[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 86 (Thursday, May 4, 1995)]
[Notices]
[Pages 22098-22153]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 95-10626]
[[Page 22097]]
_______________________________________________________________________
Part II
Social Security Administration
_______________________________________________________________________
Statement of Organization, Functions and Delegations of Authority;
Notice
Federal Register / Vol. 60, No. 86 / Thursday, May 4, 1995 /
Notices
[[Page 22098]]
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 [[Page 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, cost-effectiveness, 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; [[Page 22100]] 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 SSA-wide 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 [[Page 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 broad-based 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 cost-
effectiveness 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 user-support 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. [[Page 22102]]
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 Federally-administered 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). [[Page 22103]]
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 full-
time equivalency, workyear and dollar tracking at all organizational
levels; budget formulation and execution functions of the Office of
Budget; and related functions of managers SSA-wide.
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 [[Page 22104]] 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
[[Page 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). [[Page 22106]]
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
short-range 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
short-range 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
[[Page 22107]] 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 in-
house 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 SSA-wide 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 multi-media 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 [[Page 22108]] 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 [[Page 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 (S2B-F6).
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 [[Page 22110]] 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 (S2B-F6)
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 [[Page 22111]] 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
[[Page 22112]] 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 long-range 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 representative-payee
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 [[Page 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 [[Page 22114]] 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-of-the-art technologies such as
imaging, storage and retrieval alternatives, and optical disk
capabilities that can modernize and streamline labor-intensive 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. [[Page 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. [[Page 22116]]
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 [[Page 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
[[Page 22118]] 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 hardware-related 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 end-deliverable 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). [[Page 22119]]
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-of-the-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 [[Page 22120]] 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
in-house 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 [[Page 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 long-range 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 SSA-
approved user needs and requirements in the area of claims and control
to [[Page 22122]] 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 SSA-
approved 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 SSA-
approved 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 SSA-
approved 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 [[Page 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 SSA-
approved 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 [[Page 22124]] 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
representative-payee 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 SSA-
approved 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 SSA-
approved 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: [[Page 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. [[Page 22126]]
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).
[[Page 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 DDPMS-related
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 SSA-network
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 off-the-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 (non-
traditional 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.
[[Page 22128]]
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 SSA-wide.
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). [[Page 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 SSA-wide 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 self-managed
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.
[[Page 22130]]
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 SSA-wide 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 [[Page 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.
[[Page 22132]] 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 [[Page 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
[[Page 22134]] 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).
[[Page 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).
[[Page 22136]]
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 [[Page 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 Agency-administered 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
client-server 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 non-SSA mainframe and other computer systems. Maintains liaison
with Office of Systems on network issues and standards. [[Page 22138]]
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 directly-administered 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. [[Page 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 DCPPEC-wide 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 SSA-administered retirement, survivors and
disability insurance programs and supplemental security programs and to
projected changes in these programs. Evaluates operations in the
Federal Old-Age 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 (Short-Range) (TAC).
C. The Deputy Chief Actuary (Long-Range) (TAC). [[Page 22140]]
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 (Short-Range) (TAC) assists the Chief
Actuary in carrying out his/her OACT-wide responsibilities and performs
other duties as prescribed.
C. The Deputy Chief Actuary (Long-Range) (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 long-range 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. [[Page 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-by-State 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: [[Page 22142]]
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. [[Page 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-the-record 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 [[Page 22144]] 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 [[Page 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 long-range
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; [[Page 22146]] 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 [[Page 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 directly-
administered 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 [[Page 22148]] 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, [[Page 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 SSA-related
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 well-written, 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 issue-oriented 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 [[Page 22150]] 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, self-employment status and income, religious exemptions,
State and local coverage and statutes of limitations.
F. The Division of Entitlement (TAPC). [[Page 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
[[Page 22152]] 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 [[Page 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
