Part 1—Chapter 3000
DEPOSITS IN LOCKBOX ACCOUNTS AT AUTHORIZED
DOMESTIC DEPOSITARIES (T/L 8)

PDF Version Portable Document Format File

This chapter establishes procedures that designated depositaries authorized to act as financial agents for U.S. Government agencies follow to perform services known as "lockbox services."

Section 3010-Scope and Applicability

This chapter applies to designated depositaries (hereinafter referred to as "Lockbox Depositaries") located within the 50 United States, the District of Columbia, and other territories and possessions as specified in the Designation of Financial Agent (DFA), formerly Lockbox Depositary Agreement or Financial Agent Agreement. These Lockbox Depositaries have the authority to act as financial agents for U.S. Government agencies and to perform electronic and paper-based lockbox services.

The Financial Management Service (FMS) may revise the procedures contained herein when it is in the Government's best interest to do so.

Section 3015-Authority

Under the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) at 31 CFR Part 202, FMS has the authority to designate depositaries and to issue these procedures. Other Department of the Treasury (Treasury) authorities include: 12 U.S.C. §§ 90; 265; 266; 391; 1464(k); 1789a; and 31 U.S.C. §§ 3301, 3302, 3303, and 3720.

Section 3020-Lockbox Depositary Qualifications

All Lockbox Depositaries shall meet the following qualifications at all times:

Section 3025-Governing Documents

A DFA is a two-party agreement between FMS and the Lockbox Depositary to perform lockbox services. The MOU is a three-party agreement between FMS, the Lockbox Depositary, and a Federal Government agency. The MOU outlines remittance-processing specifications required by the agency. Policies and operations pertaining to lockbox services are covered in this chapter and are incorporated by reference into all DFAs. In the event of any inconsistencies within or among the TFM, DFA, MOU, or similar agreements, the ATO will make a determination and finding as to the proper course of action.

Section 3030-Definition of Terms

The following definitions are defined for the purposes of this chapter only.

Adjusted Earnings Credit Rate (AECR) (or the Adjusted Analysis Earnings Rate (AAER))-The rate used to calculate imputed earnings on Treasury Time Balances (TTBs) and Demand Deposit Accounts (DDAs). FMS adjusts the Earnings Credit Rate (published as an annual rate) to a monthly rate and uses it to determine the imputed earnings on the TTB and on deposits held overnight in DDAs at the Lockbox Depositary.

Agency-An organizational unit of the U.S. Government or recognized agent thereof. For the purposes of this document, an agency is a Federal Government user of lockbox services.

Agency Location Code (ALC)-A unique 4- or 8-digit number assigned by FMS to identify agency stations and offices on agency accounting reports and documents.

Authorized Agency Official (AAO)-A Federal Government agency official authorized to act for and bind the Federal agency under an MOU.

Authorized Bank Official (ABO)-The Lockbox Depositary official authorized to act for and bind the Lockbox Depositary under a DFA, an MOU, or a similar agreement.

Authorized Treasury Official (ATO)-The FMS official authorized to act for and bind the U.S. Treasury regarding U.S. Government lockbox collections. Currently, the ATO is the Director, Financial Services Division, Financial Management Service, U.S. Department of the Treasury.

Automated Clearing House (ACH) File Cutoff-The time each banking day at which CA$H-LINK ceases to designate deposits reported by Lockbox Depositaries as ACH file items. The cutoff time is set at 8 p.m. eastern time (e.t.) on Banking Day 1.

Availability-The percentage of 0-Day, 1-Day, and 2-Day funds, as assigned by the Lockbox Depositary, contained in Federal agency deposits.

Banking Day-The part of any business day on which an office of a bank is open to the public for carrying on substantially all of its banking functions.

Bank Management-The process of reporting the Lockbox Depositary's monthly service charges in a manner determined by FMS for compensation purposes.

Business Day-A calendar day other than a Saturday or Sunday or any day defined as a holiday in the Federal Reserve Holiday Schedule. The Lockbox Depositary adheres to this business day definition unless stated otherwise in an MOU.

CA$H-LINK (including CA$HLINK II or other successor system)-The FMS system used by Lockbox Depositaries to report agency deposits for credit to the Treasury's account. The system creates electronic funds transfers to move funds from the Lockbox Depositary to the Treasury's account at FRB New York.

CA$H-LINK Deposit Report-The funds and accounting information contained on the deposit report form for a given deposit date, as reported by each depositary to CA$H-LINK.

Demand Deposit Account (DDA)-An account maintained by the Treasury at the Lockbox Depositary for crediting agencies for lockbox deposits.

Deposit Date-The banking day on which the Lockbox Depositary posts deposits to the Treasury's DDA for the agency, prepares SF 215 Deposit Tickets with the voucher date assigned, and reports the deposits into CA$H-LINK. On the deposit date, the Lockbox Depositary receives settlement for remittances transmitted electronically, i.e., via ACH or FEDWIRE.

Electronic Lockbox-An electronic lockbox accommodates both paper remittances as well as all types of electronic transactions. The remitter can provide payments through either the ACH network, wire-transfer, or paper check mailing. Use of an electronic lockbox permits automated collection and deposit of funds and subsequent transfer to the FRB New York for credit to the proper ALC. The electronic lockbox system transmits pertinent data via computer-to-computer link or tape from the Lockbox Depositary to the agency. Unlike paper lockboxes (wholesale and retail), electronic lockboxes accept (at least some) electronic collections and may or may not process forms or currency.

Expedite Funds-When FMS asks a Lockbox Depositary to expedite funds, all funds shall be transferred to the Treasury's account at the FRB New York on the same day the funds are credited in the DDA. To expedite funds means to accelerate the deposit from the day after deposit to the day of deposit as defined in Section 3050.

Federal Funds Rate (FFR)-The daily interest rate at which reserves are traded among commercial banks for overnight use. The daily effective FFR is applied to the principal amount of a funds transfer delay to determine the amount of interest assessed a Lockbox Depositary. The daily FFR is published in the Federal Reserve Statistical Release (H.15) weekly.

Funds Transfer Date (also known as Transfer Date)-The calendar date funds are moved from the Lockbox Depositary to the Treasury's account at FRB New York. Unless specified otherwise by FMS, the transfer date for an Expedite account is the deposit date, and the transfer date for an Non-Expedite account is the business day following the deposit date.

Funds Transfer Delay-The difference in time between the agreed upon funds transfer date and the actual funds transfer date, measured in whole days, from the Lockbox Depositary to the Treasury's account at the FRB New York.

Internal Credit Tickets-An internal accounting document a Lockbox Depositary prepares to represent a credit entry to the Treasury's DDA at the Lockbox Depositary.

Internal Debit Tickets-An internal accounting document a Lockbox Depositary prepares to represent a debit entry to the Treasury's DDA at the Lockbox Depositary. These debits are the result of returned items or other adjustments.

Investable Balance-The amount of dollars the Lockbox Depositary has available to invest. The Investable Balance consists of (1) the Investable TTB to be placed by FMS in a separate non-interest-bearing time account with the Lockbox Depositary, and (2) the Treasury Average Daily Collected Balance (TADCB) in the DDA. The value derived by the Lockbox Depositary from the interest-free use of the investable balance over a period of time is used as the source of the Lockbox Depositary's compensation for providing required services.

Leap Year-During leap years, when making monthly calculations, the Lockbox Depositary should use 29 days for February. When making calendar year calculations during leap years, the Lockbox Depositary should use 366 days.

Lockbox Depositary-A financial institution designated under 31 CFR Part 202 as a Depositary and Financial Agent of the U.S. Government that meets the qualifications set forth in Section 3020 and is authorized by FMS to perform financial services known as "lockbox services" for Federal Government agencies.

Lockbox Services-The term used herein to describe all categories of financial services provided by Lockbox Depositaries. Lockbox services include:

Product Code Category-A standard 6-character designation (suffixes may be added) that represents a specific and defined product or service the Lockbox Depositary performs to support financial services for Federal agencies. The Treasury recognizes the codes published by the Association for Financial Professionals (AFP).

Redeposited Item-An item that cannot be collected by the Lockbox Depositary upon first presentment and is redeposited into the agency-specific Treasury DDA for second presentment and collection.

Reserve Ratio-The standard percentage of funds in DDA and TTB accounts that the Lockbox Depositary cannot invest due to Federal Reserve requirements. The FRB determines the reserve requirement ratio.

Returned Item-An item that the Lockbox Depositary cannot collect after two presentments and is returned to the agency for disposition.

SF 215: Deposit Ticket-The Treasury form a Lockbox Depositary prepares with totals of checks and other negotiable instruments to credit the Treasury's DDA at a lockbox for a specific agency (see "Voucher"). The SF 215 includes an original, and depositary, agency, memorandum, and confirmed copies. The Lockbox Depositary may create deposit tickets electronically if pre-approved by FMS' Financial Analysis Branch.

SF 5515: Debit Voucher-The Treasury form a Lockbox Depositary prepares to debit the Treasury's DDA at a Lockbox Depositary for a specific agency (see "Voucher"). The SF 5515 includes an original, and depositary, agency, memorandum, and confirmed copies. The Lockbox Depositary may create debit vouchers electronically if pre-approved by FMS' Financial Analysis Branch.

Treasury Average Daily Collected Balance (TADCB) (also known as Treasury Average Net Collected Balance)-The standard formula all Lockbox Depositaries use to calculate the amount of availability of funds compensation due on a monthly basis (see subsection 3070.10). The TADCB is calculated using both the actual and guaranteed availability of funds percentages as prescribed in subsection 3070.20. On a case-by-case basis, FMS may authorize the Lockbox Depositary to use another basis for calculating the TADCB.

Treasury Time Balance (TTB)-The amount of funds Treasury has deposited with the Lockbox Depositary in a non-interest-bearing time account to compensate for financial services performed by a Lockbox Depositary. The TTB also may be referred to as the compensating balance.

Value of Funds (VOF)-The value of earnings on funds transfer delays and voucher delays. VOFs are assessments for not crediting or transferring funds to the Federal Government timely. The VOF method is the basis for calculating compensation adjustments (see Section 3065).

Voucher-Any of the four following documents:

Voucher Confirmation-A voucher that is signed or stamped by a Lockbox Depositary officer "confirming" an increase or decrease in the Treasury's DDA balance.

Voucher Date-The banking day a Lockbox Depositary prepares a voucher to effect a credit, debit, or adjustment to the Treasury's DDA for an agency. For returned items, the Lockbox Depositary shall use the date the returned item is received as the voucher date. For all other deposits, the Lockbox Depositary shall use the original agency deposit date as the voucher date.

Voucher Delay-The difference in time, measured in whole days, between the voucher date and the deposit date. The delay in reporting vouchers to CA$H-LINK results in the delayed transfer of funds to Treasury. The voucher delay earnings are calculated according to the formula set forth in Section 3065.

Section 3035-Establishing a Lockbox Arrangement

A lockbox arrangement is established in accordance with I TFM 5-4600 as follows:

Section 3040-Lockbox Depositary Operations

3040.10-General

All lockbox applications shall utilize the lockbox services listed below. Specific processing is defined in each MOU.

3040.20-Receipt and Processing of Agency Remittances

Each Lockbox Depositary establishes a cutoff time no earlier than 2 p.m. (local time) unless otherwise specified under an MOU. Transactions processed after the cutoff time are considered to be received on the next banking day. The Lockbox Depositary posts all lockbox deposits processed by the cutoff time to the Treasury's DDA for the agency the same banking day. Perform lockbox credits as follows:

An agency may contact a Lockbox Depositary when there is a discrepancy between a Lockbox Depositary's and an agency's deposit records. All adjustments are applied to the current month's reports. Lockbox Depositaries shall cooperate with agencies in reconciling differences. Failure to cooperate in resolving differences may result in the termination of the arrangement in accordance with the provisions of the DFA.

3040.30-Deposit Tickets (SF 215, SF 215A, and SF 215B)

The Lockbox Depositary prepares an SF 215 for deposit and credit adjustments. In all cases, the deposit ticket date is the deposit date and the deposit date is the date of credit to the Treasury's DDA account for the agency.

Preparation

The Lockbox Depositary shall process the lockbox deposits it received as follows:

Disposition

The Lockbox Depositary distributes each SF 215 as follows:

Duplicate Vouchers

The Lockbox Depositary shall, upon request and without charge, furnish copies of processed SF 215s to FMS and to a Federal Government agency at any time during the retention period. The Lockbox Depositary shall plainly stamp "COPY" across the face of all duplicate SF 215s.

3040.40-Debit Voucher (SF 5515)

The Lockbox Depositary shall make adjustments to Treasury DDAs for agencies by using an SF 5515 and reporting it to CA$H-LINK. It shall complete the SF 5515 using the original date of the banking day that the remittance was received, except as specified for return items (see subsection 3040.60). The Lockbox Depositary shall complete an SF 5515 when the following situations occur:

When the situations described above exist, the Lockbox Depositary shall immediately (1) prepare and execute an SF 5515 and (2) charge the amount of the unpaid item or adjustment to the Treasury's DDA for the agency. The Lockbox Depositary shall include service charges, returned check charges, insufficient funds charges, or related fees in the monthly bank management report and shall not add or charge these fees to the depositing agency on the SF 5515. Report all adjustments to CA$H-LINK.

Whenever there is an SF 5515 with no offsetting deposit ticket or with deposit tickets insufficient to cover the debit amount for that particular account, the Lockbox Depositary shall not report the SF 5515 that day since CA$H-LINK does not accept a negative transfer amount. If the debit amount cannot be covered the next banking day, see subsection 3040.70.

Preparation

The Lockbox Depositary shall process debits as follows:

Documentation

The Lockbox Depositary shall provide the agency with sufficient backup documentation to support each SF 5515 reported to CA$H-LINK. In addition, the Lockbox Depositary explains the adjustment on the "Agency/Depositary Use" block of the SF 5515. This block also may contain reference codes that refer to a separate attached document of corresponding debit entries (see subsection 3040.60).

Disposition

The Lockbox Depositary shall retain the original of each SF 5515. When applicable, the Lockbox Depositary forwards copies of all SF 5515s to the FRB in accordance with subsection 3040.70. The Lockbox Depositary distributes the SF 5515 as follows:

Duplicate Vouchers

Upon request and without charge, the Lockbox Depositary shall furnish copies of processed SF 5515s to FMS and to a Federal Government agency at any time during the retention period. The Lockbox Depositary shall plainly stamp "COPY" across the face of all duplicate SF 5515s.

3040.50-Adjustments

The Lockbox Depositary shall notify FMS of an adjustment that requires changing an ALC, CA$H-LINK Account Key, voucher date, or voucher number. For adjustments that require a change to an SF 215 dollar amount of a previously reported deposit, when the SF 215 dollar amount differs from the actual amount of funds deposited, the Lockbox Depositary shall use the following procedures. Generally, this difference is a result of typing, encoding, or check proofing error.

To correct an understated SF 215 reported in CA$H-LINK, report a new SF 215 for the additional amount to CA$H-LINK with the new deposit ticket number, original deposit ticket date, and ALC. In the "Agency Use Block," indicate the SF 215 Deposit Ticket number being adjusted and an explanation of the change in amount from the original deposit ticket.

To correct an overstated SF 215 reported in CA$H-LINK, report an SF 5515 for the shortage amount to CA$H-LINK with the debit voucher number, original deposit ticket date, and ALC. In the "Agency Use Block," indicate the SF 215 Deposit Ticket number being adjusted and an explanation of the change in amount from the original deposit ticket.

To correct an understated SF 5515 reported in CA$H-LINK, report a new SF 5515 for the additional amount to CA$H-LINK with the new debit voucher number, original debit voucher date, and ALC. In the "Agency Use Block," indicate the SF 5515 debit voucher number being adjusted and an explanation of the change in amount from the original debit voucher.

To correct an overstated SF 5515 reported in CA$H-LINK, report an SF 215 for the additional amount to CA$H-LINK with that deposit ticket number, original debit voucher date, and ALC. In the "Agency Use Block," indicate the SF 5515 debit voucher number being adjusted and an explanation of the change in amount from the original debit voucher.

The Lockbox Depositary shall use the following procedures if the deposit ticket or debit voucher amount differs from the amount reported to CA$H-LINK.

To correct an erroneously reported SF 215, reverse by reporting as a debit to CA$H-LINK the original deposit ticket number, the original deposit ticket date, reported dollar amount, and ALC. This will reverse the original deposit ticket entry. Report a new SF 215 with the original deposit ticket number, original deposit ticket date, ALC, and correct dollar amount to CA$H-LINK. The second entry will correct the erroneous amount entered.

To correct an erroneously reported SF 5515, reverse by reporting as a credit to CA$H-LINK the original debit voucher number, original debit voucher date, reported dollar amount, and ALC. This will reverse the original debit voucher entry. Report a new SF 5515 with the original debit voucher number, original debit voucher date, ALC, and correct dollar amount to CA$H-LINK. This second entry will correct the erroneous amount entered.

3040.60-Return Items

The only time FMS requires a Lockbox Depositary to represent a returned item is in the event of an insufficient fund or uncollected fund reason code. If an item is returned with one of these reason codes, the Lockbox Depositary shall: (1) automatically redeposit an unpaid check for second presentment, and (2) charge the Treasury's DDA for the agency for any item(s) returned after second presentment. If the item returns after first presentment bearing a return reason code that the account is closed, the Lockbox Depositary shall not redeposit the item but shall return it to the agency for collection.

The Lockbox Depositary shall debit the ledger balance of the DDA for the amount of a returned item effective the calendar day of receipt of the returned item, not the original deposit date.

Each day, the Lockbox Depositary shall prepare one SF 5515 for each CA$H-LINK Account Key summarizing all return items charged to the DDA. The voucher date shall be the calendar date on which a return item is received by the Lockbox Depositary. Report all SF 5515s prepared for return items to CA$H-LINK on the day of receipt. Refer to subsection 3040.40 for SF 5515 preparation and reporting instructions.

The Lockbox Depositary shall provide an explanation for each return item comprising the total debit amount in the "Depositary/Agency Use" block of the SF 5515. At a minimum, the information provided shall include the drawer name, drawee bank, unpaid check amount, original deposit date, and reason for the return item. If possible, attach the returned check to the SF 5515.

In situations when multiple return items are received, the Lockbox Depositary may use a unique number that identifies each return item and refers to a separate detail listing of information about each return item. Deliver or forward all unpaid checks to the agency, together with the memorandum and confirmed copies of the SF 5515.

3040.70-Reimbursement for Overdrafts

An overdraft can occur for a variety of reasons, including but not limited to:

Overdraft Situations

CA$H-LINK does not accept a negative transfer amount. In all cases, whenever a large debit item exceeds the amount of a day's deposits, causing an overdraft situation in the account, the Lockbox Depositary shall not report the corresponding SF 5515 to CA$H-LINK that day. If the debit amount continues to exceed the amount of deposits on the next banking day, the Lockbox Depositary shall contact the FMS Program Manager.

Depositary Requirements

The Lockbox Depositary shall inform FMS of an overdraft situation and request authorization to process the SF 5515 through the local FRB to debit the amount against Treasury's account at the FRB. The Lockbox Depositary shall provide FMS with a copy of the completed and confirmed SF 5515 together with supporting detail prior to FMS' authorization.

The supporting documentation shall state the Lockbox Depositary's ABA number, the Treasury DDA number for the agency, the account name, the ALC, the agency's CA$H-LINK account key, and a reason for the requested debit action. The FRB only accepts SF 5515 debit vouchers.

Reconciliation

The Lockbox Depositary shall provide the agency with the returned item (unpaid check) together with the memorandum and confirmed copies of the SF 5515 and any additional supporting documentation. The Lockbox Depositary shall advise the agency of all adjustment actions functioned through the FRB. The Lockbox Depositary shall inform the agency that the accounting detail may be reviewed through CA$H-LINK Agency Access by using the agency's ALC and the FRB's ABA number.

Section 3045-Internal Controls and Communications

The Lockbox Depositary shall:

Section 3050-Lockbox Deposit Reporting and Funds Transfer

The Lockbox Depositary shall report deposits, and perform transfer of funds to the TGA at the FRB, in accordance with the procedures stated in CA$H-LINK Operating Instructions for Domestic Treasury's General Account Depositary Banks, Supplement to TFM Volume V, Chapter 2000.

When establishing a lockbox account key, FMS, in its sole discretion, determines whether the expected deposits warrant the cost of expediting the funds to the Treasury on the day of deposit.

3050.10-Non-Expedite Accounts

If the deposits do not warrant the cost of expediting, FMS assigns the account key as a Non-Expedite Account. Non-Expedite Accounts usually represent paper lockboxes (check, money order, etc.) though there may be electronic lockboxes that, due to low dollar amounts, also are designated as Non-Expedite. Unless otherwise directed by FMS, the Lockbox Depositary shall credit the Treasury DDA for the agency and report deposits through CA$H-LINK prior to 8 p.m. e.t. on the banking day of deposit, and transfer funds to the Treasury's account at the FRB via ACH debit on the banking day following the day of deposit. If a Lockbox Depositary does not report a deposit into CA$H-LINK by 8 p.m. e.t. on the day of deposit, it must report the deposit by 2 p.m. e.t. on the business day following the day of deposit. FMS will send a 1031 funds transfer request to the Lockbox Depositary instructing that the Lockbox Depositary send the payment to Treasury through Fedwire that same day. FMS reserves the right to require that the Lockbox Depositary expedite the funds in an Non-Expedite Account through Fedwire on the date of deposit. FMS will normally provide written notification to the Lockbox Depositary 7 calendar days prior to such an occurrence, though such notification is not required.

If FMS designates an electronic lockbox account key as a Non-Expedite account, the Lockbox Depositary shall transfer funds the day after deposit as stated above, unless the total amount of the electronic funds deposit is greater than $1 million. If the electronic funds deposit is greater than the $1 million threshold, the Lockbox Depositary:

3050.20-Expedite Accounts

If FMS designates the account key as an Expedite Account, the Lockbox Depositary shall:

Unless otherwise specified by FMS, consider account keys associated with electronic lockboxes (see the definition in Section 3030) as Expedite Accounts, report through CA$H-LINK prior to 2 p.m. e.t. on the banking day of deposit, and transfer funds to the Treasury's account at the FRB via Fedwire on the same day.

CA$H-LINK initiates an automatic, next-business-day ACH drawdown for all deposit reports received after 2 p.m. If the 2 p.m. reporting deadline is missed for an Expedite Account, the Lockbox Depositary shall do the following:

See Appendix 2 for detailed deposit reporting and funds transfer instructions for electronic deposits.

If paper remittances are received into an electronic lockbox that would otherwise be an Expedite Account, the Lockbox Depositary shall report the paper deposit using a separate deposit ticket after 2 p.m. e.t. so that a next-business-day ACH drawdown request is generated. The transfer date for the paper remittances (only) shall be the business day following the deposit date.

Section 3055-Lockbox Bank Management Reporting

FMS determines the method of Lockbox Bank Management Reporting. The Association for Financial Professionals (AFP) (formerly TMA) identifies product codes for the financial services recognized by FMS. The AFP develops product code service terms and definitions. Information on the volume activity of each product code relating to specific agency CA$H-LINK Account Keys is either derived from deposit reports to CA$H-LINK or reported each month by the Lockbox Depositary to FMS' automated bank management system.

Until the Lockbox Bank Management Reporting function is automated, the Lockbox Depositary shall prepare all monthly reports in accordance with the instructions of the DFA and this chapter.

Section 3060-Lockbox Depositary Reporting Requirements

The following is a list of all information the Lockbox Depositary must report on a monthly basis to FMS. The information does not need to be submitted all on an Account Analysis Statement but still must be received or accessible in some approved format by the deadline specified.

Note

Upon request of FMS and without charge, the Lockbox Depositary shall submit a monthly DDA Statement for each agency account and a separate end-point analysis and funds availability (Vector Analysis) report for each agency account.

Reports Due the 8th Business Day of the Subsequent Month

Send the following report to the Bank Management Team Leader, Electronic Banking Services Division:

Send the following reports to the Account Analysis Team Leader, Financial Services Division:

Send the following report to the FMS Account Analyst, Financial Services Division:

Report Due the 15th Business Day of the Subsequent Month

Send the following report to the Bank Management Team Leader, Electronic Banking Services Division:

Reports Due on the 20th Calendar Day of the Subsequent Month

Send the following reports to the Account Analysis Team Leader, Financial Services Division:

Availability Schedule

The Lockbox Depositary shall provide the Account Analysis Team Leader with its current actual availability schedule at least every 6 months. However, if the availability schedule changes, the Lockbox Depositary shall send an updated schedule, which reflects its best actual availability, to FMS before the first day of the month prior to the schedule's effective period. Availability for lockbox deposits shall be assigned according to the schedule in effect or guaranteed percentages established in the DFA.

Section 3065-Lockbox Interest Assessment Program

FMS manages the Lockbox Interest Assessment Program for all Lockbox Depositaries subject to this chapter. The Lockbox Depositary shall be liable for any failure on its part, or on the part of its subcontractors, to comply with the terms, conditions, and provisions of the DFA, the MOU, or this chapter that result in a delay of funds availability, or other loss to the U.S. Treasury. (See Funds Transfer Delay, Value of Funds, and Voucher Delay definitions in Section 3030). The Lockbox Depositary's liability shall continue through 6-1/2 years after occurrence, and shall include, but not be limited to:

If any part of the primary system fails and the backup system is not applied to transfer funds, the Lockbox Depositary shall be liable for the VOF for the nonscheduled period retained.

The amount of liability is the VOF and it is calculated by:

VOF = (dollar amount of delay) X (average Federal Funds Rate for the period of delay/365) X (# of days delayed).

If the Lockbox Depositary transfers excess funds, FMS will be liable to the Lockbox Depositary for the time the VOF is in excess and so transferred to Treasury's account at the FRB. Payments made from FMS to the Lockbox Depositary are in the form of earnings credits from the compensating balance unless FMS, in its sole discretion, determines otherwise.

Riggs Bank, or other financial institution designated by the Treasury, sends a monthly Statement of Account Analysis (SAA) to each Lockbox Depositary that reflects the amount of the VOF and provides supporting information for each Account Key. The Lockbox Depositary shall review the SAA and identify incorrect deposit reporting entries, which result in interest assessments. The Lockbox Depositary shall adhere to the following procedures regarding the CA$H-LINK SAA.

Separate copies of the CA$H-LINK SAA are generated and sent out the first business day after the end of the month following the report month (e.g., for July, September 1).

Within 10 business days following receipt of the SAA, the Lockbox Depositary shall have reviewed the monthly CA$H-LINK SAA and identified deposit reporting discrepancies. The Lockbox Depositary shall notify FMS within 10 business days if it identifies deposit reporting discrepancies during its review of the CA$H-LINK SAA.

If the Lockbox Depositary has not contacted FMS within 30 calendar days following the report month, FMS will assume the Lockbox Depositary agrees with the interest assessments and will make the appropriate adjustments to the Lockbox Depositary's TTB cumulative position for compensation.

The VOF assessment will be included in the calculation of the compensation due.

At FMS' discretion, FMS may collect the VOF assessments from the Lockbox Depositary by initiating a direct payment from the Lockbox Depositary to the TGA at FRB New York. The methods of direct payment from the Lockbox Depositary include, but are not limited to, an ACH debit, receipt of a hard-dollar payment, a charge against the Lockbox Depositary's reserve account at the FRB, or liquidation of collateral pledged by the Lockbox Depositary to secure deposits of public money. Where possible, FMS notifies the ABO 30 days before a direct payment is initiated and this option is exercised. However, such notification is not required.

FMS does not recognize adjustments to a previous month's ledger balance or service charge adjustments made by the Lockbox Depositary as a method of making the deficient party whole for VOF adjustments.

In the event that FMS directly bills the Lockbox Depositary, the Lockbox Depositary shall promptly remit the amount set forth in the VOF assessment decision. If the Lockbox Depositary fails to pay the VOF assessment within the time specified, the Lockbox Depositary shall be liable for interest, penalties, and administrative costs in accordance with applicable authorities, including, but not limited to, those codified at 31 U.S.C. § 3717 and 4 CFR Parts 101-105.

Section 3070-Compensation

Lockbox Depositaries may be compensated for services provided to the Treasury by means of ACH credits, the imputed value of TTBs, and/or the imputed value of collected overnight balances maintained in the TGA (immediately available funds). The method of compensation is at the sole discretion of Treasury.

FMS may decide to compensate the Lockbox Depositary for lockbox collection services through the imputed earnings on the Investable Balance, which consists of: (1) the Investable TTB to be placed by FMS in a separate non-interest-bearing time account with the Lockbox Depositary, and (2) the TADCB in the DDA. The Lockbox Depositary shall maintain the TTB in a non-interest-bearing time account entitled the "U.S. Treasury Time Balance Deposit-Open Account (Cash Management Services)." The value derived by the Lockbox Depositary from the interest-free use of the Investable Balance over a sufficient period of time shall be the source of the Lockbox Depositary's compensation for providing required services as specified in the DFA and applicable MOUs.

The Investable Balance is calculated as follows:

Investable Balance = InvestTTB + TADCB

Where:

InvestTTB = Investable Treasury Time Balance
The TTB1 less reserve requirements.

TADCB = Treasury Average Daily Collected Balance
(see subsection 3070.10).

1The Lockbox Depositary may use the weighted average to determine the TTB as long as the Lockbox Depositary specifically explains to FMS the method of calculation of the weighted average.

FMS sets the TTB at an adequate level to compensate the Lockbox Depositary for agreed-upon expenses and the imputed value of the TADCB. FMS also may consider forecasted activity in setting the level of the TTB.

FMS adjusts the TTB amount as necessary for compensation purposes. However, FMS reserves the right to adjust the TTB at any time. Any requests for TTB adjustments by the Lockbox Depositary shall be submitted to FMS' Bank Management Team Leader, in writing, with sufficient documentation to support the requested adjustment. FMS reviews the document and responds as FMS, in its sole discretion, deems appropriate.

FMS and the Lockbox Depositary monitor the level of the TTB in the following manner (Lockbox TTB Cumulative Position Report):

Cumulative Position:
[(InvestTTB) x (AECR) ]
+ [ (TADCB) x (AECR) ]
- [ (Expenses) +/- (Adjustments) ]
+ [ (Prior)]

Where:

InvestTTB = Investable Treasury Time Balance
The TTB2 less reserve requirements.

2See Footnote 1.

ADCB = Treasury Average Daily Collected Balance (see subsection 3070.10)

AECR = Adjusted Earnings Credit Rate

AECR = (ECR/365) X (# of calendar days in a month). During leap years, use 29 days for February and substitute 366 days for 365 days.

Expenses = Lockbox Depositary Service Charges. Monthly service charges of the Lockbox Depositary that have been pre-approved by FMS through either the DFA Price Schedule or otherwise in writing.

Adjustments = Adjustments and Settlements. Sum of all approved expense reconciliations and/or VOF assessments for voucher and transfer delays.3

3Earnings/balance adjustments are determined independently on the cumulative position spreadsheet and added into the Net Position after all program expenses and adjustments have been included and the Net Balance determined.

Prior = Prior Month Cumulative Position

All discussions between the Lockbox Depositary and FMS regarding compensation issues shall be based on the above method of calculation.

FMS must receive a Statement of Income and Expense outlining the above information in the format provided in Appendix 1 (or similar) by the 8th business day of the subsequent month. The ABO must certify the Statement of Income and Expense.

3070.10-Treasury Average Daily Collected Balance

On a monthly basis, the Lockbox Depositary shall provide to FMS actual availability of funds percentages and a month-end availability report that provides daily check clearing totals. The Lockbox Depositary shall calculate the TADCB using both the actual and guaranteed availability of funds percentages (as prescribed in subsection 3070.20) using the following formulas:

Total Deposit Amt + Weekend/Holiday Balance = TLB
((TLB x %0-day x (1-RRDDA))-(TLB x %2-day))/Days = TADCB

Where:

Total Deposit Amt = CA$H-LINK Total Deposit Amount. Derived by CA$H-LINK. Month-end sum of all daily deposit totals that have been reported to CA$H-LINK.4

4Compensation for interest lost on adjustments, chargebacks, and returned items is included in the cumulative position formula discussed in Section 3070.

Weekend/Holiday Balance = Weekend/ Holiday Balance. Values for each non-business day during the analysis period are assigned the previous business day's CA$H-LINK Total Deposit Amount (defined above). Each non-business day is assigned a value in this way, and the sum total of all non-business days equals the Weekend/Holiday Balance.

TLB = Treasury Ledger Balance. The sum of the CA$H-LINK Total Deposit Amount and Weekend/Holiday Balance used to calculate the TADCB.

%0-Day = Percent of Immediately Available Funds. The percentage of total deposits for which the Lockbox Depositary receives settlement on the same day as deposit. The Lockbox Depositary shall use both the actual percent and the guaranteed percent from the DFA according to subsection 3070.20.

RRDDA = Reserve Ratio. The standard percentage of DDA funds that cannot be invested by the Lockbox Depositary due to Federal Reserve requirements.

%2-Day = Percent of 2-Day Uncollected Funds. The percentage of total deposits for which the Lockbox Depositary receives settlement on the second day after the day of deposit or later. The Lockbox Depositary shall use both the actual percent and the guaranteed percent from the DFA according to subsection 3070.20.

Days = Calendar Days. The number of calendar days in the analysis period. During leap years, use 29 days for February.

On a case-by-case basis, FMS may authorize the Lockbox Depositary to use another basis for calculating the TADCB.

3070.20-Earnings Value of Funds Transferred to Treasury

The Lockbox Depositary shall reimburse FMS for the value of earnings on 0-Day collected funds that are transferred to Treasury on the banking day following the deposit date. The Lockbox Depositary receives settlement of 0-Day collected funds on the same day as the deposit and has use of those funds overnight. FMS reimburses Lockbox Depositaries only for the value of earnings on 2-Day uncollected funds transferred to Treasury the day after deposit. Items that settle beyond 2 days shall be considered 2-Day uncollected funds. FMS will only reimburse the Lockbox Depositary for 1 day's interest on these items.

The Lockbox Depositary shall calculate the TADCB according to the formula in subsection 3070.10 and shall provide the resulting figures to FMS by the 8th business day of the subsequent month. If guaranteed availability percentages are a part of the DFA, the Lockbox Depositary shall calculate the TADCB twice on a monthly basis and provide both figures to FMS. First, the Lockbox Depositary shall calculate the TADCB using the actual funds availability percentages for the analysis period, and, second, shall calculate the TADCB using the guaranteed availability percentages established in the DFA. (The Lockbox Depositary shall not mix guaranteed percentages and actual percentages in the same formula.) FMS uses the greater of the two resulting TADCBs for compensation. Therefore, the Lockbox Depositary shall include the greater number in its Statement of Income and Expense.

If guaranteed percentages are not a part of the DFA, the Lockbox Depositary shall only calculate the TADCB once using the actual percentages and shall report that figure to FMS.

Then the AECR is applied to the TADCB to determine the net earnings value of funds transferred to Treasury for the analysis period.

Section 3075-Collateral Requirements

The Lockbox Depositary shall pledge collateral security with the FRB for the entire amount of the TTB in accordance with 31 CFR Part 202 or any Treasury or FRB procedural instruction that supplements the regulation. The Lockbox Depositary shall pledge TTB collateral to the Cash Management Services Treasury Time Balance Account (V310) maintained at the National Customer Service Area (NCSA) of the St. Louis FRB.

The FRB reviews and applies collateral valuation margins and market-based pricing to all classes of eligible collateral. The list of eligible collateral is published on the Bureau of the Public Debt Web site www.publicdebt.treas.gov per 31 CFR Part 380.

The Lockbox Depositary also shall pledge and maintain an appropriate level of collateral security, as determined by FMS, with either the FRB, or a custodian within the United States designated by the FRB, under FRB prescribed terms and conditions, in accordance with 31 CFR Part 202, to secure the amount of collected funds in Treasury DDAs for agencies at the Lockbox Depositary. The Lockbox Depositary shall pledge collateral for the daily amount of the immediately available funds in the DDA that are not transferred to Treasury, less recognized deposit insurance. Recognized deposit insurance includes the insurance provided by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the National Credit Union Administration, and by insurance organizations specifically qualified by the Secretary of the Treasury. The Lockbox Depositary shall pledge DDA collateral to the Lockbox DDA Account (V471). If FMS determines that a Lockbox Depositary has not adequately collateralized deposits on more than 2 days of a calendar month, then FMS may identify the Lockbox Depositary as "sanctioned" and may require the Lockbox Depositary to pledge collateral at 120 percent of the collected balance.

Section 3080-TTB Placement and Withdrawal Procedures

When a TTB is placed, in all cases, the Lockbox Depositary shall pledge collateral to secure the full amount of the TTB, prior to receipt of the TTB. FMS verifies with the NCSA of the St. Louis FRB that sufficient collateral is in place before wiring funds to the Lockbox Depositary. Collateral shall be pledged in accordance with Section 3075. The Lockbox Depositary shall maintain, with its FMS representative, current wire instructions for receipt of Fedwire funds.

At all times, TTBs are subject to withdrawal by the U.S. Treasury to meet the fiscal needs of the U.S. Government (see 31 U.S.C. § 3304). FMS provides the Lockbox Depositary with written notification with as many days notice as possible of intent to withdraw the TTB. However, FMS retains the right to withdraw TTB funds without notice. FMS is not liable for any costs realized by the Lockbox Depositary in the event of a TTB withdrawal. If FMS' request to return the TTB is not honored, FMS reserves the right to instruct the FRB to immediately, and without notice, debit the Lockbox Depositary's reserve account and seize pledged collateral.

Section 3085-Security Requirements and Contingency Planning

3085.10-Physical Security

Lockbox Depositaries shall ensure that their lockbox processing facilities satisfy the security standards set forth in applicable requirements, including, but not limited to, the following:

Physical security measures shall address the interior and exterior of the facility to deter and detect security threats and violations. Lockbox processing facilities shall be protected by sufficient, appropriate, and functioning physical security equipment including, but not limited to, the following:

This physical security equipment shall provide security coverage for both exterior and interior areas.

Lockbox Depositaries shall incorporate security guard coverage into their overall security plan to ensure appropriate monitoring, inspections, and emergency reaction at the lockbox site(s). Lockbox Depositaries must utilize security measures that ensure the integrity of operations and that otherwise prevent and deter unauthorized access, fraud, waste, abuse, and theft.

3085.20-Information Security

Lockbox Depositaries shall protect Federal financial information and related documents in accordance with applicable requirements, including, but not limited to, the following:

Lockbox Depositaries shall properly safeguard and secure all lockbox information at all times to prevent unauthorized disclosure or compromise.

3085.30-Security Reviews and Security Oversight

FMS, Federal agencies, the General Accounting Office, Federal Agency Inspectors General, and the Treasury Inspector General have the right to conduct (announced or unannounced) on-site security reviews and audits of any Lockbox Depositary's facilities, operations, and books/records related to the required lockbox services. These reviews and audits are conducted to verify whether the Lockbox Depositary implemented corrective actions and to determine whether current requirements are being satisfied, including, but not limited to, the following:

The Lockbox Depositary shall develop and implement corrective actions to address findings/ recommendations resulting from on-site security reviews. The Lockbox Depositary shall resolve expeditiously on a priority basis, any security review finding categorized as "high risk." The Lockbox Depositary shall implement interim security measures to mitigate "high risk" findings until the required corrective action is fully implemented.

3085.40-Contingency Planning

Lockbox Depositaries shall develop continuity of operations plans to respond to crises. Lockbox Depositaries shall have an alternate source of power for each lockbox processing site, including, but not limited to, an on-site generator or contract for delivery of a backup generator.

Section 3090-Exception Processing

3090.10-Unauthorized Wires to Lockbox Accounts

An unauthorized wire transfer is a wire received into the account when the account is not set up by FMS/Agency/Lockbox Depositary to receive a wire. If a Lockbox Depositary receives an unauthorized wire(s) to a paper lockbox (or other Non-Expedite Account) and the total dollar amount of the wire deposit is less than $1 million (unless another amount is prescribed in an MOU or other agreement), the Lockbox Depositary shall do the following:

If a Lockbox Depositary receives an unauthorized wire(s) to a paper lockbox (or other Non-Expedite Account) and the total dollar amount of the wire deposit is more than $1 million (unless another amount is prescribed in an MOU or other agreement), the Lockbox Depositary shall expedite the deposit according to the following instructions:

If a Lockbox Depositary receives an unauthorized wire(s) to an electronic lockbox (or other Expedite Account such as an ACH account) that is not set up to receive wires, the Lockbox Depositary shall include the wire funds in that day's deposit and transfer the entire deposit by Fedwire on the same day. If the unauthorized wire is received after the 2 p.m. e.t. deadline, follow the instructions in subsection 3050.20.

3090.20-Waivers

Lockbox Depositaries shall submit requests for waivers from any of the requirements set forth in this chapter in writing to the FMS ATO for consideration. Each request shall identify the specific requirement, the reason for the request, the period of time to be covered by the waiver, and any documentation in support of the request. The ATO reviews the request and, in his/her sole discretion, makes a final decision.

Section 3095-Address Requirements and Records Retention

3095.10-Address Requirements

The Lockbox Depositary shall maintain a current mailing address with FMS. Send address changes to the address on the Contacts page of this chapter.

3095.20-Records Retention Requirements

FMS' record retention standard is 6 years and 6 months from the date of origin of a record. The Lockbox Depositary shall retain an original of each of the applicable records listed below, unless otherwise directed by FMS in writing. Photographs, digital images, microfilm, microfiche, or other authentic reproductions may be retained instead of original records. The Lockbox Depositary shall make the records available for examination, audit, or reproduction, at all reasonable times and without charge to FMS or other Federal Government Agency. Records to be retained shall include:

Lockbox Depositaries shall retain records relating to disputes, appeals, litigation, or the settlement of claims arising under or relating to the DFA and shall make them available to FMS or other Federal agencies until the dispute, appeal, litigation, or claim is resolved.

If the DFA is completely or partially terminated, the Lockbox Depositary or its successor shall safeguard all records listed above and any additional records relating to work performed up to the time of such termination in accordance with the retention requirements. The Lockbox Depositary shall retain these items for and shall make them available to FMS without charge for 6 years 6 months after the effective date of the termination, unless otherwise directed by FMS in writing. Lockbox Depositaries shall not charge either the Treasury or any depositing agency for any service charges, copying charges, researching charges, or any other charges for requesting photocopies, or any information regarding retained records either before or after the Lockbox Depositary's agreement has ended.


CONTACTS

Direct inquiries regarding the Treasury Lockbox Network to:

Account Analysis Team Leader
Financial Services Division
Financial Management Service
U.S. Department of the Treasury
401 14th Street, SW., Fifth Floor
Washington, DC 20227
Telephone: 202-874-6900
Fax: 202-874-7321

Based on the instructions provided in Section 3060, mail reports to one of the following addresses:

Account Analysis Team Leader
Financial Services Division
Financial Management Service
U.S. Department of the Treasury
401 14th Street, SW., Fifth Floor
Washington, D.C. 20227
      Bank Management Team Leader
Electronic Banking Services Division
Financial Management Service
U.S. Department of the Treasury
401 14th Street, SW., Third Floor
Washington, D.C. 20227

Allow at least 2 weeks delivery time when ordering additional forms from the above addresses.

Users may access and download this chapter and other chapters of the Treasury Financial Manual from FMS' Web site at www.fms.treas.gov/tfm.


List of Appendices

Appendix 1  Model Statement of Income and Expense

Appendix 2  Instructions for Posting and Transferring Electronic Funds Received into a Federal Lockbox

Chapter appendices are available only in the PDF version.


Transmittal Letter No. 8

Volume V

To: Domestic Depositaries

1. PURPOSE

This transmittal letter releases TFM Volume V, Chapter 1-3000: Deposits in Lockbox Accounts at Authorized Domestic Depositaries. This chapter formalizes a significant number of changes in processing Federal receipts and reporting those deposits. It represents the Department of the Treasury's cash management policy relating to the receipt, processing, depositing, and reporting of Federal collections.

2. Background

TFM Volume V, Chapter 1-3000 embodies a number of significant changes in lockbox deposits, including the following areas:

3. Upcoming Changes

The Financial Management Service will update TFM Volume V within 6 to 9 months to include procedures related to the following areas:

4. Page Changes

Remove     Insert
Table of Contents for Volume V     Table of Contents for Volume V
        V TFM 1-3000

5. Effective Date

Immediately.

6. Inquiries

Direct questions concerning this transmittal letter to:

Account Analysis Team Leader
Financial Services Division
Financial Management Service
U.S. Department of the Treasury
401 14th Street, SW., Fifth Floor
Washington, DC 20227
Telephone: 202-874-6900
Fax: 202-874-7321

Date: December 9, 2003

Richard L. Gregg's Signature

Richard L. Gregg
Commissioner