPPECwide planning initiatives in conjunction

with Agency-level planning activities

(such as the Agency Strategic Plan, SSA

Business Plan, Information Technology

Systems plan) and in concert with

Government-wide planning and policy

review activities, including Presidential,

Vice-Presidential and Office of

Management and Budget initiatives.

D. The Program Coordination Staff

(TABB).

1. Performs a wide variety of

analytical, coordinative, technical and

liaison activities for the Deputy

Commissioner; conducts in-depth

reviews of submittals and policy

documents to ensure completeness and

consistency with the Social Security

Act, regulations and policy; serves as a

liaison with other SSA components and

Federal agencies; represents the Deputy

Commissioner at meetings with officials

from other Federal agencies and/or SSA

components; and provides guidance to

DCPPEC executive staff in the area of

communications.

2. Manages the daily flow of

assignments and information within

DCPPEC components and in

coordination with the Office of the

Commissioner and other major SSA

Offices, ensuring timeliness, quality,

and policy consistency in products

created within DCPPEC.

3. Prepares a wide range of materials,

including analytical papers,

memoranda, speeches, talking points

and briefing papers on the full range of

Agency program provisions and

policies.

4. Monitors progress in achieving

Commissioner and Deputy

Commissioner initiatives, objectives and

priorities which involve DCPPEC

components.

Subchapter TAC—Office of the Actuary

TAC.00 Mission

TAC.10 Organization

TAC.20 Functions

Section TAC.00 The Office of the

Actuary—(Mission): The Office of the

Actuary (OACT) plans and directs a

program of actuarial estimates and

analyses pertaining to SSAadministered retirement, survivors and

disability insurance programs and

supplemental security programs and to

projected changes in these programs.

Evaluates operations in the Federal OldAge and Survivors Insurance Trust

Fund and the Federal Disability

Insurance Trust Fund, conducts studies

of program financing, performs actuarial

and demographic research on social

insurance and related program issues,

and projects future workloads. Provides

technical and consultative services to

the Commissioner and to the Board of

Trustees of those two Trust Funds and

appears before congressional

committees to provide expert testimony

on the actuarial aspects of Social

Security issues.

Section TAC.10 The Office of the

Actuary—(Organization): OACT, under

the leadership of the Chief Actuary,

includes:

A. The Chief Actuary (TAC).

B. The Deputy Chief Actuary (ShortRange) (TAC).

C. The Deputy Chief Actuary (LongRange) (TAC).
22140 Federal Register / Vol. 60, No. 86 / Thursday, May 4, 1995 / Notices

D. The Immediate Office of the Chief

Actuary (TAC).

E. The Office of Short-Range Actuarial

Estimates (TACA).

F. The Office of Long-Range Actuarial

Estimates (TACB).

Section TAC.20 The Office of the

Actuary—(Functions):

A. The Chief Actuary (TAC) is

directly responsible to the Deputy

Commissioner, Programs, Policy,

Evaluation and Communications for

carrying out OACT’s mission and

provides supervision to the major

components of OACT.

B. The Deputy Chief Actuary (ShortRange) (TAC) assists the Chief Actuary

in carrying out his/her OACT-wide

responsibilities and performs other

duties as prescribed.

C. The Deputy Chief Actuary (LongRange) (TAC) assists the Chief Actuary

in carrying out his/her OACT-wide

responsibilities and performs other

duties as prescribed.

D. The Immediate Office of the Chief

Actuary (TAC) provides the Chief

Actuary and his/her Deputies with staff

assistance on the full range of their

responsibilities, and conducts special

actuarial studies and analyses.

E. The Office of Short-Range Actuarial

Estimates (TACA) is responsible for

planning, directing and coordinating the

development of short-range cost

estimates for all Social Security

programs both under current provisions

and proposed changes in law or

regulation. Develops special cost

analyses involving technical actuarial

issues; projects operations of the Trust

Funds; provides a variety of data

services including data collection,

statistical support; and prepares

estimates for general fund and

interprogram reimbursement.

F. The Office of Long-Range Actuarial

Estimates (TACB) is responsible for

planning, directing and coordinating the

development of long-range cost

estimates for all the Social Security

programs both under current provisions

and proposed changes in law or

regulation. Designs the economic,

demographic and programmatic

assumptions and the methods needed to

develop these estimates; analyzes and

publishes actuarial research based on

projections and actual program

experience; and provides authoritative

advice to agency policymakers and

congressional staffs relating to the longrange actuarial impact of current law

and proposed program changes.

Subchapter TAE—Office of Disability

TAE.00 Mission

TAE.10 Organization

TAE.20 Functions

Section TAE.00 The Office of

Disability—(Mission): The Office of

Disability (OD) plans, develops,

evaluates and issues the operational and

administrative appeals process policies,

standards and instructions for the SSA

administered disability programs.

Develops and promulgates policies and

guidelines for use by State, Federal or

private contractor providers which

implement the disability provisions of

the Social Security Act as amended.

Provides operational policy advice,

technical support and management

direction to central office, regional

office and field components in the

administration of the disability

programs. Evaluates the effects of

proposed legislation and legislation

pending before Congress to determine

the impact on the disability programs.

Plans and directs a continuing program

performance evaluation, and an

economic and social survey program to

evaluate the current impact and future

needs of the disability programs.

Ensures that interrelated policy areas

are coordinated. Processes State agency

workloads on a temporary or

transitional basis.

Section TAE.10 The Office of

Disability—(Organization): The Office of

Disability under the leadership of the

Associate Commissioner for Disability,

includes:

A. The Associate Commissioner for

Disability (TAE).

B. The Deputy Associate

Commissioner(s) for Disability (TAE).

C. The Immediate Office of the

Associate Commissioner for Disability

(TAE).

D. The Office of Medical Evaluation

(TAEA).

E. The Federal Disability

Determination Services (TAEB).

F. The Division of Medical and

Vocational Policy (TAEC).

G. The Division of Field Disability

Operations (TAEE).

H. The Division of Disability Process

Policy (TAEG).

I. The Division of Disability Program

Information and Studies (TAEH).

J. The Division of Employment and

Rehabilitation Programs (TAEJ).

Section TAE.20 The Office of

Disability—(Functions):

A. The Associate Commissioner for

Disability (TAE) is directly responsible

to the Deputy Commissioner, Programs,

Policy, Evaluation and Communications

for carrying out OD’s mission and

provides general supervision to the

major components of OD.

B. The Deputy Associate

Commissioner(s) for Disability (TAE)

assists the Associate Commissioner in

carrying out his/her responsibilities and

performs other duties as the Associate

Commissioner may prescribe.

C. The Immediate Office of the

Associate Commissioner for Disability

(TAE) provides the Associate

Commissioner and the Deputy Associate

Commissioner with staff assistance on

the full range of their responsibilities

and coordinates the administrative and

program activities of OD components.

D. The Office of Medical Evaluation

(TAEA):

1. Provides advice and consultation to

the Associate Commissioner of OD, the

Commissioner and other officials of SSA

on all medical aspects in the planning,

direction and coordination of the Title

II disability insurance (DI) program and

the Title XVI supplemental security

income (SSI) program for the blind and

disabled.

2. Develops broad medical concepts

and policies for the administration of

the Title II and Title XVI programs, and

provides consultation for research

studies to develop improved medical

techniques for evaluating impairment

severity and disability.

3. Provides leadership and

professional direction to the Regional

Medical Officers and consultants, and to

State Disability Determination Services

(DDS) medical personnel engaged in

Title II and Title XVI related activities.

4. Provides medical consultation

required in the formulation of medical

evaluation and development policies

and guides, and develops orientation

and training programs for medical

personnel in OD, regional offices and

State DDSs.

5. Carries out professional relations

efforts in support of SSA’s efforts to gain

support from professional medical

associations.

E. The Federal Disability

Determination Services (TAEB):

1. Develops and adjudicates disability

determinations either temporarily as

help for one or more Disability

Determination Services (DDS) or as a

transition until a permanent alternative

case processing operation is fully

operational in the event that SSA must

assume the disability determination

function for a State because of

noncompliance with regulations and

guidelines, or voluntary withdrawal.

2. Pilot tests new work processes,

procedures and systems prior to

nationwide implementation; validates

and conducts useability tests on new

and/or revised systems processes;

evaluates new or revised disability

adjudication policies for national

consistency and practical application;

and conducts special studies and policy

reviews required for management

purposes.
Federal Register / Vol. 60, No. 86 / Thursday, May 4, 1995 / Notices 22141

3. Reviews and makes disability

decisions on applications for disability

under Title II and Title XVI of the Social

Security Act on initial applications, on

reconsideration requests, and

continuing disability.

4. Screens disability applicants for,

and makes referrals to, vocational

rehabilitation (VR) agencies; develops

and evaluates medical/vocational

evidence; and arranges for procurement

and payment of such evidence, as

required.

5. Reviews State hearing officer and

Federal hearing officer decisions;

prepares decisions on foreign claims

and changes hearing officers’

determinations in accordance with the

regulations at 404.918 and 416.1418;

participates in hearing process studies;

and prepares statistical and narrative

reports and recommendations for

training and policy and procedural

changes based on case review and

analysis or study findings.

F. The Division of Medical and

Vocational Policy (TAEC):

1. Develops, evaluates, implements

and maintains medical policy for

deciding disability claims for all body

systems to be used at all adjudicative

levels.

2. Develops, evaluates, implements

and maintains policy for deciding

disability claims, including such areas

as residual functional capacity, medical

improvement review standard and other

continuing disability issues, onset,

duration, weighing of evidence and

other issues affecting disability claims at

all adjudicative levels.

3. Develops, evaluates, implements

and maintains policy for all vocational

issues, such as age, education, work

experience, the vocational rules, and

work evaluations which are used to

decide disability claims at all

adjudicative levels.

4. Develops, evaluates, implements

and maintains all policy used to decide

disability in childhood disability

claims, including the childhood Listings

of Impairments, individualized

functional assessment and functional

equivalency for all adjudicative levels.

5. Coordinates recommendations

concerning which court decisions

should be appealed; coordinates

development of responses to

interrogatories and court orders; and

ensures that policies and procedures are

changed to reflect specific court orders

and legal precedents.

G. The Division of Field Disability

Operations (TAEE):

1. Provides national guidance for the

administrative aspects of the disability

determination function whether

administered through State DDS,

contracted out to the private sector, or

accomplished by designated SSA

organizational components.

2. Develops pertinent policies,

regulations and procedures by

establishing standards and guides for

performance; monitoring performance;

initiating corrective action where

needed; coordinating workloads and

administering the funds for the DDSs,

etc. Conducts such studies and reviews

as are necessary to the disability

determination function.

3. Works through SSA regional

offices, interested national organizations

and other SSA central office

components to accomplish objectives or,

in special situations, works directly

with the component performing the

disability determination function.

4. Plans, coordinates and manages the

Office of Disability systems related

activities, including DDS and Federal

Disability Determination Services

automation, information resource

management, expert systems,

development of user specifications, and

installation and testing of hardware,

networks and communications links for

DDSs.

5. Analyzes, plans, distributes and

monitors all DDS funding on a State-byState basis. This includes establishing

and monitoring workload and

productivity targets for each DDS.

H. The Division of Disability Process

Policy (TAEG):

1. Develops procedures and

instructions for the disability provisions

of other programs including certain

Title XVI and XVIII provisions unique

to the disability programs, e.g., worker’s

compensation.

2. Develops and issues the policies,

procedures and instructions relating to

the development of nonmedical

evidence, the processing of claims, the

development of policy guidelines and

technical procedures for the Continuing

Disability Review process.

3. Develops the procedures and

instructions which define the

administrative appeals process.

Develops notice policy and issues

language and forms for use in disability

claims and notices including foreign

language and Braille notices.

4. Maintains liaison and assists

professional relations efforts to gain the

support of private advocacy groups,

Federal, State and local agencies and the

public and provides guidance and

assistance on disability professional

relations issues to the SSA regional and

Disability Determination Services’ field

networks.

I. Division of Disability Program

Information and Studies (TAEH):

1. Conducts research and evaluates

studies on the disabled population and

recipients and specific operational/

administrative program issues. Designs

demonstration projects.

2. Designs evaluation systems for and

evaluates demonstration projects.

3. Develops and maintains data bases

for research, statistical activities and

program information. Provides recurring

and specialized reports, and coordinates

information requirements.

J. The Division of Employment and

Rehabilitation Programs (TAEJ):

1. Implements the provisions of the

Social Security Act which call for the

referral of beneficiaries and recipients to

the State or alternate vocational

rehabilitation (VR) providers, evaluates

VR provider services, reimburses VR

providers for successful rehabilitations,

ensures that client participation in a

program is appropriate and meets the

requirements of the Act and develops

proposals and plans for new VR

initiatives.

2. Implements and evaluates test

models for delivering rehabilitation, job

placement and post-employment

services and for making appropriate

referrals to public and private agencies.

Administers contracts to support

projects.

3. Develops initiative to promote

public understanding and use of work

incentives through enhanced outreach

activities and by building networks with

community-based agencies and service

providers.

4. Prepares and revises regulations,

operating policies and training

materials. Develops proposals and plans

for new work incentives.

5. Develops procedures and

instructions for implementation of the

drug addiction and alcoholism referral

and monitoring provisions. Administers

agreements implementing the

provisions.

Subchapter TAG—Office of Disclosure

Policy

TAG.00 Mission

TAG.10 Organization

TAG.20 Functions

Section TAG.00 The Office of

Disclosure Policy—(Mission): The Office

of Disclosure Policy (ODP) develops and

interprets SSA policy governing

requests for disclosure of information

from SSA records made under the

provisions of the Privacy Act and the

Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).

Section TAG.10 The Office of

Disclosure Policy—(Organization): ODP,

under the leadership of the Director of

the Office of Disclosure Policy,

includes:
22142 Federal Register / Vol. 60, No. 86 / Thursday, May 4, 1995 / Notices

A. The Director of the Office of

Disclosure Policy (TAG).

B. The Immediate Office of the

Director of the Office of Disclosure

Policy (TAG).

Section TAG.20 The Office of

Disclosure Policy—(Functions):

A. The Director of the Office of

Disclosure Policy (TAG) is directly

responsible to the Deputy

Commissioner, Programs, Policy,

Evaluation and Communications for

carrying out ODP’s mission and

provides managerial direction to the

major components of ODP.

B. The Immediate Office of the

Director of the Office of Disclosure

Policy (TAG) provides the Director with

staff assistance on the full range of their

responsibilities.

1. Develops and interprets SSA policy

governing requests for information made

under the provisions of the Privacy Act.

2. Develops national standards

relating to the release and exchange of

personal data in SSA data bases.

Manages SSA’s interaction with other

agencies in negotiating data releases and

exchanges. Develops and interprets SSA

policy related to personal access

initiatives which allow individuals to

use technology (e.g., personal

computers, kiosks) to access their

records from SSA data bases.

3. Negotiates with various federal

government entities regarding electronic

data sharing, direct terminal access to

SSA computer records and use of the

Social Security Number.

4. Assures Agencywide sensitivity to

importance of privacy considerations in

all situations involving disclosure of

SSA data about individuals. Reviews

Agency projects and initiatives to

ensure compliance with the Privacy Act

and related laws and regulations.

Examines public service issues related

to handling various information

requests from the public. Develops

decisions on Privacy Act appeals for the

Commissioner.

5. Develops and interprets SSA policy

governing requests for information made

under the provisions of the Freedom of

Information Act (FOIA). Directs FOIA

activities in SSA, develops SSA’s FOIA

policies and procedures, and prepares

the Annual Report to Congress on these

activities. Decides whether records are

required to be disclosed to members of

the public. Develops decisions on FOIA

appeals for the Commissioner and

Deputy Commissioner.

Subchapter TAH—Office of Hearings and

Appeals

TAH.00 Mission

TAH.10 Organization

TAH.20 Functions

Section TAH.00 The Office of

Hearings and Appeals—(Mission): The

Office of Hearings and Appeals (OHA)

administers the nationwide hearings

and appeals program for SSA. Provides

the basic mechanisms through which

individuals and organizations

dissatisfied with determinations

affecting their rights to and amounts of

benefits or their participation in

programs under the Social Security Act

may administratively appeal these

determinations in accordance with the

requirements of the Administrative

Procedure and Social Security Acts.

OHA includes a nationwide field

organization staffed with Administrative

Law Judges (ALJs) who conduct

impartial hearings and make decisions

on appeals filed by claimants, their

representatives, providers-of-service

institutions and others under the Social

Security Act. The Appeals Council of

OHA impartially reviews ALJ decisions,

either on the Appeals Council’s own

motion or at the request of the claimant,

and renders the Commissioner’s final

decision when review is taken. Reviews

new court cases to determine whether

the case should be defended on the

record or the Commissioner should seek

voluntary remand, and reviews final

court decisions in light of the

programmatic and administrative

implications involved and makes

recommendations as to whether appeal

should be sought. Provides advice and

recommendations on Social Security

Administration program policy and

related matters, including proposed

Social Security Rulings.

Section TAH.10 The Office of

Hearings and Appeals— (Organization):

The Office of Hearings and Appeals,

under the leadership of the Associate

Commissioner for Hearings and

Appeals, includes:

A. The Associate Commissioner for

Hearings and Appeals (TAH).

B. The Deputy Associate

Commissioner for Hearings and Appeals

(TAH).

C. The Immediate Office of the

Associate Commissioner for Hearings

and Appeals (TAH) which includes:

1. The Executive Secretariat (TAH–1).

2. The Special Counsel Staff (TAH–2).

D. The Office of the Chief

Administrative Law Judge (TAHA).

1. The Division of Field Operations

and Liaison (TAHA1).

2. The Division of Field Practices and

Procedures (TAHA2).

3. The Vocational Expert and Medical

Advisor Staff (TAHA1).

4. The Division of Medicare Part B

(TAHA4).

E. The Offices of the Regional Chief

Administrative Law Judges (TAH–F1—

TAH–FX).

F. The Office of Appellate Operations

(TAHB), which includes the Executive

Director who also serves as Deputy

Chair of the Appeals Council, the

Appeals Council and its Administrative

Appeals Judges, Appeals Officers, a

Deputy Director to the Executive

Director, and a Director of Operations.

1. The Operations Management,

Analysis and Coordination Staff

(TAHB1).

2. The Division of Program Support

(TAHB2).

3. The Medical Support Staff

(TAHB3).

4.–22. The Disability Program

Branches 1–19 (TAHB4–9 and TAHBA–

Q).

23.–24. The Court Case Preparation

and Review Branches 1–2 (TAHBR–S).

25. The Division of Retirement and

Survivors Insurance, Supplemental

Security Income and Health Insurance

(TAHBT).

G. The Office of Policy, Planning and

Evaluation (TAHC).

1. The Division of Litigation Analysis

and Implementation (TAHC1).

2. The Division of Planning and

Evaluation (TAHC2).

3. The Division of Policy (TAHC3).

H. The Office of Management (TAHE).

1. The Equal Employment

Opportunity Staff (TAHE1).

2. The Division of Congressional and

Public Inquiries (TAHE2).

3. The Division of Budget and

Financial Management (TAHE3).

4. The Division of Materiel Resources

(TAHE4).

5. The Division of Systems Resources

(TAHE5).

6. The Division of Management

Analysis and Employee Development

(TAHE6).

Section TAH.20 The Office of

Hearings and Appeals—(Functions):

A. The Associate Commissioner of

Hearings and Appeals (TAH) is directly

responsible to the Commissioner of

Social Security for carrying out OHA’s

mission of holding hearings and

rendering decisions on appeals filed

under Titles II, XVI, and XVIII of the

Social Security Act, as amended, and

Title IV of the Federal Coal Mine Health

and Safety Act of 1969, as amended.

The Associate Commissioner is

responsible for planning, directing,

managing, coordinating, and

maintaining the integrity of the

nationwide SSA hearings and appeals

system. As Chair of the Appeals

Council, the Associate Commissioner is

responsible for the decisions issued at

the final administrative level of the

Social Security Administration.
Federal Register / Vol. 60, No. 86 / Thursday, May 4, 1995 / Notices 22143

B. The Deputy Associate

Commissioner for Hearings and Appeals

(TAH) assists the Associate

Commissioner in carrying out his/her

OHA-wide responsibilities and performs

other duties as the Associate

Commissioner may prescribe.

C. The Immediate Office of the

Associate Commissioner for Hearings

and Appeals (TAH) provides the

Associate Commissioner and the Deputy

Associate Commissioner with staff

assistance on the full range of their

responsibilities.

1. The Executive Secretariat (ES)

(TAH–1) is the liaison and coordination

point between the Office of the

Associate Commissioner and major SSA

and OHA components. It serves as the

primary point of contact with OC,

ODCPPEC, other Deputy and Associate

Commissioners and other top SSA staff

for sensitive and urgent matters and to

ensure OHA support to those officials.

2. The Special Counsel Staff (TAH–2)

serves as professional legal advisor to

the Associate Commissioner, OHA, and

to other members of the OHA Executive

Staff on all matters pertaining to the

legislative process, labor relations law,

ethics and administrative law, with

special emphasis on the Administrative

Procedure Act.

D. The Office of the Chief

Administrative Law Judge (TAHA)

serves as the principal consultant and

advisor to the Associate Commissioner

on all matters concerning the

Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) hearing

function. Under the executive

leadership of the Associate

Commissioner, the Chief Administrative

Law Judge manages and administers a

hearings organization consisting of a

nationwide network of hearing offices

and supporting regional offices

nationwide. The Chief Administrative

Law Judge has primary responsibility

for maintaining effective channels of

communication between the Associate

Commissioner and the RCALJs and the

ALJ corps. Formulates and develops

broad policies and objectives and

establishes program goals for OHA’s ALJ

corps. Maintains a continuous review of

all aspects of OHA field operations, and

implements improvements where

needed. Is responsible for developing

and maintaining the procedures for

effective operation of the hearings

process. Provides management oversight

for all administrative and managerial

functions involved in the day-to-day

operations of field activities;

coordinates regional and hearing office

activities; prepares, reviews and drafts

decisions and dismissals in Medicare

Part B cases; and conducts liaison with

other government and private agencies

on issues falling within the Office’s area

of responsibility.

1. The Division of Field Operations

and Liaison (TAHA1) serves as liaison

for the field with all headquarters

components, and provides advice,

guidance, and counsel to field units in

all areas of identified needs. Assists the

Chief Administrative Law Judge in

setting field office objectives. Analyzes

field resource needs, including staffing,

equipment, training and travel and

recommends resource allocations to

meet those needs. Represents the field

on ongoing or ad hoc workgroups, task

forces, etc.

2. The Division of Field Practices and

Procedures (TAHA2) formulates,

develops, communicates and oversees

field practices and procedures

governing the conduct of the hearing

process and other program operations

issues in response to the Associate

Commissioner, the Chief Administrative

Law Judge, or other OHA management

officials, as well as a result of court

orders and/or changes in the law and

regulations.

3. The Vocational Expert and Medical

Expert Staff (TAHA3) formulates,

develops and oversees the national

program for recruitment and use of

Vocational Experts and Medical Experts

at hearings before Administrative Law

Judges. On an ongoing basis, monitors

Regional and Hearing Office operations

regarding the program and when

appropriate provides guidance and

makes necessary changes.

4. The Division of Medicare Part B

(TAHA4) processes Medicare Part B

cases on receipt from Health Care

Financing Administration (HCFA)

contractors. Researches the law,

regulations and relevant policy to

resolve case-related issues as necessary.

Drafts all decisions where an on-therecord decision is requested and drafts

decisions where hearings are held by an

Administrative Law Judge who is

attached directly to the division.

Provides technical and staff assistance

to the Chief Administrative Law Judge

and all Administrative Law Judges

concerning the adjudication of Medicare

Part B cases.

E. Each Office of the Regional Chief

Administrative Law Judge (TAH–F1—

TAH–FX) acts on behalf of the Associate

Commissioner and the Chief

Administrative Law Judge at the

respective regional levels on all matters

involving the hearings process, and is

directly responsible for the effective

execution of the hearings process within

the region. Provides direction,

leadership, management and guidance

to the regional office staff and to the

hearing offices in the region, including

Administrative Law Judges (ALJs) and

their staffs. Is responsible for the

regional implementation of national

policies, goals, objectives, and

procedures pertaining to the hearings

process, and formulates policies, goals,

and objectives for the ALJs and support

staff in the region. Develops and

recommends OHA action with respect

to allegations of unfair hearings within

the region. Is responsible for evaluating

the effectiveness of regional and hearing

office management. Reviews hearing

practices and procedures to detect

trends, training needs, and operational

problems. Investigates allegations of

improper employee conduct, and makes

recommendations as to necessary

corrective action. Has responsibility for

the acquisition and distribution of

human and materiel resources within

the region. Coordinates operation and

administrative activities with SSA

regional offices, other SSA regional

components, State Agencies, and others,

as necessary. Establishes a program to

maintain ongoing communication with

congressional offices on issues of

mutual interest and ensures timely and

accurate responses to congressional

inquiries. Ensures that court remands

are processed efficiently within the

region, and coordinates with the Office

of the Chief Counsel in the region to

foster OHA compliance with court

requirements. Serves as an expert

advisor on substantive issues within the

region, and upon request by ALJs,

provides advice and guidance in matters

relating to adjudicating cases under the

provisions of the Social Security Act, as

amended. Reviews and analyzes fee

petitions from attorneys and

representatives of claimants for the

provision of services at the hearing

level, and authorizes payment of fees in

those cases where the fees are beyond

the authority of a hearing office

Administrative Law Judge.

F. The Office of Appellate Operations

(TAHB) consists of the Appeals Council

and its support staff. In accordance with

a direct delegation of authority from the

Commissioner of Social Security, the

Appeals Council is the final level of

administrative review under the

Administrative Procedure Act for claims

filed under Titles II, XVI, and XVIII of

the Social Security Act, as amended,

and Title IV of the Federal Coal Mine

Health and Safety Act of 1969, as

amended. The Executive Director of the

Office of Appellate Operations (OAO) is

the Deputy Chair of the Appeals Council

and is responsible for the day-to-day

operations of a program of

administrative review of ALJ decisions

issued under the provisions of the
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Social Security Act. Upon claimant

request or on the Appeals Council’s own

motion, OAO reviews ALJ decisions and

dismissals involving claims for benefits

filed under Titles II and XVI of the

Social Security Act, as amended, health

insurance cases under Title XVIII of the

Act, including claims for individual

enrollment to participate under Parts A

and/or B of Title XVIII and claims by

hospitals, skilled nursing facilities and

independent laboratories seeking

certification or continued certification

under the Act, and claims under Title IV

of the Federal Coal Mine Health and

Safety Act of 1969, as amended, to

determine if jurisdiction exists, and, if

so, takes appropriate action. The

Appeals Council identifies cases which

represent broad policy matters or have

national impact, conducts oral hearings

and acts to resolve the issues in such

cases, establishing binding adjudicatory

standards and decisional principles that

govern OHA’s adjudicatory process.

Tracks and analyzes court case trends

and disseminates information to guide

adjudicators with respect to case law, to

implement an effective appeals strategy,

and to identify areas and make

recommendations as to policies which

need to be developed and/or clarified,

new regulations which need to be

developed, or clarifying legislation

which should be sought.

1. The Operations Management,

Analysis and Coordination Staff

(TAHB1) provides a comprehensive

program of management analysis and

evaluative services to assist the Appeals

Council in adjudicating cases, to assist

the Executive Director of OAO, and to

assist the support staff of the Appeals

Council in performing their program

review function.

2. The Division of Program Support

(TAHB2) under the direction of the

Director of Operations of OAO, provides

support services to the Appeals Council,

including reconstruction of lost claim

files and receiving and analyzing fee

petitions. Provides reprographic

services and controls transcription of

hearing cassettes in preparation of the

official answer to civil actions filed

against the Commissioner of SSA.

3. The Medical Support Staff (TAHB3)

consists of staff physicians, consulting

physicians, and support staff and

provides expert professional judgment

to the Appeals Council on individual

disability and health insurance claims.

Provides informational, advisory and

consultant services to the Appeals

Council and its support staff on matters

of interpretation and application of

national policy on SSA and OHA

disability criteria and regulations. It

reviews disability evaluation training

manuals for consistency and national

uniformity, represents OHA in contacts

with appropriate professional

affiliations, and coordinates with the

Office of Disability and International

Operations all matters of joint interest in

the area of medical disability

evaluation.

4.–22. The Disability Program

Branches 1–19 (TAHB4–9 and TAHBA–

Q) serve as support staff providing

advice to the Appeals Council in its

review of ALJ decisions and dismissals

involving claims for benefits. Following

an analysis of the record and any

additional evidence and/or argument

submitted, and applying a thorough

knowledge of the Act, Regulations,

Rulings and applicable case law, the

staff in the program review branches

examine hearing decisions and other

final actions of the Administrative Law

Judges, and requests for Appeals

Council review, and make

recommendations to the Appeals

Council as to what action should be

taken on cases pending before the

Council. Analyze and recommend

action on cases remanded by the courts

and those referred by the Office of

General Counsel (OGC) for

consideration of whether remand

should be requested at the

Commissioner’s motion. Recommend to

OGC defense on the record of certain

litigated cases if further administrative

action is not warranted.

23.–24. The Court Case Preparation

and Review Branches 1–2 (TAHBR–S)

serve as a support staff to OAO. Prepare

remand orders and affidavits and related

correspondence on cases in which a

complaint has been filed in Federal

court. Within published guidelines,

recommend to OGC defense on the

record for certain litigated cases if

further administrative action is not

warranted. Analyze and recommend

action on cases remanded by the courts.

Prepares all court transcripts and

controls and maintains all certified

records of claims at the civil actions

level.

25. The Division of Retirement and

Survivors Insurance, Supplemental

Security Income and Health Insurance

(TAHBT) serves as a support staff and

provides advice to the Appeals Council

in its review of decisions and dismissals

involving claims to establish

entitlement to Health Insurance benefits

under Title XVIII of the Social Security

Act, including claims for individual

enrollment to participate under Parts A

and/or B of Title XVIII and claims by

hospitals, skilled nursing facilities and

independent laboratories seeking

certification under the Social Security

Act, decisions and dismissals involving

claims to establish entitlement and the

amount of benefits in old-age, survivors

and disability under Title II of the

Social Security Act; and claims to

establish eligibility for and benefits

payable in Title XVI cases. Following an

analysis of the record and any

additional evidence and/or argument

submitted, and applying a thorough

knowledge of the Act, Regulations,

Rulings and applicable case law,

examines hearing decisions and other

final actions of the ALJ, and requests for

Appeals Council review, and makes

recommendations to the Administrative

Appeals Judges as to what action should

be taken on cases pending before the

Council whether before or after a civil

action is filed.

G. The Office of Policy, Planning and

Evaluation (TAHC) plans, analyzes and

develops OHA-wide policy for the

hearings, appeals and civil actions

processes. Responsible for SSA policy

with respect to claimant representation

and fees charged for their services.

Manages the overall OHA hearings and

appeals process policy communications

system. Is responsible for OHA activity

with respect to Social Security

regulations, including developing an

OHA position with respect to program

regulations proposed by SSA

components. Monitors OHA’s

implementation of program regulations

governing the hearings and appeals

process. Plans and conducts a

comprehensive OHA-wide evaluation

program designed to support OHA

policy and regulatory initiatives and

measure the overall effectiveness of the

nationwide hearings and appeals

process. Provides advice and guidance

throughout OHA on matters involving

program policies, planning and

evaluation. Coordinates policy,

planning and evaluation matters within

OHA, with OGC, other SSA

components, with HCFA and with other

Federal agencies and private

organizations. Develops and coordinates

program training in conjunction with

appropriate OHA, SSA, HCFA and OGC

components. Develops and implements

an appeals strategy, in conjunction with

other OHA components, that identifies

the issues and types of cases which

OHA believes should be appealed.

Captures court trend information for

dissemination to other components to

assist in formulating the Agency’s

litigation strategy and improving the

adjudication process.

1. The Division of Litigation Analysis

and Implementation (TAHC1) develops

and implements, in conjunction with

other OHA components, an appeals

strategy that identifies the issues and

types of cases which OHA believes
Federal Register / Vol. 60, No. 86 / Thursday, May 4, 1995 / Notices 22145

should be appealed. Captures court

trend information for dissemination to

other components to assist in

formulating the Agency’s litigation

strategy and improving the adjudication

process. Develops and maintains a

compendium of circuit court case law

with systems-based access. Tracks

pending class actions, forecasts

potential workload impact, and makes

recommendations to workload

components regarding workload impact.

Uses court trend information to identify

and make appropriate recommendations

with respect to areas in which policies

need to be developed and/or clarified,

new regulations need to be developed,

or clarifying legislation should be

sought. Prepares and updates significant

court case requirements used in

reviewing court cases. Uses court trend

information to identify areas where

additional training is needed or other

measures are needed to improve

defensibility. Advises OHA officials of

significant cases and trends and of

litigation issues which may require

revision of operating instructions, and

assists with the preparation of the

instructions. Coordinates OHA’s views

on proposed Social Security

Acquiescence Rulings. In response to

OHA-identified cases and to requests for

appeals recommendations from the

Litigation Staff, ODCPPEC, obtains the

views of affected OHA components and

formulates an OHA position on appeal.

Maintains liaison with OGC and

ODCPPEC to coordinate the settlement

of class actions and class action

implementation. In coordination with

other OHA components, develops

instructions for OHA implementation of

class action orders, monitors

implementation and serves as a focal

point for questions from OHA

adjudicators. Responds to requests from

OGC and the ODCPPEC regarding

information about OHA operations

requested in the course of litigation.

Coordinates OHA’s response to

discovery requests. Administers and

coordinates the Freedom of Information

Act and Privacy Act provisions for

OHA.

2. The Division of Planning and

Evaluation (TAHC2) develops,

coordinates and conducts a

comprehensive OHA-wide program of

studies and analyses of the application

of and compliance with SSA and OHA

policies and procedures in all phases of

OHA’s hearings and appeals processes

and SSA’s claimant representation

process and the quality of results

achieved. Provides advice and

assistance to other OHA components in

designing and implementing

appropriate systems and procedures for

collecting, recording, analyzing and

evaluating data to assess the quality of

work emanating from the hearings and

appeals processes. Conducts studies of

policy implementation within OHA.

Identifies problem areas and

deficiencies in policies. Develops

techniques and systems for conducting

evaluations of the substantive and

technical aspects of claims throughout

OHA.

3. The Division of Policy (TAHC3)

plans, develops and coordinates the

preparation of regulations, policies and

guidelines for the hearings, appeals,

civil actions and claimant

representation processes under Titles II,

XVI and XVIII of the Social Security

Act, as amended, and under Title IV of

the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety

Act of 1969, as amended. Ensures that

operating procedures and instructions

developed to implement the hearings

and appeals process conform with SSA

benefit program policy and OHA

hearings and appeals process policy.

Provides advisory services,

consultation, and staff assistance to

other components of OHA. Maintains

ongoing liaison with SSA, HCFA, OGC

and others with respect to program,

legislative and policy matters. Reviews

current and developing trends in

administrative law and litigation;

analyzes and prepares policy

recommendations; and develops longrange and short-range plans for hearing

and appeals policy matters and OHA’s

implementation of benefit program

policy matters. Develops and

coordinates program training in

conjunction with other OHA, SSA, and

OGC program components.

H. The Office of Management (OM)

(TAHE) provides administrative support

to the Associate Commissioner for all

management and systems related

activities for OHA. Coordinates with the

Chief Administrative Law Judge with

respect to management, financial,

materiel resources and systems support

functions which affect field operations.

Has direct line authority for all

management and administrative support

functions for Headquarters’ components

of OHA and in coordination with the

Chief Judge, for all field components of

OHA including its regional offices (ROs)

and hearing offices nationwide.

Coordinates and integrates the

management programs and

administrative planning initiatives of

OHA into the long-range goals and

objectives of SSA. Monitors OHA’s

progress toward meeting established

Agency goals and makes

recommendations for needed

adjustments to enable OHA to meet

these goals. Plans, directs and

implements an EEO program within

OHA. Plans, directs, administers and

evaluates the congressional and public

inquiries activities for OHA. Plans,

directs and administers a

comprehensive nationwide management

analysis program to identify areas

requiring improvement to enhance the

quality and effectiveness of management

practices and to assess trends in

management.

1. The Equal Employment

Opportunity Staff (TAHE1) is

responsible for OHA’s Equal

Opportunity program. Plans, develops,

implements and monitors OHA’s

affirmative action program, and

administers the EEO complaint process

for OHA headquarters. Provides

guidance for, and monitoring of, OHA

regional EEO programs.

2. The Division of Congressional and

Public Inquiries (TAHE2) formulates

policies, procedures and guidelines for

use in responding to high priority

correspondence from the public and

congressional offices. Serves as the

correspondence liaison staff with the

Commissioner’s Office, the Office of

Communications and other SSA

components.

3. The Division of Budget and

Financial Management (TAHE3) plans,

develops and coordinates OHA’s budget

and financial management programs,

advising the Director of OM and/or the

Associate Commissioner of the financial

impact of all decisions which may affect

the program and administrative

operations of the Agency. Formulates,

justifies and presents OHA’s annual and

multi-year budget submissions. Reviews

and analyzes budget requests submitted

by OHA components and formulates

OHA’s financial operating plans and

budget projections. Works with SSA

budget officials to obtain the resources

necessary to meet OHA goals and

objectives. Develops all necessary

applications for generating budget data

and financial management reports.

Executes and administers a financial

management system, integrating

resource management controls. Ensures

that employment ceilings and

obligations and expenditures of funds

are in conformance with authorized

allotments and allowances. Administers

the travel and payroll function for all

OHA headquarters components and

ALJs nationwide.

4. The Division of Materiel Resources

(TAHE4) plans, directs and provides

administrative support services in the

areas of space planning and

management; forms and records

management; property management;

equipment control and maintenance;
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graphic arts; safety and self-protection,

including emergency planning; security;

procurement and supply; laboring

services; mail and messenger services;

motor vehicle operations; and

communications systems management.

Organizes, controls and coordinates

procurement and property management

activities, including development of

specifications and requisitions for

procurement of property, inspections of

property owned or leased by the United

States Government, and property

accountability. Administers an

occupational health and safety program

in compliance with established health

and safety concepts, regulations,

standards and procedures. Administers

security programs and inspections, and

coordinates with local law enforcement

officials to ensure protection of OHA

property and personnel.

5. The Division of Systems Resources

(TAHE5) is the focal point for all OHA

systems-related activities. Provides

office automation and data processing

support to all OHA components.

Develops OHA’s long-range systems

goals and objectives. Provides computer

programming and systems support for

the planning, design, development and

implementation of all OHA ADP

systems. Serves as liaison with the

Office of Systems on all matters

pertaining to systems, and ensures that

OHA systems efforts are undertaken,

that projects underway are carried out

successfully and that OHA participates

fully in the SSA systems strategy.

6. The Division of Management

Analysis and Employee Development

(TAHE6) advises the Director of OM and

the Associate Commissioner in all

management areas involving

management practices, management

analysis, operational analysis and the

resolution of management/employee

concerns and problems. Plans, designs

and administers evaluation programs

and tracking systems to assess the

efficiency and effectiveness of OHA

operations in the field and headquarters.

Serves as the focal point of contact for

coordinating the General Accounting

Office, OIG, SSA and other studies of

OHA operations. Coordinates, develops

and publishes administrative

delegations of authority for OHA.

Administers OHA’s Employee

Development Program. Develops and

administers an OHA-wide program to

identify training needs; develops

mechanisms to meet identified training

needs; and assesses the effectiveness of

the OHA training program in meeting

the training needs of managers,

supervisors and employees.

Subchapter TAJ—Office of International

Policy

TAJ.00 Mission

TAJ.10 Organization

TAJ.20 Functions

Section TAJ.00 The Office of

International Policy—(Mission): The

Office of International Policy (OIP)

serves as SSA’s focal point for

international program policy matters

and for its participation in the

international Social Security

community. Serves as liaison to

international agencies and associations

which deal with Social Security matters.

Negotiates international Social Security

(totalization) agreements with foreign

governments, and develops policies and

procedures to implement the

agreements. Develops and implements

policies and procedures relating to the

operation of the Social Security program

outside the United States. Provides

programs of training and technical

consultations on Social Security and

related fields to Social Security officials

and other experts outside the United

States. Serves as liaison with other

Federal agencies, such as the

Department of State and the Department

of the Treasury, on Social Security

program matters outside the United

States.

Section TAJ.10 The Office of

International Policy—(Organization):

The Office of International Policy, under

the leadership of the Director of the

Office of International Policy includes:

A. The Director for International

Policy (TAJ).

B. The Immediate Office of the

Director for International Policy (TAJ).

C. The Division of International

Program Policy and Agreements (TAJA).

D. The International Activities Staff

(TAJB).

Section TAJ.20 The Office of

International Policy—(Functions):

A. The Director for International

Policy (TAJ) is directly responsible to

the Deputy Commissioner, Programs,

Policy, Evaluation and Communications

for carrying out the OIP mission and

provides supervision to the major

components of OIP.

B. The Immediate Office of the

Director for International Policy (TAJ)

provides the Director with staff

assistance on the full range of his/her

responsibilities, helps coordinate the

activities of OIP components, and acts

as the SSA or United States Government

representative to international

organizations and world bodies

involved with international social

security matters.

C. The Division of International

Program Policy and Agreements (TAJA).

1. Plans, develops and evaluates

program policies and procedures

relating to foreign claims

administration, foreign evidence and

beneficiaries and modifies policies and

procedures to meet program

requirements in foreign countries.

2. Negotiates international Social

Security (totalization) agreements with

foreign governments and takes the

actions necessary to secure their

approval, develops policies and

procedures to implement agreements

and administers the coverage provisions

of the agreements.

3. Issues certificates of coverage to

United States-based workers who are on

temporary assignments in countries

with which the United States has

international totalization agreements to

exempt them (and their employers) from

foreign social security taxes.

4. Interacts with various SSA

components, other Federal agencies and

governments of other countries on all

foreign program matters, including

evaluation of foreign social insurance

systems for alien nonpayment purposes,

benefit payment delivery and

restrictions, acceptability of foreign

evidence, program integrity and mutual

assistance arrangements with other

countries.

5. Conducts legislative and regulatory

reviews, studies and analyses of all

matters relating to international policy

and international Social Security

agreements and takes necessary

legislative or regulatory action on

foreign program and agreement

problems requiring such remedy.

D. The International Activities Staff

(TAJB).

1. Develops and coordinates

individualized programs of consultation

and observation for foreign Social

Security officials and experts in related

fields on the United States Social

Security system.

2. Coordinates SSA’s technical

assistance to foreign countries in

designing and/or modernizing existing

social security systems.

3. Serves as SSA’s focal point in

disseminating information about the

United States Social Security program to

foreign organizations.

4. Plans and coordinates SSA’s

international travel plan, including

providing logistical support and

administering all activities relating to

control of official passports for SSA staff

travelling abroad.

5. Plans, implements and manages

SSA-hosted international conferences,

meetings and seminars.

Subchapter TAK—Office of Policy
Federal Register / Vol. 60, No. 86 / Thursday, May 4, 1995 / Notices 22147

TAK.00 Mission

TAK.10 Organization

TAK.20 Functions

Section TAK.00 The Office of

Policy—(Mission): The Office of Policy

(OP) serves as the focal point for the

Agency to ensure that strategic policy

decisions are properly translated into

operational policies and procedures and

are implemented in an effective manner.

Coordinates the development of policies

across program lines to ensure

consistency in implementation.

Develops, promulgates and reviews all

program regulations for consistency.

Reviews regulations for directlyadministered programs for consistency

with statutory and congressional intent

and with SSA policy decisions and

requirements. Directs the clearance of

regulations within the Agency and with

other departments and agencies and the

Office of Management and Budget.

Develops the Agency’s Regulatory Plan

and its portion of the United Agenda of

Federal Regulations. Is responsible for

development, review and distribution of

the Agency’s instructional system.

Develops and publishes general and

special compilations of Social Security

laws, various technical issuances and

program handbooks. Ensures that

policies are coordinated internally and

that all instructional materials

developed are compatible with overall

operating policies and practices.

Establishes policies relating to the

Agency’s notices to the public and

serves as the focal point for the

Agency’s effort to improve service to the

public through the issuance of clear

notices. Evaluates the effectiveness of

national policies in meeting program

goals and recommends necessary

program modifications.

Section TAK.10 The Office of

Policy—(Organization):

The Office of Policy, under the

leadership of the Associate

Commissioner for Policy includes:

A. The Associate Commissioner for

Policy (TAK).

B. The Deputy Associate

Commissioner for Policy (TAK).

C. The Immediate Office of the

Associate Commissioner for Policy

(TAK).

D. The Notice Policy Staff (TAKA).

E. The Division of Regulations and

Rulings (TAKB).

F. The Division of Directives

Management (TAKC).

Section TAK.20 The Office of

Policy—(Functions):

A. The Associate Commissioner for

Policy (TAK) is directly responsible to

the Deputy Commissioner Programs,

Policy, Evaluation and Communications

for carrying out OP’s mission and

provides general supervision to major

components of OP.

B. The Deputy Associate

Commissioner for Policy (TAK) assists

the Associate Commissioner in carrying

out his/her responsibilities, and

performs other duties that the Associate

Commissioner may prescribe.

C. The Immediate Office of the

Associate Commissioner for Policy

(TAK) provides the Associate

Commissioner and Deputy Associate

Commissioner with staff assistance on

the full range of their responsibilities

and helps coordinate the activities of OP

components.

D. The Notice Policy Staff (TAKA)

serves as the focal point for SSA’s effort

to improve service to the public through

the issuance of clear notices.

Coordinates, plans, establishes priorities

and schedules all notice improvement

activities for the Agency. Develops

Agency-level strategies for notice

improvements. Establishes the Agency’s

notice policy and develops and

publishes the Agency’s Notice

Standards. Designs and writes notices

and selected forms. Provides direction

for notice content and design

throughout SSA. Acts as a clearinghouse

through which program offices submit

proposed new or revised notices and

selected forms. Assesses the impact of

new notices on public service.

Develops, plans and implements

Agency efforts to get public feedback

about notices. Maintains the language

database for the Field Office Notice

Software, both in English and Spanish.

Oversees training for operations and

program components to improve the

quality of notices.

E. The Division of Regulations and

Rulings (TAKB) plans, develops and

writes SSA regulations and provides for

the publication of regulations. Performs

an ongoing assessment of the

regulations process in SSA. Coordinates,

within SSA, the review and clearance of

regulations for the claims and payment

processes developed for the RSDI

programs, the SSI program and the

Black Lung Benefits programs. Ensures

that OP has input into the regulations

development process. Coordinates

activities with SSA’s Office of the

General Counsel on the issuance of

regulations. Coordinates activities with

other departments and agencies on the

issuance of regulations. Negotiates with

the Office of Management and Budget

and the Office of the Federal Register on

regulations matters. Plans and develops

Social Security Rulings to provide

interpretations and applications of the

Social Security Act. Coordinates the

review and clearance of Social Security

Rulings with the Office of the General

Counsel, the Office of the Commissioner

and other ODCPPEC components and

arranges for their publication in the

Federal Register.

F. The Division of Directives

Management (TAK3) directs the review,

coordination, publication and

distribution of program instructions and

other materials in paper and electronic

form to insure uniformity, lack of

duplication and compatibility of all SSA

operations, instructional and

informational material. Also,

coordinates the publication, distribution

and warehousing of all Social Security

Rulings that have been published in the

Federal Register. Participates in

determining the instructional needs of

SSA operating personnel. Researches

and develops processes for providing

instructions digitally. Directs technical

review of program operating

instructions to insure proper

integration, organization, clearance and

audience for materials prepared by

various SSA components for the

Program Operations Manual System and

related program guides. Coordinates

publication, distribution and

warehousing of all program

instructional and related materials and

directs a quality review of new

issuances to insure proper reproduction

of printed materials. Indexes all

program instructional materials and

determines user needs in this area.

Develops and publishes general and

special compilations of Social Security

laws, various technical issuances and

program handbooks. Participates with

SSA’s Systems organization in the

design, development and ongoing

administration of a computerized

system for storing, updating, publishing

and distributing operational instructions

and materials. Coordinates with SSA’s

Office of Human Resources as

appropriate. Establishes policies and

guidelines for the distribution of SSA’s

program publications to the public as

required by the Freedom of Information

Act.

Subchapter TAL—Office of Communications

TAL.00 Mission

TAL.10 Organization

TAL.20 Functions

Section TAL.00 The Office of

Communications—(Mission): The Office

of Communications (OCOMM) directs a

program to develop and preserve

working relationships with a wide

variety of national organizations, special

interest and advocacy groups, the

media, Members of Congress, other

Federal agencies and State and local

governments, for purposes of securing

understanding, cooperation and

acceptance of SSA programs, policies
22148 Federal Register / Vol. 60, No. 86 / Thursday, May 4, 1995 / Notices

and procedures and for providing

avenues of public participation in the

decisionmaking processes of SSA.

Plans, directs, coordinates, effects and

evaluates SSA’s nationwide public

communications program, which

involves interaction with other Federal

and State agencies, and other

organizations concerned with public

communications programs and

activities. Develops public information

programs and materials to ensure public

knowledge and understanding of

protections, rights and responsibilities

under the programs administered by

SSA. Directs SSA’s Satellite

Communications Network activities.

Directs the non-English

communications activities within SSA.

Section TAL.10 The Office of

Communications—(Organization): The

Office of Communications, under the

leadership of the Associate

Commissioner for Communications,

includes:

A. The Associate Commissioner for

Communications (TAL).

B. The Deputy Associate

Commissioner for Communications

(TAL).

C. The Immediate Office of the

Associate Commissioner for

Communications (TAL).

D. The Office of Communications

Technology (TALA).

1. The Visual Graphics and

Community Affairs Staff (TALA1).

2. The Audiovisual Media Operations

Staff (TALA2).

E. The Office of Editorial Policy and

Communications (TALB).

1. The Editorial Policy and

Communications Staff (TALB1).

2. The Special Communications Staff

(TALB2).

F. The Office of National Affairs

(TALC).

G. The Office of Regional Affairs and

Special Projects (TALE).

H. The Office of Public Inquiries

(TALG).

1. The Policy, Appraisal and Systems

Group (TALG1).

2. The Correspondence Analysis and

Response Group (TALG2).

Section TAL.20 The Office of

Communications—(Functions):

A. The Associate Commissioner for

Communications (TAL) is directly

responsible to the Deputy

Commissioner, Programs, Policy,

Evaluation and Communications for

carrying out OCOMM’s mission and

providing managerial direction to the

major components of OCOMM.

B. The Deputy Associate

Commissioner for Communications

(TAL) assists the Associate

Commissioner in carrying out his/her

responsibilities and performs other

duties as the Associate Commissioner

may prescribe.

C. The Immediate Office of the

Associate Commissioner for

Communications (TAL) provides the

Associate Commissioner and Deputy

Associate Commissioner with staff

assistance on the full range of their

responsibilities.

D. The Office of Communications

Technology (OCT) (TALA) directs and

implements technical information

communications for the Agency.

Develops the Agency’s goals and

objectives for using the media to

promote SSA programs and policies. Is

responsible for the design and

production of audiovisual and graphics

materials. Utilizes state-of-the-art

technological theories, principles and

methodologies in determining and

creating the most effective means of

communicating the Agency’s

information.

1. The Visual Graphics and

Community Affairs Staff (TALA1).

a. Plans, designs and produces

Agency display, presentation, media

and photographic materials for internal

and external public information

programs.

b. Produces materials in various

media formats for the observance of

special ceremonial events.

c. Plans and implements a program of

community liaison in the Baltimore/

Washington metropolitan area.

Maintains viable relationships with

representatives of users of SSA

programs, professional societies and

local governments.

2. The Audiovisual Media Operations

Staff (TALA2).

a. Plans, develops and directs

electronic systems required for the

Agency’s television and audiovisual

productions and management

communications.

b. Coordinates all technical activities

related to the Agency’s television and

audiovisual production system.

c. Plans, writes, directs and edits

motion picture and television

productions covering all aspects of

Social Security for public information,

SSA training and management

information purposes.

d. Plans, designs and coordinates

satellite communication programs for

SSA and other agencies nationwide.

E. The Office of Editorial Policy and

Communications (OEPC) (TALB) directs

SSA’s information activities to ensure

public knowledge and understanding of

programs administered by SSA.

Develops and evaluates goals,

objectives, policies, standards and

guidelines for SSA public information

needs, and carries out programs to

inform the public of the purposes and

provisions of SSA-administered

programs, program changes and

people’s rights and responsibilities

under these programs. Prepares and

determines distribution of a wide

variety of public information materials

on all phases of SSA-administered

programs, evaluates the quality of

informational materials to ensure a

high-quality product and helps in

public affairs training in SSA.

1. The Editorial Policy and

Communications Staff (TALB1).

a. Develops and evaluates goals and

objectives, policies, standards and

guidelines for SSA public information

needs. Prepares public information

workplans and SSA’s National

Communications objectives.

b. Provides direction and quality

control of information materials for the

administration of SSA public affairs and

public information programs.

c. Writes, edits and produces a variety

of public information materials.

Provides advice and consultation to

other components on editorial policy

and methods of initiating and

developing informational programs.

d. Conducts editorial reviews and

approves content, format and style of

Social Security information materials

for use in all media.

e. Plans and conducts a public

information management program.

Determines public information

strategies for a wide variety of public

information materials on all phases of

SSA-administered programs.

f. Designs and conducts broad

evaluation programs, incorporating and

coordinating various evaluation

methods, techniques and efforts.

2. The Special Communications Staff

(TALB2).

a. Directs the internal

communications program in SSA.

Publishes a variety of informational

materials, including a monthly national

employee magazine and Central Office

Bulletin. Prepares and edits

administrative reports and

presentations.

b. Provides assistance to and

appraises internal communications

activities in SSA field organizations.

Identifies weaknesses in

communications SSA-wide, and

recommends improvements.

F. The Office of National Affairs

(ONA) (TALC) implements and directs

programs designed to develop and

preserve working relationships with a

wide variety of national organizations,

special interest and advocacy groups,

other Federal agencies and State and

local governments. Presents, explains,
Federal Register / Vol. 60, No. 86 / Thursday, May 4, 1995 / Notices 22149

advocates and defends the views and

objectives of SSA. Provides the avenue

for bringing the views and opinions of

influential organizations into the

Agency. Is responsible for reviewing

and considering the validity of SSArelated issues and concerns raised by a

variety of external sources and

recommending changes or referring the

matter to other SSA components for

further study. Facilitates operational

dealings between these organizations

and other SSA components.

G. The Office of Regional Affairs and

Special Projects (ORASP) (TALE)

provides onsite leadership and direction

to the regional SSA public

communications program. Analyzes and

evaluates regional public

communications activities and issues

national public communications

policies. Plans and coordinates the

development of regional policies,

directives and procedures concerning

the relationships of SSA programs to

public and private welfare and

community service programs. Oversees

the regional public information

program. Prepares and disseminates

public information materials.

Coordinates the development and

implementation of regional information

and referral programs. Advises the

Regional Public Affairs Officers in

carrying out SSA public information

policy, plans and activities. Provides

guidance and assists in interpreting,

analyzing and evaluating public

communications/public information

needs of the regions. Coordinates

workgroups representing SSA

components for the purpose of solving

complex problems resulting from

adverse impacts of SSA programs and

program service delivery on special

groups or the general public.

H. The Office of Public Inquiries (OPI)

(TALG) provides a central receipt,

control, acknowledgement, response,

and referral program for all public

inquiries. Develops correspondence

policy and procedure and guide

language on recurring topics and issues

for use throughout the Agency.

1. The Policy, Appraisal and Systems

Group (PASG) (TALG1) develops policy

and procedures concerning the style,

control, workflow and signature of

correspondence, and disseminates the

information to headquarters

components. Performs a pre-release

quality review of final replies prepared

in OPI to ensure that they are wellwritten, accurate and responsive.

Designs and administers OPI’s

electronic correspondence management

system and provides support to system

users. Directs surveys and analyses to

increase the effectiveness of the

correspondence workflow process

throughout SSA.

2. The Correspondence Analysis and

Response Group (CARG) (TALG2)

collects, stores and maintains

information needed to respond

congressional, White House and public

inquiries. Prepares responses in

conformance with SSA standards,

policies and procedures. Performs

correspondence receipt, screening,

imaging, routing and letterwriting

functions. Identifies sensitive inquiries

and trends and reports them to

appropriate officials. Receives and

responds to telephone inquiries.

Subchapter TAN—Office of Research and

Statistics

TAN.00 Mission

TAN.10 Organization

TAN.20 Functions

Section TAN.00 The Office of

Research and Statistics—(Mission): The

Office of Research and Statistics (ORS)

is responsible for providing information

on the effects on individuals and the

economy of programs operated by SSA

and the interactions among these

programs, other tax and income-transfer

programs and economic, social and

demographic forces. Plans and directs a

continuing program of economic and

social research to evaluate the

effectiveness of national policies in

meeting program goals.

Section TAN.10 The Office of

Research and Statistics—(Organization):

The Office of Research and Statistics

under the leadership of the Associate

Commissioner, Office of Research and

Statistics, includes:

A. The Associate Commissioner,

Office of Research and Statistics (TAN).

B. The Deputy Associate

Commissioner, Office of Research and

Statistics (TAN).

C. The Immediate Office of the

Associate Commissioner, Office of

Research and Statistics (TAN).

D. The Publications Staff (TANA).

E. The Division of Program Analysis

(TANB).

F. The Division of Economic Research

(TANC).

G. The Division of Earnings Statistics

and Analysis (TANE).

H. The Division of Retirement,

Survivors, Disability Insurance Research

Statistics (TANG).

I. The Division of SSI Analysis/

Management Statistical Support

(TANH).

J. The Disability Research Staff

(TANJ).

Section TAN.20 The Office of

Research and Statistics—(Functions):

A. The Associate Commissioner,

Office of Research and Statistics (TAN)

is directly responsible to the Deputy

Commissioner for Programs, Policy,

Evaluation and Communications for

carrying out ORS’ mission, and

providing general supervision to the

major components of ORS.

B. The Deputy Associate

Commissioner, Office of Research and

Statistics (TAN) assists the Associate

Commissioner in carrying out his/her

responsibilities and performs other

duties the Associate Commissioner may

prescribe.

C. The Immediate Office of the

Associate Commissioner, Office of

Research and Statistics (TAN) provides

the Associate Commissioner and Deputy

Associate Commissioner with staff

assistance on the full range of their

responsibilities and helps coordinates

the activities of ORS components.

D. The Publications Staff (TANA).

1. Advises ORS on the development,

organization and presentation of

research and statistical studies.

2. Publishes and distributes these

studies to national and international

audiences.

3. Assesses informational needs of

SSA staff, staff in other Government

agencies, the social science research

community and the public for data and

findings from the ORS research

program.

E. The Division of Program Analysis

(TANB).

1. Plans, designs and conducts

surveys of program target groups and

performs policy-relevant research.

2. Analyzes the impact of proposed

policy options, legislative proposals and

special high-priority issues and prepares

briefing materials for SSA

administrators.

3. Plans, conducts and publishes the

results of cross-national research on

social security programs worldwide.

F. The Division of Economic Research

(TANC).

1. Plans, directs and executes issueoriented research to provide information

about relationships between the Social

Security program, the economy and

other aspects of society.

2. Makes program revenue projections

and interprets changing demographic

and economic trends as they relate to

the broad field of economic security and

to overall economic and social policy.

3. Studies such major areas as: Social

Security financing, economic impacts of

Social Security, income maintenance,

effect of Social Security on lifetime

income redistribution, alternative

measures of income adequacy, and labor

market and retirement behavior.

G. The Division of Earnings Statistics

and Analysis (TANE).

1. Plans, coordinates and directs the

preparation of statistical and analytical
22150 Federal Register / Vol. 60, No. 86 / Thursday, May 4, 1995 / Notices

data pertaining to earnings, employment

and employer classification. Analyzes

these data with emphasis on

demographic, economic, social and

program characteristics. These data are

used to support program and legislative

planning and serve as important sources

for program evaluation, research and

administrative information within SSA,

and for research by other Federal and

State and local government agencies,

universities, and private research

organizations.

2. Provides ORS and other SSA

researchers with support in the

development of social science survey

data linked with SSA administrative

record data.

H. The Division of Retirement,

Survivors and Disability Insurance

Research Statistics (TANG).

1. Plans, coordinates and directs the

preparation of statistical and analytical

data pertaining to RSDI claims and

benefits provisions of Title II of the

Social Security Act. Analyzes these data

with emphasis on demographic,

economic, social and program

characteristics. These data are used to

support program and legislative

planning and serve as important sources

for program evaluation, research and

administrative information within SSA,

and for research by other Federal and

State and local government agencies,

universities and private research

organizations.

I. The Division of SSI Analysis/

Management Statistical Support

(TANH).

1. Plans, coordinates and directs the

preparation of statistical and analytical

data pertaining to the Supplemental

Security Income provisions of Title XVI

of the Social Security Act. Analyzes

these data with emphasis on

demographic, economic, social and

program characteristics. These data are

used to support program and legislative

planning and serve as important sources

for program evaluation, research and

administrative information within SSA

and for research by other Federal and

State and local government agencies,

universities and private research

organizations.

2. Provides management statistical

services to SSA operating and policy

components, including such activities

as the development of general purpose

and customized field office samples,

development of work sampling systems

and quality assurance systems, and the

design and analysis of operational pilot

studies. Provides support for the

development and use of mathematical

models and statistical methods.

J. The Disability Research Staff

(TANJ).

1. Plans, directs and implements a

wide range of studies and analyses,

utilizing data from surveys and

administrative records, on the national

disabled population, disability

applicants and disability beneficiaries.

2. Develops research in response to DI

program issues.

3. Maintains and develops research

surveys and administrative data files

used in the analysis of disability data.

Subchapter TAP—Office of Program Benefits

Policy

TAP.00 Mission

TAP.10 Organization

TAP.20 Functions

Section TAP.00 The Office of

Program Benefits Policy—(Mission): The

Office of Program Benefits Policy

(OPBP) provides SSA-wide leadership

and direction to the development,

coordination and promulgation of RSI

and SSI policies and procedures.

Develops, coordinates and evaluates the

program and issues the operational

policies, standards and instructions for

the RSI and SSI programs. Develops and

issues policies and guidelines for use by

State and Federal organizations which

implement the SSI provision. Develops

agreements with the States and other

agencies that govern State

supplementation programs, Medicaid

eligibility, data exchange programs, food

stamps and fiscal reporting processes.

Plans and directs continuing

performance evaluation and economic

and social survey programs to evaluate

the current impact and future needs of

the RSI and SSI programs.

Section TAP.10 The Office of

Program Benefits Policy—

(Organization): The Office of Program

Benefits Policy, under the leadership of

the Associate Commissioner for Program

Benefits Policy includes:

A. The Associate Commissioner for

Program Benefits Policy (TAP).

B. The Deputy Associate

Commissioner(s) for Program Benefits

Policy (TAP).

C. The Immediate Office of the

Associate Commissioner for Program

Benefits Policy (TAP).

D. The Division of Benefit Continuity

(TAPA).

E. The Division of Coverage (TAPB).

F. The Division of Entitlement

(TAPC).

G. The Division of Payment Policy

(TAPE).

H. The Division of Program

Requirements Policy (TAPG).

I. The Division of Program

Management, Research and

Demonstration (TAPH).

Section TAP.20 The Office of

Program Benefits Policy—(Functions):

A. The Associate Commissioner for

Program Benefits Policy (TAP) is

directly responsible to the Deputy

Commissioner, Programs, Policy,

Evaluation and Communications for

carrying out OPBP’s mission and

provides general supervision to the

major components of OPBP.

B. The Deputy Associate

Commissioner(s) for Program Benefits

Policy (TAP) assists the Associate

Commissioner in carrying out his/her

responsibilities and performs other

duties as the Associate Commissioner

may prescribe.

C. The Immediate Office of the

Associate Commissioner for Program

Benefits Policy (TAP) provides the

Associate Commissioner and Deputy

Associate Commissioner with staff

assistance on the full range of their

responsibilities and helps coordinate

the activities of OPBP components.

D. The Division of Benefit Continuity

(TAPA).

1. Plans, develops and evaluates the

operational policies, standards and

instructions and provides guidance to

field components on issues related to

the retirement and survivors insurance

program and common to one or more of

the other SSA programs in the area of

benefit continuity.

2. Develops, issues and evaluates

guidelines, directives, instructions and

operating procedures for such areas as

work notices, annual and monthly

earnings tests, suspensions and

terminations, governmental pension

offset and enforcement and beneficiary

compliance, overpayments,

underpayments, recovery and waiver,

garnishment, payment delivery, onsite

review, accounting, representative

payee selection, advance notice,

capability/incapability and use and

misuse.

E. The Division of Coverage (TAPB).

1. Plans, develops and evaluates the

operational policies, standards and

instructions and provides guidance to

field components on issues related to

the retirement and survivors insurance

program and common to one or more of

the other SSA programs in the area of

coverage.

2. Develops and issues guidelines,

directives, instructions and operating

procedures for such coverage and

employment subject areas as wages,

coverage and exceptions, anti-poverty

programs, earnings records and earnings

records discrepancies, coverage aspects

of international agreements, selfemployment status and income,

religious exemptions, State and local

coverage and statutes of limitations.

F. The Division of Entitlement

(TAPC).
Federal Register / Vol. 60, No. 86 / Thursday, May 4, 1995 / Notices 22151

1. Plans, develops and evaluates the

operational policies, standards and

instructions and provides guidance to

field components on issues related to

the retirement and survivors insurance

program and common to one or more of

the other SSA programs in the area of

entitlement.

2. Develops and issues guidelines,

directives, instructions and operating

procedures for such entitlement subject

areas as applications, insured status,

veterans’ benefits, railroad employment,

family relationships, dependency and

support, evidence, school attendance,

indexing of earnings, primary insurance

amount computation, reduction of

benefits for age, family maximums,

saving clauses, recomputations and

recalculations of benefits, period of

disability computations, awards,

disallowances and abatements of claims,

earnings records, claims application

forms, administrative finality,

adjudicative standards, evidence,

documentation, conspicuous

characteristics and social security

numbers.

G. The Division of Payment Policy

(TAPE).

1. Plans, develops and evaluates the

operational policies, standards and

instructions and provides guidance to

field components on issues related to

the supplemental security income

program in the area of payment policy.

2. Develops and issues guidelines,

directives, instructions and operating

procedures for such payment policy

subject areas as redeterminations, SSI

notices, SSI appeals and overpayments/

underpayments matching and

interfaces, mandatory and optional State

supplemental payments, pass through of

rate increases, monitoring of fiscal

information systems with the States,

maintenance of State agreements, food

stamps, Medicaid, State assistance

reimbursements, energy assistance,

State data exchange systems and

postadjudicative issues.

H. The Division of Program

Requirements Policy (TAPG).

1. Plans, develops and evaluates the

operational policies, standards and

instructions and provides guidance to

field components on issues related to

the supplemental security income

program in the area of program

requirements policy.

2. Develops and issues guidelines,

directives, instructions and operating

procedures for such program

requirements subject areas as

individual/couple/child eligibility

status, in-kind income, support and

maintenance, in-kind living

arrangements, institutionalization,

special classifications of income and

medical social services, generic income

issues, deeming of income and

resources, computation of income,

certain grandfather clauses, special

sponsored alien deeming, color of law

alien status, presence in the United

States, generic resources issues, trust

policy, filing for other benefit

requirements and property essential for

self-support.

I. The Division of Program

Management, Research and

Demonstration (TAPH).

1. Designs, manages and conducts

studies to measure the impact and

effectiveness of the supplemental

security income and the retirement and

survivors insurance program policies,

procedures and programs on the

population.

2. Establishes, maintains and operates

statistical program data base extract

systems to provide program information

for internal and external use; develops

functional specifications and programs;

validates output; and assists requestors

in verifying final product.

3. Conducts retirement and survivors

insurance and supplemental security

income research programs based on

administrative records and State and

Federal data to formulate and evaluate

policies and the impact of legislation, to

reduce errors, to implement

redetermination requirements, and to

improve program implementation.

4. Manages demonstration cooperative

agreements and initiatives to target

special populations and program issues.

Evaluates the effectiveness of

demonstrations and initiatives and

develops new and revised policies and

procedures to implement program

improvements.

5. Coordinates and directs

assignments and projects related to

program redesign and systems

modernization efforts, including

development of program specifications

for expert systems. Formulates, plans

and implements computer programs and

other automation activities in support of

program policy, research and

administrative needs.

6. Develops and issues guidelines,

directives, instructions and operating

procedures for SSI applications policy,

including protective filing and advance

filing and SSI work incentive

provisions, including plans for

achieving self-support and 1619

provisions.

Subchapter TAQ—Office of Policy Analysis

and Evaluation

TAQ.00 Mission

TAQ.10 Organization

TAQ.20 Functions

Section TAQ.00 The Office of Policy

Analysis and Evaluation—(Mission):

The Office of Policy Analysis and

Evaluation (OPAE) conducts a

comprehensive program to analyze

cross-cutting policy issues, provide

analytic support to external

commissions and evaluate current and

proposed social welfare policy.

Section TAQ.10 The Office of Policy

Analysis and Evaluation—

(Organization): The Office of Policy

Analysis and Evaluation, under the

leadership of the Director of the Office

of Policy Analysis and Evaluation,

includes:

A. The Director of the Office of Policy

Analysis and Evaluation (TAQ).

B. The Immediate Office of the

Director of the Office of Policy Analysis

and Evaluation (TAQ).

Section TAQ.20 The Office of Policy

Analysis and Evaluation—(Functions):

A. The Director of the Office of Policy

Analysis and Evaluation (TAQ) is

directly responsible to the Deputy

Commissioner, Programs, Policy,

Evaluation and Communications for

carrying out OPAE’s mission and

providing managerial direction to the

major components of OPAE.

B. The Immediate Office of the

Director of the Office of Policy Analysis

and Evaluation (TAQ) provides the

Director with staff assistance on the full

range of his/her responsibilities.

1. Provides analyses of complex and

cross-cutting policy issues, ensuring the

consideration of available knowledge,

commissions analyses to fill knowledge

gaps and to synthesize available

research and develops options and

recommendations for Agency action.

2. Serves as a link between SSA and

the external social welfare research and

policymaking communities.

3. Coordinates analytic support for

major external commissions and studies

relating to Social Security and

Supplemental Security Income program

policy.

4. Evaluates the effectiveness and

appropriateness of current and proposed

social welfare policy to assess what

implications may exist regarding future

directions of Social Security and

Supplemental Security Income

programs.

This statement amends part T of the

Statement of the Organization,

Functions and Delegations of Authority

which covers the Social Security

Administration (SSA). Notice is given of

the establishment of the Office of the

Deputy Commissioner, Legislation and

Congressional Affairs (DCLCA) (TB) at

the first level below the Commissioner.

Notice is further given of the

establishment of the Disability
22152 Federal Register / Vol. 60, No. 86 / Thursday, May 4, 1995 / Notices

Insurance Program Staff, the

Congressional Relations Staff, the

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

Program Staff, the Old Age and

Survivors Insurance (OASI) Benefits

Staff and the Program Administration

and Financing Staff. The new chapter

reads as follows:

Section TB.00 The Office of the

Deputy Commissioner, Legislation and

Congressional Affairs—(Mission): The

Office of the Deputy Commissioner,

Legislation and Congressional Affairs

develops and conducts the legislative

program of SSA, serves as the focal

point for all legislative activity in SSA,

analyzes legislative and regulatory

initiatives and develops specific

positions and amendments. The Office

evaluates the effectiveness of programs

administered by SSA in terms of

legislative needs, and analyzes and

develops recommendations on related

income maintenance, social service and

rehabilitation program proposals,

particularly those which may involve

coordination with SSA-administered

programs, and on other methods of

providing economic security. It provides

advisory service to SSA officials on

legislation of interest to SSA pending in

Congress. It also provides legislative

drafting to officials within the Executive

Branch, congressional committees,

individual Members of Congress and

private organizations interested in

Social Security legislation. It establishes

and maintains a working relationship

with all Members of Congress. It serves

as SSA’s information gathering and

dissemination staff on congressional

activities affecting SSA programs and

handles certain claims and

administrative matters that are

particularly urgent or sensitive to

Members of Congress.

Section TB.10 The Office of the

Deputy Commissioner, Legislation and

Congressional Affairs—(Organization):

The Office of the Deputy Commissioner,

Legislation and Congressional Affairs,

under the leadership of the Deputy

Commissioner for Legislation and

Congressional Affairs, includes:

A. The Deputy Commissioner for

Legislation and Congressional Affairs

(TB).

B. The Assistant Deputy

Commissioner for Legislation and

Congressional Affairs (TB).

C. The Immediate Office of the

Deputy Commissioner for Legislation

and Congressional Affairs (TBA).

D. The Disability Insurance Program

Staff (TBB).

E. The Congressional Relations Staff

(TBC).

F. The Supplemental Security Income

(SSI) Program Staff (TBE).

G. The Old Age and Survivors

Insurance (OASI) Benefits Staff (TBG).

H. The Program Administration and

Financing Staff (TBH).

Section TB.20 The Office of the

Deputy Commissioner, Legislation and

Congressional Affairs—(Functions):

A. The Deputy Commissioner for

Legislation and Congressional Affairs

(TB) is directly responsible to the

Commissioner for carrying out DCLCA’s

mission and providing general

supervision to the major components of

DCLCA.

B. The Assistant Deputy

Commissioner for Legislation and

Congressional Affairs (TB) assists the

Deputy Commissioner in carrying out

his/her responsibilities and performs

other duties as the Deputy

Commissioner may prescribe.

C. The Immediate Office of the

Deputy Commissioner for Legislation

and Congressional Affairs (TBA)

provides the Deputy Commissioner and

Assistant Deputy Commissioner with

staff assistance on the full range of their

responsibilities, including the

legislative reference function. The

legislative reference function:

1. Tracks legislative bills, highlights

items of interest from the Congressional

Record and other publications for

DCLCA and SSA’s Executive Staff and

provides support for other DCLCA and

SSA components at congressional

hearings.

2. Assists individual Members of

Congress and their staffs and

congressional committee staffs by

responding to requests for information

on pending and proposed Social

Security legislation, related legislative

proposals and the legislative history of

the Social Security program.

3. Reviews legislative proposals for

consistency with existing program goals,

philosophy and program requirements.

D. The Disability Insurance Program

Staff (TBB).

1. Develops and explains disability

insurance (DI) program principles and

philosophy.

2. Reviews proposed regulations

dealing with the DI program to assure

consistency with policy requirements

and decisions.

3. Develops and evaluates legislative

proposals for changes in the DI program,

the SSA hearings and appeals process

and other matters.

4. Provides technical and advisory

services to other agencies within the

Executive Branch, congressional

committees, State officials and private

organizations having an interest in the

DI program, the SSA hearings and

appeals process and other matters.

E. The Congressional Relations Staff

(TBC).

1. Develops and preserves working

relationships with Members of Congress

covering the full range of program and

administrative matters.

2. Serves as consultant to the Deputy

Commissioner, DCLCA with regard to

establishing and maintaining effective

congressional relationships.

3. Maintains productive relationships

with all members on behalf of the

Agency. Conducts dialogue on a routine

basis, and participates in negotiations

on highly sensitive matters with

members.

F. The Supplemental Security Income

(SSI) Program Staff (TBE).

1. Develops and explains SSI program

principles and philosophy.

2. Studies the SSI program

interrelationships with Social Security

income maintenance, child support

enforcement, food stamps, employment

and other Federal, State and local

programs and recommends methods for

coordinating these programs.

3. Reviews regulations dealing with

the SSI program for the aged, blind and

disabled to ensure consistency with

policy requirements and decisions.

4. Develops and evaluates legislative

proposals for changes in the SSI

program.

5. Provides technical and advisory

services to other agencies within the

Executive Branch, congressional

committees and individual Members of

Congress, State officials and private

organizations having an interest in the

SSI program.

G. The Old Age and Survivors

Insurance (OASI) Benefits Staff (TBG).

1. Develops and explains retirement

and survivors insurance (RSI) program

principles and philosophy.

2. Develops and evaluates legislative

proposals for changes in the areas of

retirement and survivors benefits and

coverage.

3. Provides analytical support on

broad programmatic issues, including

eligibility requirements for dependents’

and survivors’ benefits, the level of

Social Security benefits, value of

benefits in relation to contributions,

benefit computation methods, which

dependents should receive benefits and

the establishment of priority among

these dependents.

4. Reviews proposed regulations

dealing with RSI issues, such as Social

Security coverage, the retirement

earnings test, insured status and the

definition of employment and wages to

assure cross-program consistency with

policy requirements and decisions.

5. Provides technical and advisory

services to other agencies within the
Federal Register / Vol. 60, No. 86 / Thursday, May 4, 1995 / Notices 22153

Executive Branch, congressional

committees and individual Members of

Congress, State officials and private

organizations having an interest in RSI

and Social Security coverage issues.

H. The Program Administration and

Financing Staff (TBH).

1. Develops and explains Social

Security program principles and

philosophy.

2. Provides analytical support on

broad programmatic issues, including

tax rates, alternative methods of

financing trust fund operations, service

to the public, Social Security numbers,

taxation of benefits, alien suspension,

and debt management.

3. Identifies and analyzes far-reaching

economic, political and societal issues

that impact/influence the development

and modification of Social Security

program policies and procedures.

4. Recommends methods for

coordinating the protection afforded

under Social Security with that afforded

under other public and private benefit

programs.

5. Reviews proposed regulations

dealing with interprogram relationships

to assure cross-program consistency

with policy requirements and decisions.

6. Provides technical and advisory

services to other agencies within the

Executive Branch, congressional

committees and individual Members of

Congress, State officials and private

organizations having an interest in

interprogram relationships.

Dated: March 31, 1995.

Shirley S. Chater,

Commissioner of Social Security.

[FR Doc. 95–10626 Filed 5–3–95; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 4190–29–P