TREASURY DIRECTIVE:   25-06           

 

DATE: January 16, 2009

 

SUBJECT:  The Treasury Data Integrity Board

 

 

1.   PURPOSE.  This directive establishes a Department of the Treasury Data Integrity Board (hereafter referred to as the "Board") pursuant to the Computer Matching and Privacy Protection Act of 1988 (Pub. L.100-503).   It also sets forth the policy and procedures to be implemented by the Board.

 

2.   SCOPE.  This directive applies to all bureaus, offices, and organizations in the Department of the Treasury that have or propose to engage in matching programs subject to the Computer Matching and Privacy Protection Act (hereafter referred to as the "Computer Matching Act").  The authority of the Inspectors General is set forth in Section 3, of the Inspector General Act and the Internal Revenue Service Restructuring and Reform Act, and defined in Treasury Order 114-01 (OIG) and Treasury Order 115-01 (TIGTA), or successor orders.  The provisions of the Directive shall not be construed to interfere with that authority.

 

3.   POLICY.  It is the policy of the Department of the Treasury that:

a.   the Board shall provide Departmental oversight and coordinate the implementation of the Computer Matching Act within the Department; and

b.   all bureaus that conduct matching programs covered by the Computer Matching Act shall:

1)   develop matching agreements approved by both source and recipient agencies; and

2)   submit such agreements to the Board for approval at least 60 days before the date the match is to be conducted.

 

4.   BACKGROUND.  The Computer Matching Act amends the Privacy Act of 1974 (hereafter referred to as the "Privacy Act") to establish procedural safeguards regarding the use of Privacy Act records by Federal agencies for certain types of computerized matching programs.  Each Federal agency that acts as either a source or recipient in a matching program is required to establish a Board to oversee the agency's participation.

 

5.   DEFINITIONS.  Since the Computer Matching Act is an amendment of the Privacy Act of 1974, the provisions of the Computer Matching Act should be read within the context of the Privacy Act.  All the terms defined in the Privacy Act, 5 USC 552a(a)(8)-(13), apply.

 

6.   TREASURY DATA INTEGRITY BOARD.  The Board is responsible for oversight and coordination of computer matching programs covered by the Computer Matching Act within the Department.  The membership of the Board consists of senior executive officials designated by the Department and Bureau Heads.  The senior executive officials are designated from Departmental Offices and the bureaus. The Board may delegate responsibilities such as compiling reports, advising program officials, and maintaining and distributing information about the accuracy and reliability of data used in matching.  The approval of matching agreements may not be delegated.  The Attachment describes the operational procedures of the Board.  The principal responsibilities of the Data Integrity Board are listed below.

a.   Review, approve, and maintain all written agreements for receipt or disclosure of Department records for matching programs to ensure compliance with all relevant statutes, regulations, and guidelines.

b.   Review all matching programs in which Treasury has participated during the year, either as a source agency or recipient agency; determine compliance with applicable laws, regulations, guidelines, and Department agreements; and assess the costs and program benefits.

c.   Review all recurring matching programs in which Treasury has participated during the year, either as a source agency or recipient agency, for continued justification for such disclosures.

d.   Serve as a clearinghouse for receiving and providing information on the accuracy, completeness, and reliability of records used in matching programs.

e.   Review all requests for pilot matches. Approve or disapprove such requests based upon the assessment of the supporting documentation.

f.    Review and approve written requests for a waiver of the cost-benefit analysis for initial statutorily mandated matches.

g.   Provide interpretation and guidance to Treasury components and personnel on the requirements for matching programs and privacy protection.

h.   Review Treasury recordkeeping and disposal policies and practices for matching programs to assure compliance with the requirements for matching programs and privacy protection.

i.    May review and report on any Treasury matching activities that are not matching programs.

j.    All decisions of the Board shall be well-documented.  The Board must find that agreements conform to the provisions of the Computer Matching Act and appropriate guidelines, regulations, and statutes.

 

7.   RESPONSIBILITIES.

a.   The Chief Information Officer, the Inspector General, and the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration shall serve as mandatory members of the Board, as required by the Computer Matching Act.

b.   Heads of Bureaus, the Inspector General, the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, and the Assistant Secretary for Management and Chief Financial Officer for Departmental Offices, as it relates to their respective bureaus and offices, shall:

1)   establish internal bureau procedures to ensure the effectiveness of the Computer Matching Act Program.  The procedures shall be consistent with:

(a)  Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Matching Guidelines;

(b)  OMB Circular A-130;

(c)  the Privacy Act of 1974, as amended; and

(d) OMB Bulletin 89-22;

2)   ensure that employees responsible in any part for matching activities are knowledgeable about the provisions and requirements of the Computer Matching Act;

3)   report new and ongoing matching activities to the Board; and

4)   submit the following information, as required, to the Board:

(a)  data for OMB's Biennial Matching Activity Report to Congress; and

(b)  a report on the review of each ongoing matching program in which the component has participated during the year, either as a source or as a matching agency.

c.   The Director, Information Management, of the Office of the Chief Information Officer shall provide the day-to-day operational support for the Board and shall:

1)   validate that matching agreements are posted to the DIB Share Point Portal and  notify Board members;

 2)  ensure that components address a Board member’s disapproval of a matching agreement or non-concurrence;

3)   provide a summary of Board members' recommendations to the Chairperson for final approval or disapproval;

4)   maintain the official files on correspondence, OMB guidelines, procedures, and any other documentation pertinent to the Board and its activities;

5)   prepare correspondence, reports, schedules, plans, and procedures as necessary for the Board to oversee and coordinate computer matching and privacy protection activities within the Department;

 6)  provide critical review and analysis of issues and problems impacting computer matching and privacy protection activities within Treasury; and

7)   advise the Board on the operational implications of policy decisions made necessary by congressional, OMB, and/or Board action.

8)   annually collect data required by the Computer Matching Act summarizing each year’s computer matching activity, and submit a report to the Secretary and OMB on those activities every two years as required by OMB Circular A-130, Appendix 1, which will be made available to the public on request.  The report shall describe:

(a)  the matching activities Treasury has participated in as a source or recipient agency;

(b)  matching agreements disapproved by the Board;

(c)  any changes in Board membership or structure during the preceding year;

(d) the reasons for any waiver of the requirements of the Computer Matching Act;

(e)  any violations of matching agreements and corrective action taken; and

(f)  any other information required by the Director of OMB to be included in such report.

d.   The Departmental Privacy Act Officer shall:

1)   serve as a permanent member and the Secretary to the Board;

2)   provide policy guidance and direction on privacy protection matters as they relate to computer matching and the implementation of those portions of the Computer Matching Act that deal with the protection of the rights of individuals;

3)   maintain the minutes of Board meeting; and

4)   review and publish notices of matching programs.

 

8.   REQUIREMENTS.  Treasury components undertaking matching programs covered by the Computer Matching Act need to make sure they comply with requirements set forth in the guidance from OMB published in the Federal Register on June 19, 1989, and also with applicable laws, particularly the Privacy Act, 5 USC 552a.

a.   Comply with Privacy Act systems of records and disclosure provisions.

b.   Provide prior notice to record subjects.

c.   Publish matching notices as required.

d.   Prepare and execute matching agreements.

e.   Obtain approval by the Board of all matching agreements.

f.    Submit reports to OMB and Congress.

g.   Provide due process to matching subjects.

 

9.   REVIEW OF MATCHING PROGRAMS.  Components submitting matching agreements for the Board's approval shall send a memorandum to the Director, Information Management that states the purpose of the matching agreement and provides a summary of revisions, if applicable.  This memorandum should be prepared by the component function designated as the liaison to the Board.  Components are responsible for:

a.   posting matching agreement on the Data Integrity Board (DIB) Share Point Portal;

b.   submitting notices of the establishment, or alteration, of matching programs to the Departmental Privacy Act Officer for publication in the Federal Register at least 60 days before conducting a match; and

c.   transmitting the matching program report and supporting documentation to the Senate Committee on Governmental Affairs and to the House Committee on Government Reform and Oversight and to OMB at least 40 days prior to the initiation of matching activity.

 

10. APPEALS OF DENIALS OF MATCHING AGREEMENTS.

a.   Disapproval by the Board.  If the Board disapproves a matching agreement, a party to the agreement may appeal the disapproval to the Director, OMB, Washington D.C. 20503.  According to OMB final guidance in the Federal Register Notice, dated June 19, 1989, appeals must be made within 30 days after the Board's written disapproval.  The appealing party shall submit with its appeal the following information:

1)   copies of all documentation accompanying the initial matching agreement proposal;

2)   a copy of the Board's disapproval and reasons therefore;

3)   evidence supporting the cost effectiveness of the match; and

4)   other relevant information, i.e., timing considerations, public interest served by the match, etc.

b.   OMB Approval.  A matching program approved by OMB in response to such appeal will not become effective until 30 days after the Director, OMB, reports the decision to Congress.

c.   Recourse by the Inspector General or the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration.  If the Board and the Director, OMB, both disapprove a matching program proposed by the Inspector General of the agency or the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, the Inspector General or the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration may report that disapproval to the head of the agency and to the Congress.

 

11. COST-BENEFIT ANALYSIS.  Components proposing matching programs must provide the Board with all information that is relevant and necessary to allow the Board to make an informed decision, including a cost-benefit analysis.  Statutorily mandated matches need not demonstrate a positive dollar cost-benefit analysis.  The Board may waive the cost-benefit analysis requirement if the determination to waive the requirement is made in writing.  In most instances, the Board will approve matching only if the cost-benefit analysis demonstrates that matching is likely to be cost effective.

 

12. AUTHORITIES.

a.   The Computer Matching and Privacy Protection Act of 1988, as amended, (Pub. L. 100-503).

b.   The Privacy Act of 1974, as amended, 5 USC 552a.

c.   OMB Circular A-130, Revised, Transmittal Memorandum 1, "Management of Federal Information Resources," Appendix I.

d.   OMB Bulletin 89-22, "Instructions on Reporting Computer Matching Programs to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), Congress and the Public".

e.   OMB Final Guidance Interpreting the Provisions of Public Law 100-503, the Computer Matching and Privacy Protection Act of 1988.

f.    OMB Guidelines on the Administration of the Privacy Act of 1974.

 

13. CANCELLATION.  Treasury Directive 25-06, "The Treasury Data Integrity Board," dated June 22, 2001, is superseded.

 

14. OFFICES OF PRIMARY INTEREST.  Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary for  Information Systems and Chief Information Officer, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Management and Chief Financial Officer.

           

                        /S/

 

Peter B. McCarthy
Assistant Secretary for Management

and Chief Financial Officer

 

Attachment